TRICARE has increased the
Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) program’s allowable cap for some services. The previous limit of government reimbursement for all ECHO benefits combined, excluding the ECHO Home Health Care (EHHC) and the EHHC respite care benefits, was $2,500 per month. That limit has now increased to $36,000 per fiscal year (Oct. 1–Sept. 30) for training, rehabilitation, special education (which can include applied behavioral analysis), assistive technology devices, institutional care and, under certain limited circumstances, transportation to and from institutions or facilities. This increased allowable cap is retroactive to Oct. 14, 2008.
The maximum government cost-share for all other ECHO benefits combined remains at $2,500 per month. The cost for those benefits accrue to the $36,000 per fiscal year limit.
Current ECHO participants should
contact their ECHO case managers/case coordinators for more information about the increased allowable cap.
