Tricare Launches New Extended Care Option

Tricare’s Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) opened up to beneficiaries of active-duty family members with defined qualifying conditions Sept. 1. This program will deliver financial assistance and certain additional benefits beyond those available from Tricare Prime, Standard or Extra. Active-duty family members with one of the following conditions may qualify for ECHO benefits: moderate or severe mental retardation; a serious physical disability; or an extraordinary physical or psychological condition requiring the beneficiary to be homebound. Eligible beneficiaries must enroll in the exceptional family member program of their sponsors’ military service and register with their regional contractor or Overseas Tricare Area Office. For more information see the ECHO Fact Sheet, or visit www.tricare.osd.mil/echo. Beneficiaries also can call the Tricare Regional Office North at (877) 874-2273, TRO South at (800) 444-5445, or TRO West (888) 874-9378. Overseas beneficiaries can call (888) 777-8343.