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What is the ECHO program?
Verified by TRICARE.com Editorial Team
Updated 2024-12-01
AI-assisted (gemini)
Quick Answer
ECHO (Extended Care Health Option) provides additional services for military families with special needs dependents beyond standard TRICARE coverage.
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Key Takeaways
- Extra benefits for special needs
- Active duty families only
- Annual benefit cap applies
- Must enroll and qualify
Detailed Answer
ECHO offers extra benefits for dependents with qualifying conditions.
Eligible Conditions
- Moderate to severe intellectual disability
- Serious physical disability
- Extraordinary physical or psychological conditions
- Diagnosis from qualified provider
Covered Services
- Training and rehabilitation
- Special education
- Institutional care
- In-home respite care
- Assistive technology
- Transportation
- Vocational training
- Adaptive equipment
Annual Cap
- Maximum benefit amount per year
- Additional to standard TRICARE
- Varies by service type
- May have cost shares
How to Enroll
- Register dependent in ECHO
- Submit eligibility documentation
- TRICARE regional contractor processes
- Case manager assigned
Eligibility
- Active duty family members only
- Must be registered in DEERS
- Qualifying condition documented
- EFMP enrollment may be required
Related TRICARE Terms
Related Questions
Does TRICARE cover ABA therapy for autism?
Yes, TRICARE covers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for autism spectrum disorder, requiring a diagnosis from a qualified provider and authorization.
What is the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)?
EFMP is a military program ensuring special needs family members have access to required services. It affects assignments and connects to TRICARE ECHO.
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