Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

Start Here If You Are New to EFMP

EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM (EFMP) is the DoD program supporting military families with special medical or educational needs. ENROLLMENT IS MANDATORY for Marines whose family members have qualifying conditions. EFMP ensures CONTINUITY OF CARE across permanent change of station (PCS) transitions and improves quality of life through community resources and support. Two primary forms. DD FORM 2792 (Family Member Medical Summary) and DD FORM 2792-1 (Special Education/Early Intervention Summary). Career progression and promotion CAN BE AFFECTED by EFMP enrollment when assignments must accommodate special needs (e.g., overseas assignment limitations). TRICARE coordination including EXTENDED CARE HEALTH OPTION (ECHO) for additional services. Installation EFMP Coordinator at MCCS. HQMC EFMP at hqmc.efmp@usmc.mil. Per DoDI 1315.19DoDI 1315.19 and Marine Corps Community Services policy.

This page walks you through EFMP from your seat as a Marine. By the end you will know.

• Who needs EFMP enrollment
• The two primary forms (DD 2792 and DD 2792-1)
• Enrollment process at the installation EFMP coordinator
• Continuity of care across PCS
• Career progression and promotion considerations
• TRICARE coordination and ECHO
• Family support services available
• HQMC EFMP coordination
• Common failure points

Every fact on this page comes from DoDI 1315.19DoDI 1315.19, MCO 1754.5MCO 1754.5, 32 CFR Part 199, DD Form 2792DD Form 2792 and 2792-1 instructions, and HQMC Marine and Family Programs Branch published guidance.

Who Needs EFMP Enrollment

EFMP enrollment is MANDATORY for Marines whose family members have qualifying medical, dental, or educational special needs.

Qualifying Medical Conditions

• Chronic conditions requiring ongoing specialized care.
• Conditions requiring specific medical equipment or therapy.
• Conditions affecting routine medical or dental care availability.
• Mental health conditions requiring ongoing treatment.

Qualifying Educational Conditions

• Special education needs requiring an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Early intervention services for children under 3.
• Conditions requiring specific educational accommodations.

Examples of Qualifying Conditions

• Autism spectrum disorder.
• Down syndrome.
• Diabetes (Type 1 typically).
• Cerebral palsy.
• ADHD with significant educational accommodations.
• Hearing or vision impairments.
• Many chronic medical conditions.

Who Determines Enrollment

• Family member's medical or educational provider identifies the qualifying condition.
• Marine self-identifies and submits enrollment package.
• Installation EFMP Coordinator processes.
• HQMC EFMP makes final enrollment determination.

The Two Primary Forms

DD Form 2792 (Family Member Medical Summary)

For family members with qualifying medical or dental needs.

• Family member identifying information.
• Diagnosis and condition description.
• Current treatment.
• Provider information.
• Equipment and ongoing care requirements.
• Provider signature certifying accuracy.

DD Form 2792-1 (Special Education/Early Intervention Summary)

For family members with qualifying educational or early intervention needs.

• Family member identifying information.
• IEP or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) summary.
• Educational placement details.
• Services required.
• School or service provider signature.

Both Forms If Applicable

If a family member has both medical and educational needs, both forms are submitted.

Enrollment Process

Step 1. Identify Qualifying Need

• Coordinate with family member's medical or educational provider.
• Confirm condition meets EFMP criteria.

Step 2. Complete Forms

• Provider completes the medical or educational portion.
• Marine completes the demographic portion.

Step 3. Submit to Installation EFMP Coordinator

• Located at MCCS on most installations.
• EFMP Coordinator reviews for completeness.

Step 4. HQMC EFMP Adjudication

• Forms forwarded to HQMC EFMP.
• Determination of enrollment status.
• Determination of category (1-5, with 5 being most complex).

Step 5. Notification and Coordination

• Marine notified of enrollment.
• DEERS coded with EFMP status.
• Future PCS coordinated through EFMP.
• Family connected with installation EFMP support resources.

Continuity of Care Across PCS

The primary purpose of EFMP is to ensure continuity of care during PCS.

How EFMP Affects PCS

• Assignment branch (MMEA) considers EFMP family member needs when issuing orders.
• Marine cannot be assigned to a duty station unable to provide required medical or educational services.
• Some duty stations are screened OUT for certain EFMP categories.
• Some overseas duty stations may not be available depending on family member needs.

Family Member Travel Screening (FMTS)

Before PCS to overseas locations, EFMP family members may require Family Member Travel Screening to confirm services are available at the gaining location.

Coordination With Gaining Installation

• Installation EFMP Coordinator at the new duty station receives family file.
• Connects family with local providers, schools, and support resources.
• Supports school IEP transition.

When Service Not Available

If services required by an EFMP family member are not available at the projected duty station, alternate assignment is sought.

Career Progression and Promotion Considerations

Honest Conversation

EFMP enrollment can affect career progression and assignment availability. The Marine Corps acknowledges this and provides resources to navigate.

