Learn about the DOD Exceptional Family Member Program. Get information, tips and resources to help you navigate the special education needs of your family member and the demands of military life.
The DOD Special Needs Program podcast is an official resource of the Department of Defense. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast — Cover Health Care Costs for Special Medical or Educational Needs
Learn how a flexible spending account can help you save money on health care costs for your family member, especially if you are a member of the Exceptional Family Member Program.
Host Bruce Moody speaks with Megumi Murakami, executive director for flexible spending accounts for the Defense Department’s Office of Personnel Readiness and Tomeshia Barnes, DOD Office of Special Needs. They discuss how a flexible spending account allows families to set aside pretax earnings to pay for certain expenses. This can help service members enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program cover out-of-pocket costs for special medical needs, including TRICARE’s Extended Care Health Option or educational needs like speech therapy.
Visit Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp/ to learn about the resources and support available to families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program.
Bruce Moody is a public affairs specialist with the Defense Department’s Military OneSource.
Visit FINRED to learn more about FSAs at https://finred.usalearning.gov/FSA and visit FSA Feds to enroll at https://www.fsafeds.gov/enroll.
Share your feedback about this podcast as well as ideas for future episodes by visiting the Military OneSource Podcasts Feedback Form at https://public.militaryonesource.mil/podcast-feedback.
The Military OneSource Podcast series is an official resource of the Defense Department. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.
27 Nov 2023
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast: Exceptional Family Member Program Standardization — Monitoring and Oversight Enhancements
Learn about the new EFMP policy, the Defense Department’s effort to standardize EFMP across the services and provide consistent, seamless support for families with special medical and/or educational needs. Find out what changes are being made to the monitoring and oversight process of the program. Monitoring and oversight involves the collection of data that provides information on program efficiencies and satisfaction, and identifies where there are needs, then uses that information to further enhance the program.
Host Bruce Moody speaks with Tomeshia Barnes from the Office of Special Needs.
Visit Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp/ to learn about the resources and support available to families with special medical and/or educational needs.
Bruce Moody is a public affairs specialist with the office of Military Community and Family Policy.
Share your feedback about this podcast as well as ideas for future episodes by visiting the Military OneSource Podcasts Feedback Form at https://public.militaryonesource.mil/podcast-feedback. You may also share feedback on the EFMP program through the EFMP feedback form: https://public.militaryonesource.mil/efmpfeedback.
The Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast series from Military OneSource is an official resource of the Defense Department. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.
27 Nov 2023
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast: Exceptional Family Member Program Standardization – Respite Care Enhancements
Learn how respite care has been standardized across the services and what that means for families. Find out what changes were made, the new process for determining eligibility and what branches will be impacted the most. Respite care provides caregivers a temporary break by giving them the opportunity to put their family member in someone else’s care.
Host Bruce Moody speaks with Tomeshia Barnes from the Office of Special Needs.
Visit Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp/ to learn about the resources and support available to service members and families.
Bruce Moody is a public affairs specialist with the office of Military Community and Family Policy.
Share your feedback about this podcast as well as ideas for future episodes by visiting the Military OneSource Podcasts Feedback Form at https://public.militaryonesource.mil/podcast-feedback. You may also share feedback on the EFMP program through the EFMP feedback form: https://public.militaryonesource.mil/efmpfeedback.
The Military OneSource Podcast series is an official resource of the Defense Department. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.
27 Nov 2023
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast: EFMP Standardization – Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support Services Enhancements
Learn about changes to EFMP Family Support services. Family Support assists families with navigating and accessing the support they need, providing information and referrals as well as nonclinical case management support. The changes to Family Support are part of the Defense Department’s new standardization policy for EFMP. The changes ensure support provided to families with special medical and/or educational needs is consistent from service to service.
Host Bruce Moody speaks with Tomeshia Barnes from the Office of Special Needs.
Visit Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp/ to learn about the resources and support available to families with special medical and/or educational needs. Find contact information for your EFMP Family Support provider by searching www.MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.mil.
Bruce Moody is a public affairs specialist with the office of Military Community and Family Policy.
Share your feedback about this podcast as well as ideas for future episodes by visiting the Military OneSource Podcasts Feedback Form at https://public.militaryonesource.mil/podcast-feedback. You may also share feedback on the EFMP program through the EFMP feedback form: https://public.militaryonesource.mil/efmpfeedback.
The Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast series is an official resource of the Defense Department. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.
27 Nov 2023
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast: Exceptional Family Member Program Standardization – CONUS Assignment Coordination Enhancements
Learn about enhancements to the Exceptional Family Member Program assignment coordination process and how military families can benefit from these changes. During EFMP assignment coordination, medical and military personnel departments work with service members and families to coordinate assignments and ensure that the special medical and educational needs of family members are considered.
Host Bruce Moody speaks with Tomeshia Barnes, associate director, Office of Special Needs.
Visit Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp/ to learn about the resources and support available to service members and families.
Bruce Moody is a public affairs specialist with the office of Military Community and Family Policy.
Share your feedback about this podcast as well as ideas for future episodes by visiting the Military OneSource Podcasts Feedback Form at https://public.militaryonesource.mil/podcast-feedback. You may also share feedback on the EFMP program through the EFMP feedback form: https://public.militaryonesource.mil/efmpfeedback.
