Extended Care Health Option

The Extended Care Health Option provides financial assistance to beneficiaries with special needs for an integrated set of services and supplies.

To use ECHO, qualified beneficiaries must:

  • Be enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program through the sponsor's service. Sometimes, enrollment in the EFMP may be waived; for example, when the sponsor’s service doesn't provide the EFMP, or when the beneficiary resides with the custodial parent who isn't the active duty sponsor. Contact your regional contractor for more information.
  • Register for ECHO with case managers in each TRICARE region.

Eligibility

The following beneficiaries who are diagnosed with moderate or severe intellectual disability, a serious physical disability, or an extraordinary physical or psychological condition may qualify for ECHO:

  • Active duty family members
  • Family members of activatedCalled or ordered to active duty service for more than 30 days in a row. National Guard or Reserve members
  • Family members who are covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
  • Children or spouses of former service members who are victims of abuse and qualify for the Transitional Compensation Program
  • Family members of deceased active duty sponsors while they're considered "transitional survivors."
  • The qualifying family member’s disability must be entered properly in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System(DEERS) A database of information on uniformed services members (sponsors), U.S.-sponsored foreign military, DoD and uniformed services civilians, other personnel as directed by the DoD, and their family members. You need to register in DEERS to get TRICARE. to have access to ECHO services.

Children may remain eligible for ECHO beyond the usual age limits in some circumstances. If you or your provider believes a qualifying condition exists, talk to a case manager or with your regional contractor to determine eligibility for ECHO benefits.

Contact Information

If you need help with ECHO benefits or want to see if you qualify, please contact your contractor:

East
West
US Family Health Plan
Overseas
Are you moving?

Talk to your child’s case manager and regional contractor before you move. They can help you find a new doctor and other resources so the transition is smooth with no interruptions in coverage.

Last Updated 5/23/2025