Assignment Limitations

• Some duty stations may not accommodate certain EFMP categories.
• This may limit career-broadening assignments.
• B-Billet, recruiting duty, drill instructor duty may be affected by EFMP status.

Promotion Considerations

EFMP status itself is NOT a basis for non-selection. However.

• EFMP-driven assignment limitations may indirectly affect career progression.
• Marines may have fewer opportunities for certain career-defining tours.
• Selection boards do not see EFMP status directly but see assignment history.

Career Counseling Resources

• Career Counselor coordination on EFMP-aware career planning.
• HQMC EFMP for assignment options discussion.
• Family Readiness Officer for family stability considerations.

Why It Matters

Marines should make informed decisions about EFMP enrollment timing and family planning. The program is REQUIRED for qualifying needs - non-enrollment is not an option that avoids these implications. The implications come from the underlying family situation, not from enrollment per se.

TRICARE Coordination

Extended Care Health Option (ECHO)

Per 32 CFR Part 199, TRICARE Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) provides additional services for EFMP-enrolled families.

• Respite care.
• Specialized therapies (some).
• Medical equipment beyond standard TRICARE.
• Some other supplemental services.

How To Enroll In ECHO

• Through TRICARE regional contractor.
• Coordinated with EFMP enrollment.
• Specific eligibility per ECHO criteria.

Standard TRICARE

EFMP enrollment does NOT change standard TRICARE eligibility. Family member retains TRICARE Prime or Select per usual rules.

Family Support Services Available

Installation EFMP Coordinator Services

• Information and referral.
• Connection to community resources.
• Family support groups.
• Educational workshops.
• Assistance with school IEP and 504 Plan navigation.
• Recreational programs adapted for special needs.

Respite Care

ECHO-funded and other respite care may be available depending on situation.

Special Recreation

Some installations offer adaptive recreation programs through MCCS.

Family Advocacy

EFMP coordinates with Family Advocacy Program for cases involving abuse or neglect.

Community Resources

• Local school districts (often have military family liaisons).
• Local nonprofits supporting special needs families.
• State developmental disability agencies.
• Federal disability resources.

HQMC EFMP Coordination

When To Contact HQMC EFMP

• Complex assignment situations.
• Disagreement with category determination.
• Coordination across multiple installations.
• Policy questions.

How To Contact

• Email. hqmc.efmp@usmc.mil.
• Through your installation EFMP Coordinator.

What To Expect

• Substantive response.
• Coordination with installation EFMP Coordinator.
• Connection with assignment branch when relevant.

Common Failure Points

Failure to Enroll

Some Marines avoid enrollment due to perceived career implications. This is short-sighted because.

• The underlying family situation drives the implications, not the enrollment.
• Without enrollment, family may end up at a duty station unable to provide care.
• Failure to enroll when required can result in administrative action.

Stale Documentation

EFMP requires periodic updates. Stale DD 2792 or DD 2792-1 leads to incorrect coordination.

Mitigation. Update annually or whenever the condition changes significantly.

School Transition Gaps

PCS during school year can disrupt IEP services.

Mitigation. EFMP Coordinator at gaining installation engages early. School Liaison Program coordinates. See School Liaison Program (SLP).

Missing ECHO Enrollment

Marines often do not realize ECHO is available.

Mitigation. Installation EFMP Coordinator screens for ECHO eligibility.

Family Member Travel Screening Surprise

Marines projected for overseas assignment learn at the last minute that screening is required.

Mitigation. Communicate EFMP status clearly during assignment discussions. Coordinate FMTS early.

Cross References

• For school transition coordination, see School Liaison Program (SLP)
• For child and youth programs, see Child and Youth Programs (CYP)
• For overall MF framework, see Marine and Family Programs Overview and Authorities
• For PCS and assignment process, see PCS Orders and Overview
• For Family Care Plan integration, see Family Care Plan (FCP)
• For Secondary Dependency for adult disabled dependent, see Secondary Dependency (DD Form 137DD Form 137)

Quick Reference

• Authority. DoDI 1315.19DoDI 1315.19 and MCO 1754.5MCO 1754.5.
• Forms. DD 2792 (medical) and DD 2792-1 (educational).
• Mandatory. Yes for qualifying needs.
• Coordinator. Installation EFMP Coordinator at MCCS.
• HQMC. hqmc.efmp@usmc.mil.
• TRICARE. ECHO available for additional services.
• Updates. Annual or as condition changes.
• DEERS. Coded with EFMP status.

Records To Keep

• Enrolled DD 2792 and DD 2792-1
• HQMC EFMP enrollment confirmation and category
• ECHO enrollment confirmation
• IEP or 504 Plan documentation
• Provider correspondence
• Annual update submissions
• Installation EFMP Coordinator contact at each duty station

If you have a question about EFMP enrollment or coordination, your installation EFMP Coordinator at MCCS is your first contact. For complex policy or assignment questions, contact HQMC EFMP at hqmc.efmp@usmc.mil.