Extended Care Health Option Overview and Enrollment Information

The Extended Care Health Option is a valuable benefit that provides an additional layer of support for eligible individuals. It's designed to help with the costs of long-term care, such as nursing home care or in-home care.

Eligible individuals can enroll in the Extended Care Health Option, which is usually available through their employer or union. This option can be a vital part of a person's financial plan for long-term care.

The Extended Care Health Option typically covers a portion of the costs associated with long-term care, including nursing home care and in-home care. This can help alleviate some of the financial burden on individuals and their families.

To be eligible for ECHO benefits, you'll need to meet certain requirements. These requirements include being diagnosed with a qualifying condition, such as moderate or severe mental retardation, a serious physical disability, or an extraordinary physical or psychological condition.

Active duty family members, family members of activated National Guard/Reserve members, and family members covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program may qualify for ECHO benefits. Children or spouses of former service members who are victims of abuse and qualify for the Transitional Compensation Program are also eligible.

Family members of deceased active duty sponsors may qualify for ECHO benefits if they are considered "transitional survivors." Children can remain eligible for ECHO benefits beyond the usual Tricare eligibility age limit if their sponsor remains on active duty and they are incapable of self-support due to a mental or physical incapacity.

The following are qualifying conditions under ECHO: moderate or severe mental retardation, a serious physical disability, and an extraordinary physical or psychological condition of such complexity that the beneficiary is homebound.

Here are some specific scenarios where ECHO benefits are available:

ECHO benefits cover a wide range of services, including assistive services, durable equipment, and in-home medical services.

ECHO provides coverage for assistive services, such as those from a qualified interpreter or translator. This can be a huge help for beneficiaries who need communication assistance.

Durable equipment, including adaptation and maintenance equipment, is also covered. This can include things like wheelchairs, walkers, and other adaptive devices.

In-home medical services through Tricare ECHO Home Health Care (EHHC) are available. This service is limited to the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Respite care is another benefit, which can provide up to 16 hours of care in any calendar month when other ECHO benefits are received. This can be a lifesaver for caregivers who need a break.

ECHO also covers institutional care when a residential environment is required. This can include things like nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities.

Transportation to and from institutions or facilities in certain circumstances is also covered. This can be a big help for beneficiaries who need to get to medical appointments or therapy sessions.

Sponsors must pay part of the monthly authorized expenses for their family members, based on their pay grade, ranging from $25 to $75 a month for all enlisted and most officers.

Here's a summary of the ECHO benefits:

To be eligible for the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) program, you'll need to enroll and register with the right organizations. ECHO requires all eligible beneficiaries to present evidence that their sponsor is an active duty service member in one of the Uniform Services.

To get started, you'll need to enroll in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) through your service branch. This program is available to all active duty service members and their families. You can find more information about the EFMP on the Military Homefront Website.

Next, you'll need to submit the required Enrollment Forms, which include the DD Form 2792 Exceptional Family Member Medical Summary and the DD Form 2792-1 Exceptional Family Member Special Education/Early Intervention. These forms are crucial in the enrollment process.

After enrolling in the EFMP, you'll need to register with your regional contractor to obtain ECHO benefit authorization. This is a crucial step in getting the care and support you need.

To enroll in TRICARE ECHO, you'll need to present evidence that your sponsor is an active duty service member in one of the Uniform Services.

First, you'll need to enroll in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) through your service branch. This program is available for Department of Defense beneficiaries through the Military Homefront Website.

You'll also need to submit two specific forms: DD Form 2792 Exceptional Family Member Medical Summary and DD Form 2792-1 Exceptional Family Member Special Education/Early Intervention.

Once you've completed the enrollment process, you'll need to register with your regional contractor to obtain ECHO benefit authorization.