What is the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO)?
Quick Answer
ECHO provides supplemental benefits for active duty family members with qualifying disabilities, covering ABA therapy, assistive technology, respite care, and institutional care beyond standard TRICARE.
Detailed Answer
The Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) is a supplemental benefit program for active duty family members who have qualifying physical or psychological conditions, providing services and supplies beyond what standard TRICARE covers. ECHO is specifically designed to support dependents with moderate or severe mental retardation, serious physical disabilities, extraordinary physical or psychological conditions, or an infant or toddler with a disability or at risk of substantial developmental delay. ECHO benefits include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for autism, assistive technology devices and services, durable medical equipment beyond standard TRICARE limits, expanded home health care, institutional care in approved facilities, respite care (up to 16 hours per month), special education and training, and vocational rehabilitative services. ECHO has an annual benefit cap (currently $36,000 per fiscal year) that applies to most ECHO-covered services. Registration in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is required for ECHO eligibility. Active duty sponsors with ECHO-eligible family members should work with their EFMP coordinator and TRICARE to maximize available benefits.
Related TRICARE Terms
Related Questions
Does TRICARE cover my family members?
Yes, TRICARE covers eligible family members including spouses, children under 21 (or 23 if students), and children with disabilities.
Does TRICARE cover autism therapy?
Yes, TRICARE covers autism spectrum disorder (ASD) services including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and diagnostic evaluations.