Health Care/Special Needs

Whether this is your first move, or you’re a seasoned professional, moving can be a challenge. A little planning and preparation can help make your move as easy as possible. Try the following Defense Department resources to help you get organized:

• PCS & Military Moves on Military OneSource.mil provides comprehensive moving resources, information and services all in one simple location
• Plan My Move, an online tool that helps break down the moving process into clear, customizable steps, with checklists to help keep you organized and on track
• EFMP & Me, an online tool to help you plan for transition and continuity of support services for your family member(s) with special needs

Make sure your transition is as smooth as possible by visiting Moving on the TRICARE website. Talk to your medical case manager before you move. They can help you find a new doctor and other resources to avoid any interruptions in coverage.

On arrival at your new duty location, you or your sponsor can contact the Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator at the military treatment facility. They can help if you have questions or need assistance with authorizations for TRICARE Extended Care Health Option, or ECHO, services.

All TRICARE regional offices and most military treatment facilities are staffed with beneficiary counseling and assistance coordinators who educate beneficiaries and help with TRICARE-related eligibility, enrollment, referrals/authorizations and claims processing questions. If you or your family has more complex needs, contact your TRICARE case manager.

TRICARE debt collection assistance officers are assigned to regional offices and military treatment facilities worldwide. DCAOs assist with confirmed debt collection due to unpaid TRICARE claims. Please note, the debt must be in collections or listed on your credit report.

Medicaid provides health coverage for eligible individuals and families with low incomes or with special needs. The department of social services or the department of medical assistance may administer the Medicaid program in your state. Supplemental Security Income is a cash assistance program intended to assist adults and children with special needs who have limited resources. Families must reapply after moving to a new state.

Medicaid waivers are state-specific Medicaid programs that provide funding for long-term care services to be provided in the community instead of in nursing homes or hospitals. There may be waitlists for waivers, however many states have agreed to the policy of allowing active-duty military families to enroll in their state of legal residence to get on the wait list.

Learn more about Benefits for Families With Special Needs, or review the Government Assistance Programs course on MilLife Learning.

The TRICARE Extended Care Health Option provides supplemental services to:

• Family members of active-duty service personnel (this includes activated National Guard and reserve service personnel)
• Family members who are covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
• Children or spouses of former service members who are victims of abuse and qualify for the Transitional Compensation Program
• Family members of deceased active-duty sponsors while they are considered transitional survivors.

The qualifying family member’s disability must be entered properly in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System to have access to TRICARE ECHO services.

For qualifying medical and/or educational special needs, TRICARE ECHO offers integrated services and supplies beyond those offered by your TRICARE program option (such as TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select). See this TRICARE ECHO factsheet for more information, or listen to this TRICARE ECHO webinar on Military OneSource.

Military hospitals and clinics are found at military bases and posts around the world. They are also referred to as military treatment facilities. Before you move, find out your new military treatment facility and contact them for local information.

Medical case management involves a team of health care professionals who help you and your family find solutions to complex health problems. It is important to let your medical case manager know if you are moving. They can help you connect with a medical case manager at your new location. Learn more about TRICARE case management services.

If your family member has special transportation needs for the move, such as oxygen or a special bed or wheelchair, contact your TRICARE medical case manager. They can advise you on equipment and transportation.

You can also contact your current installation’s household goods/transportation office (outbound) for information on special procedures for transporting medical equipment.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

The Army Community Service (ACS) Exceptional Family Member Program provides information and referral to local civilian and military support services that include parent support groups and activities for exceptional children and adults. After receiving your orders, call ACS EFMP Coordinator for information regarding the special needs of your Family member.at 808-787-4227; DSN 315-437-4227. We can assist sponsor/spouse with information such as child care, housing, special education, local support services, family support groups, and answer questions related to all special needs.

Child Care or Youth Activity Registration for Special Needs Children

Special needs children can be placed in child development and youth activity programs after the Special Needs Accommodation Process (SNAP) reviews medical and education documentation. The team meets every week to review documents and determine appropriate placement.

Registration Procedures:

• A sponsor or spouse may enroll special needs children through any child development center or youth activity center. It is preferred for child care registration to be done at Central Registration, building 556 on Schofield Barracks or at Aliamanu Military Reservation, building 1782.
• Inform the Child Youth & School Services (CYSS) staff that your child has special needs. The staff will give you a registration packet and a handout regarding special needs children.
• CYSS will verify your child's enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program.
• Return the registration paperwork and provide a copy of your child's current Individualized Family Service Plan or Individualized Education Program. A doctor's medical statement may be necessary to provide medical clearance into a CYSS program.
• The Exceptional Family Member program specialist will contact you to attend the SNAP and will inform you of the team's decision regarding placement. The point of contact for the CYSS Special Needs Specialist at 808-655-8313; DSN 315-455-8313 and for the ACS Exceptional Family Member Program is 808 787-4227: DSN 315-437-4227.

Medical/Housing Review Board

A medical/housing board meets every two weeks to consider severe or unusual medical situations requiring exceptions to policy. A sponsor of a physically disabled family member may request priority housing or housing modifications through the board.

Procedures include submitting a physician's medical statement and a sponsor's written request providing details to the housing office. Requests for priority placement in government quarters ahead of others must be fully medically justified. Modifications need to be specific, e.g., single floor dwellings, wheelchair ramps, etc. The board reviews medical records and requests every two weeks. A housing staff member will contact the sponsor to inform them of the board's decision. Sponsors are encouraged to initiate this process after assignment orders are issued and prior to arriving on island.

You may reach the Housing Service Office by calling 808-655-3075.