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 EFMP provides an all inclusive approach to community, educational, medical, housing and personnel services for families with special needs.  The Military uses the EFMP to identify family members with special needs, and to consider those needs during the assignment process.  Family members must be screened prior to being approved for family travel to OCONUS assignments.

The screening of family members prior to an overseas move (utilizing DA Form 5888) will assist the Army in attempting to assign you to a location where special medical and or educational needs can be met.

Soldiers with family members determined to have special needs are required by AR 608-75 to enroll in the Exceptional Family Member Program. Enrollment allows the program manager to coordinate services, including medical, educational, community support, housing and personnel.

Soldiers may be assigned to an unaccompanied (all others) tour if the required services are not available for their EFMs. Soldiers are also required to update EFM information every 3 years or whenever a significant change in condition occurs.

Special considerations

• If your child has an IEP or IFSP, make sure you hand-carry a copy, a summary of educational activities and performance for the current or past school year and any medical records.
• Prescription medication should consist of at least a 60-day supply (preferably 90-day). Individuals should consider leave and travel time and, in addition, it can take considerable time to make medical appointments (especially with specialists) and specific medication for refills may not be readily available.

Every service member with an EFM must visit their current installation EFMP manager prior to signing out of their unit. This person can answer questions and should assist you in contacting the EFMP manager at the gaining installation overseas. This personal contact can be a valuable investment in your EFM s future welfare.

It is advisable to keep copies of all pertinent screening documents as well as completed EFMP enrollment forms. These documents should be hand-carried separately from medical and educational records.

What is an Exceptional Family Member?

A child or adult with an emotional, developmental, or intellectual disability that requires special treatment, therapy, education, training or counseling.

Some of those diagnoses are:

• Asthma
• ADHD/ADD
• Visual impairment
• Behavioral issues
• Physical disabilities
• Special education
• Mental health

EFMP provides:

• Workshops
• Relocation assistance
• Advocacy
• Information
• Referral
• Assistance with command sponsorship
• EFMP Playgroup
• Individualized assistance
• Peer to Peer to support
• Parent to Parent Discussion Group