Caregiver Support | TRICARE Glossary & Benefits | TRICARE.com

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## Definition Caregiver support refers to the specialized resources, clinical services, and financial assistance programs available to those caring for ill or injured service members and disabled veterans under the TRICARE health system.

## What it means in practice For a TRICARE beneficiary, caregiver support is rarely a single benefit but rather a collection of services managed by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and regional contractors (Humana Military in the East and TriWest in the West). These services are primarily designed for those caring for members with "catastrophic injuries or illnesses," which often include Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury, or severe PTSD.

One of the most significant tools for caregivers is the **Extended Care Health Option (ECHO)**. This program provides supplemental services beyond basic TRICARE coverage, such as specialized equipment and training for the caregiver. For those whose sponsors are on active duty, the **ECHO Home Health Care (EHHC)** benefit may include respite care, which provides temporary relief by having a professional nurse or aide take over caregiving duties for up to 15 hours per week (or 40 hours per week for those who are homebound).

In addition to medical benefits, TRICARE interacts with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) to facilitate the **Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)** and the **Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL)**. SCAADL provides monthly tax-free payments to eligible service members to help offset the cost of caregiving, preventing a financial crisis for families when a spouse or parent must leave the workforce to provide care.

As of 2026, caregivers can access online portals through TriWest (West Region) or Humana Military (East Region) for peer support networks and care coordination. While most caregiver education is provided at $0 out-of-pocket, the underlying medical services or respite care hours often require specific authorizations and may be subject to the sponsor's enrollment status (Group A vs. Group B) regarding catastrophic caps—though ECHO-specific benefits have their own fiscal year caps.

## Related terms * **ECHO (Extended Care Health Option):** A supplemental program for active duty family members with moderate to severe disabilities. * **Respite Care:** Short-term care that allows the primary caregiver to take a break while a professional cares for the patient. * **Case Management:** A service where a dedicated professional helps coordinate complex medical care and resources for a beneficiary. * **SCAADL (Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living):** A monthly stipend for injured service members requiring a caregiver, intended to offset lost income. * **Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):** Fundamental tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating used to assess the level of care a beneficiary requires.

## Sources * TRICARE.mil: Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) - https://www.tricare.mil/echo * Defense Health Agency: Warrior Care - https://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/ * TriWest Healthcare Alliance: West Region Caregiver Resources - https://www.triwest.com/