What You Need to Know about PCS Assignments

 How are EFMP assignment recommendations made?

MOS monitors generate PCS orders based upon individual career progression of the Marine and Marine Corps requirements.  Prior to release, the draft orders of EFMP-enrolled Marines are reviewed by HQMC EFMP.  Following EFMP review, the MOS monitor is notified and has final authority to either release or modify the orders, based upon the outcome of the EFMP review. 

What is my responsibility in the EFMP review process?

If you are anticipating PCS orders, here are some good guidelines:

12 months prior:  Review most recent EFMP paperwork to ensure it is accurate and complete and will not expire before your anticipated PCS move.

Get an update if the paperwork is not reflective of current care requirements or will expire before you PCS.

9 months prior:  If you have a child receiving early intervention or special education services, submit a copy of the current Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP) to your installation EFMP Family Case Worker.

6 months prior:  Check in with your installation Family Case Worker to ensure that all updates have been processed and nothing is outstanding for each enrolled family member.

*When EFMP reviews your PCS assignment, if any family member has outdated paperwork, we will stop the assignment review and notify you that an update is required.  Your MOS monitor will also be notified and may reach out to you to ensure an update is submitted.   This will delay your receipt of orders, therefore, the most important thing you can do is to keep your family member’s paperwork current!

How long will it take for EFMP to review my Assignment?

The answer to this question depends upon a variety of factors.  When all family member’s paperwork is updated, reviewing the PCS assignment is much more efficient.  EFMP supports Manpower Management and reviews PCS orders in accordance with MM priorities, such as command slating, OCONUS assignments, schools with follow-on assignments, closest execution date.  In some instances, the volume of submitted PCS orders, coupled with MM priorities may result in a delay before EFMP is able to review a submitted order.  We are sensitive to the stressors families experience associated with PCS assignments and we are committed to being as efficient as possible at all times. 

What does an EFMP assignment review include?

HQMC EFMP reviews each family member’s medical and/or educational needs as documented on the DD 2792 and DD 2792-1 with IFSP/IEP.  Each of these requirements is matched to the resources at the proposed location at the time of the review and includes:

1. The specific medical provider (MTF or network) is accessible within the mileage guidelines, based upon frequency of care as outlined in MCO 1754.4
2. The  MTF or network provider has the capacity to accept new patients
3. The MTF or network provider treats the diagnosed condition
4. The network provider accepts TRICARE prime
5. Complex educational requirements may warrant additional research, coordination and communication to support the family’s transition

What does the Stop Movement guidance mean for my PCS orders?

If you have PCS orders with an execution date between 16 March and 11 May 2020, you are impacted by the Stop Movement Guidance, issued 20 March.  Please review MARADMIN 167/20, U.S. Marine Corps Disease Containment Preparedness Planning Guidance for 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19); Stop Movement.  Questions should be directed to your chain of command. 

Due to health and safety precautions associated with COVID-19, my child’s in-home Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has been suspended.   What should I do?

TRICARE extended temporary Telehealth support for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).  Between 31 March and 31 May 2020, TRICARE will temporarily cover unlimited ABA parent or caregiver guidance services.  Find more information on the TRICARE website, or contact your ABA provider. 

I’m concerned about moving my family to specific locations, even if I’m not impacted by the Stop Movement.  What should I do? 

All families are encouraged to speak with their health care provider to discuss concerns about moving to a new location amidst COVID-19.  If you have a TRICARE Case Manager, please ensure you contact them so that can assist you with transferring medical care and getting initial appointments established.  EFMP-enrolled families have options for delayed dependent travel.  Please contact us at hqmc.efmp@usmc.mil to discuss your situation and the options you may want to consider. 

I’m concerned about having enough of my prescription medication.  What can I do?

TRICARE offers and encourages families to get a 90 day supply of medication via military pharmacies, TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or retail network pharmacies.  For more information, review the COVID-19 FAQs at www.tricare.mil.  Any changes to the Pharmacy benefit will be posted here.

Should the school be providing special education or related services during school closures?

The Department of Education issued guidance earlier this month to schools.  Read the DoE’s Fact Sheet here.  If a school is providing services to general education students, then the school must ensure FAPE is being provided. If related services cannot be provided via distance then compensatory services may end up having to be provided.  If you have questions, please contact one of the attorneys supporting EFMP families at their respective numbers below:
MCI East:  910-451-9730
MCI West:  760-725-6880

Does EFMP enrollment exclude me from an OCONUS PCS assignment?

No.  EFMP does not place any pre-determined restrictions on PCS assignment.  When the MOS monitor drafts PCS orders, EFMP will review and validate whether required care is available and accessible in the proposed location at the time of the assignment review.

Marine Corps EFMP does not assign categories and there are not pre-determined location restrictions. 

How does EFMP enrollment affect deployment and Unaccompanied Overseas Assignments?

