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 mental retardation
• 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.

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 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 program the family has been able to ensure continuity of medical service and care and prevent loss of benefits upon return to part-time status.