EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM: BENEFITS AND CHANGES YOU NEED TO KNOW
Military families with members who have specific needs can receive help through the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). However, there has been ongoing criticism about the program from multiple branches as the search for improvements continues. Changes are coming to the EFMP; however, the military community is concerned about how the program is choosing to address itself. Below, we’re breaking down the benefits you should know about, the reasons for concern, and the latest developments on improving the program.
What Is the Exceptional Family Member Program?
The Exceptional Family Member Program helps military families that have a member dealing with chronic medical conditions. This includes physical, mental, or developmental issues.
Falling into six categories, for now, these will help the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) assign new orders while also providing resources, benefits, and advocacy for qualifying members of the military community.
Note: A similar yet separate program exists for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), known as the Special Needs Program (SNP). It’s also worth noting that the DoD is planning on doing away with the categories, which we explore below.
EFMP Benefits
There are many benefits within the Exceptional Family Member Program for those who qualify. You can also receive help and additional resources through the EFMP to ensure your family gets the most out of your benefits.
Here are some of the key benefits families should be aware of:
- The Children’s Health Insurance Program provides healthcare coverage for children in the EFMP—this includes home healthcare services for qualifying types of care.
- If your child is in need of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), TRICARE will pay for it; however, it must be prescribed by a doctor.
- Early intervention services are also available for children dealing with developmental issues with the goal of helping them grow into their full potential.
- EFMP Family Support is a part of the program dedicating the right resources and support to help military families navigate a life of service.
- Qualifying families also receive free legal support and resources.
Dissatisfaction With the EFMP
In theory, the Exceptional Family Member Program offers families great resources, useful benefits, and the support that families likely need.
However, in practice, there has been a lot of disappointment in the execution of the program.
While the EFMP is still an important resource all qualifying military families should utilize, it’s fair to say that you should also manage your expectations about the program’s execution:
Only 43% of American troops using the Exceptional Family Member Program are satisfied with it.
Keep in mind that which branch you’re in could also play a factor as 59% of those in the Navy’s program found it satisfying compared to only 35% in the Air Force.
Changes to the Exceptional Family Member Program
One of the biggest changes to the EFMP is a shift from the category-based system in favor of an individualized case management approach.
By moving to this new system, the military is hoping to help provide a more personalized delivery of the EFMP while standardizing the program by fall 2025.
Moving forward, the Exceptional Family Member Program is replacing its assignment-based system to provide a more personalized approach.
The DoD is trying to help families on a more personal level while also providing flexibility, improved access to care, and making things the same across the board.
However, families are already expressing disbelief that the program changes will help the core issues they face. At the same time, concerns remain about adding pressure on detailers who are balancing the needs of families as well.
The main worry is that in spite of these changes, the opposite effect may occur, and families could find themselves separated depending on their duty station assignments.
Now, there is a risk that families may not always be able to travel with their loved ones depending on where they are stationed for duty.
It’s encouraging to see the military try and streamline while improving the EFMP but it’s not the best approach if families affected are being ignored. The Exceptional Family Member Program remains an incredible resource but is also a work in progress.
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