Enrollment in the EFMP has no impact on the deployment responsibilities of Marines.  Unaccompanied overseas assignments, unit deployments, and standard deployments must be carried out without interruption. When a family member's needs conflict with such assignments, the sponsor must contact his/her MOS monitor to discuss possible options, such as Humanitarian Assignment.

What is the difference between EFMP and Overseas Suitability Screening?

HQMC EFMP reviews all assignments for EFMP-enrolled Marines prior to issuance of the orders, regardless of location.  The DD 2792, DD 2792-1 and IFSP/IEP are used to review family member requirements and to make an initial assignment recommendation.  Following EFMP review, the monitor will release the PCS orders and families must then initiate the Suitability Screening process through the established office at the nearest Military Treatment Facility.

Suitability screening is conducted by the Military Medical Departments, and is the same for all family members, regardless of EFMP enrollment status.  Suitability determination is based on a variety of factors to include: a comprehensive review of the medical records, the severity of the condition and the frequency and level of treatment; the medical and dental capabilities of the Military Treatment Facility (MTF)/ Dental Treatment Facility (DTF) and local civilian community; the availability of ancillary, early intervention, special education and medically related services; transportation and travel time to the medical facility or specialist; climate and environmental conditions; the likelihood of the needs increasing, the capacity of the facility, medical staffing and manpower concerns. For more information about Suitability Screening, please contact your Military Treatment Facility's Suitability Screening Coordinator.

What is the form DD2792?

This is Family Member Medical Summary that is used for enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program. This form must be completed by a Qualified Medical Provider and submitted to your local installation EFMP office or HQMC EFMP via email hqmc.efmp@usmc.mil. It is the Sponsor's responsibility to update their enrollment every 3 years or as the medical needs of the Exceptional Family Member's conditions change. If your family member no longer requires special medical services, have your physician complete the form for medical status updates

What is the form DD2792-1?

This is the Special Education/Early Intervention Summary for children ages 0 – 21 inclusive and who have an Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) or an Individualized Education Program (IEP).  The form is completed by an early intervention (EI) or school official and submitted to your local installation EFMP office or via email to hqmc.efmp@usmc.mil.  A DD 2792 (medical summary) must also be submitted. If your family member no longer requires an IFSP or IEP, have the appropriate EI or school official complete the form to document the change in status.  Please include relevant special education paperwork. Click here to download.

 Will the Marine Corps reimburse the cost of completing form DD2792?

Yes, the Marine Corps believes that families should not bear the cost of form completion to comply with a DOD mandated program. Some TRICARE authorized providers are charging families for completion of the DD 2792, referencing the TRICARE policy manual which expressly excludes reimbursement for completion of the form.  Absent reimbursement or regulation, authorized provider charges to families are inconsistent and, in some cases, cost prohibitive for family members.

Marines will be reimbursed for pages 4-8 at the actual cost charged to the family or $75, whichever is less.  If families have multiple packages completed by different specialists, the maximum total reimbursement amount is $200.

If a TRICARE authorized provider charges more than the Marine Corps will reimburse, families may ask providers to reconsider the cost charged to the family to align with USMC EFMP reimbursement amounts.  If providers are unwilling to do this, families are responsible for any costs beyond the maximum reimbursement amounts.  Families should contact their EFMP office for any questions about reimbursement.

How do I disenroll from EFMP?

EFMP is a DoD-mandated enrollment program, for the purposes of assignment coordination.  When enrollment conditions are present, enrollment is mandatory.  If you feel your family member no longer meets the enrollment criteria, a DD 2792 and DD 2792-1 (when applicable) must be submitted confirming the absence of previously enrollable conditions.  When forms are complete, they can be returned to the local EFMP office or sent to HQMC EFMP via email at hqmc.efmp@usmc.mil.  HQMC EFMP will review submitted information and notify the sponsor of the determination via letter to the official government email account.

 How does EFMP ensure confidentiality?

Ensuring the confidentiality of all Personally Identifiable Information and Protected Health Information is paramount.  All enrollment forms and accompanying documents and information are maintained in a password controlled database with predefined need-to-know criteria for all EFMP staff members.  Information contained in the database will not be shared without specific written permission from the sponsor and/or adult family member.  Local EFMP Managers provide limited information to the Unit Commander, or his/her designee to ensure commands are aware of those Marines who need to complete an update to maintain compliance. The information shared with the command is limited to the name and grade of sponsor, date of enrollment, and date of next tri-annual update. The specific medical diagnosis and treatment and/or special education needs of the family member will not be shared with the Command, unless the sponsor and/or adult family member provides written permission to do so.  The EFMP Case Management System will not become an element of the Manpower Management System, individual record books, or the parent command records of the sponsor, nor be referenced in performance appraisals such as Fitness Reports.