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Getting Started
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The Educated Parent
Early Intervention
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What is Early Intervention?
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Preparing for an IEP Meeting
Conducting an IEP Meeting
Individuals With Disabilities Act
IDEA ACT - A Quick Reference
IDEA Legal Text
Family Finances
Recommended Resources
Housing
Introduction to Universal Housing Design
Housing options
Building a New House ~ That Works!
Introduction to Universal Housing Design
Entrances and Thresholds
Single Family Home Resources
Remodeled Bathroom
Ceiling Lifts
Problem Spaces
Adding a Ramp
Good Restroom
Not So Good Restrooms
Great Space Adaptions
Not So Great Adaptations
Ramp Design
Ramp Design (Part 2)
Commercial Ramps
Public Access Ramps
Adding a Ramp
Retrofit Door Sill Ramp
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Medical Bills
Filing an Appeal
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Finding Help for the Uninsured or Underinsured
Free or Discounted Prescription Programs
Medicaid Waivers
Legal Adults - Introduction
Guardianship and Declaration of Incapacitation
Establishing Guardianship and Obtaining a Declaration of Incapacitation
Dependency Determination (Military)
When to Start the Transition Process
Begin Transition - Age 14-16
Exploring Possibilities and Guardianship Issues - Age 17
Age 18
After High School Graduation - Age 19-22
Post High School Education Options
Future Housing Options
Specialized Medical Equipment
Wheelchair Evaluation
Wheelchair Safety
Introduction: Special Needs and the Military Family
DEERS & ID Cards
Dependency Determination
TriCare Introduction
TriCare Program Options
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Individual Case Management
TriCare Extended Care Health Option (ECHO)
Early Intervention
Housing Options
Family Support Services
Community Contacts
Letters of Medical Sufficiency
Wheelchair Accessible Vans
Van Conversion: A good Example
Fund Raising - The Flamingo Air Project
Utah DSPD Complaint List Winter 2011
 

TriCare Extended Care Health Option (ECHO)

The TriCare Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) replaces the Program for Persons with Disabilities (PFPWD).

The TriCare ECHO program provides financial assistance beyond basic TriCare programs for beneficiaries who qualify and is administered by TriCare Regional Contractors. Qualifying conditions include:

  • Moderate to severe developmental delay
  • Serious physical disability
  • An extraordinary physical or psychological condition of such complexity that the beneficiary is homebound.

The ECHO program is designed to step in and cover needed services over and above those covered by traditional TriCare programs such as therapies, special education, specialized medical equipment, home health services, etc. when unavailable to the service member and their dependents in their community.  Benefit coverage/spending is subject to a yearly cost/spending cap and does vary. Coverage is dictated by Congress and the year. Many families may find themselves prioritizing and choosing between needed benefits and services in order to stay under the fiscal year spending cap. Check with your TriCare case manager for the amount allowable for the fiscal year. 

There are several specific requirements that must be followed in order to enroll in the TriCare ECHO program. Discuss these requirements with your assigned Case Manager or an EFMP Special Needs Coordinator located at your MTF if you believe you qualify. 

*Note for Reservists and National Guard Members. Families who are on limited Active Duty orders may find the ECHO program does not meet medical benefit needs already met by Medicaid Waiver programs. Medicaid DOES supersede ECHO in most cases. Linda's family has been enrolled in the ECHO program 4 separate times and has yet to see ECHO pay out for any listed benefit. By maintaining enrollment in their state Medicaid Waiver program the family has been able to ensure continuity of medical service and care without  loss of benefits upon return to part-time status from active duty/Title 10/Title 32.