The Exceptional Family Member Program Podcast series is an official resource of the Defense Department. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.
27 Nov 2023
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast: Exceptional Family Member Program Standardization — Identification and Enrollment
Learn about recent enhancements to the Exceptional Family Member Program identification and enrollment process for military families with special medical and/or educational needs. These enhancements are a result of an updated EFMP policy that ensures consistency across the services.
Host Bruce Moody speaks with Tomeshia Barnes of the Defense Department Office of Special Needs about the process and what the changes mean for families. This podcast is the second in a series that delves into each of the areas of EFMP that have been enhanced.
Visit Military OneSource at: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp/ to learn about EFMP resources and support available for service members and families.
Bruce Moody is a public affairs specialist with the office of Military Community and Family Policy.
Share your feedback about this podcast as well as ideas for future episodes by visiting the Military OneSource Podcasts Feedback Form at https://public.militaryonesource.mil/podcast-feedback. You may also share feedback on the EFMP program through the EFMP feedback form: https://public.militaryonesource.mil/efmpfeedback.
The Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast series is an official resource of the Defense Department. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.
31 Jul 2023
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast — Exceptional Family Member Program Standardization Background and Summary
Learn about recent changes and enhancements to the Exceptional Family Member Program.
Host Bruce Moody speaks with Jen Wong, program analyst with the Office of Special Needs. Ms. Wong provides the history of the standardization of EFMP across the services and describes how the effort will improve the experience for families enrolled in the program. This podcast is the first in a series that delves into each of the areas of EFMP that have been standardized.
Visit Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp/ to learn about the resources and support available to families with special needs.
Bruce Moody is a public affairs specialist with the office of Military Community and Family Policy.
Share your feedback about this podcast as well as ideas for future episodes for military families with special medical and/or educational needs and the leaders and providers who serve them by visiting the Office of Special Needs Feedback Form at https://public.militaryonesource.mil/efmpfeedback.
The Office of Special Needs EFMP podcast series is an official resource of the Defense Department. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.
1 Feb 2022
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast - Preparing for Deployments
Each deployment is different, and every family member may react differently to deployment. Being prepared can ease stress and help you look ahead to reunion and reintegration.
Featuring Melinda Manyx, policy and curriculum program manager, Military Civilian Transition Office with Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.
1 Feb 2022
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast - Safety and Emergency Considerations
Learn how to keep your family and your family member with special needs safe day-to-day, and how to prepare for unforeseen emergencies. This no-miss session helps you prepare and exercise safety and emergency plans.
Scott Campbell, lieutenant colonel, U.S. Army, retired parent advocate speaks to Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.
1 Feb 2022
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast - Separation or Retirement From the Military
Whether separating or retiring from the military, having a plan in place can help ease the transition to civilian life for your family. Learn where to go for assistance when you need it.
Jonathan Alexander, gunnery sergeant, Marine Corps, retired, parent advocate speaks to Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.
1 Feb 2022
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast - Building a Support System
Starting out in military life, particularly with a special needs family member, can be overwhelming. Learn how to get started, overcome challenges, find and use available resources, and make connections that can last a lifetime.
Erika Slaton, director for Military Community Support Programs, Military Community and Family Policy with Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.
1 Feb 2022
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast - Advocating for Yourself and Others
Learning to advocate for yourself takes time and practice. EFMP experts break down the process into simple steps. And we’ll share plenty of stories and tips to illustrate how you can become a great advocate.
Guest Rose Anderson, program analyst, Office of Military Family Readiness Policy, Children, Youth and Families speaks with Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.
1 Feb 2022
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast - EFMP and the Medical Component
We discuss the medical component of EFMP, managing paperwork and keeping up with changes to ensure transitions flow smoothly. We’ll share tools that can help you organize and point you to resources for assistance.
Guest Rebecca Tucker, special needs manager, Office of the Surgeon General, United States Army with Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.
1 Feb 2022
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast - Caregiving
Caring for a special needs family member can take an emotional and physical toll. Get information about self-care, asking for help and building community.
Featuring Kelly Smith, program analyst for Military Community Support Programs and Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.
1 Feb 2022
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast - Legal and Long-Term Financial Planning (Part 2)
Part 2 of Legal and Long-Term Financial Planning covers guardianship, conservatorship and long-term planning. This session introduces resources and information to help you manage and improve your financial and legal health.
Featuring Lt. Col. Graham Bernstein, associate deputy general counsel, Office of the Deputy General Counsel; Mr. Andy Cohen, director of the Office of Financial Readiness Special Needs; and Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.
1 Feb 2022
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast - Legal and Long-Term Financial Planning (Part 1)
Preparing financially and legally for a special needs family member who may require long-term care or other considerations is critical. Part 1 of this conversation focuses on wills, special needs trusts and legal and financial assistance available on installations.
Featuring Lt. Col. Graham Bernstein, associate deputy general counsel, Office of the Deputy General Counsel; Mr. Andy Cohen, director of the Office of Financial Readiness Special Needs; and Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.
1 Feb 2022
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast - Medical and Education Transitions of a PCS Move
EFMP families may face unique challenges and concerns during a PCS move. Our experts provide insight on smoothing the medical and education transitions that can arise, whether you’re moving to a new state or a new country.
Guests include Jenne Funk, program analyst with the Office of Special Needs; Evangeline Tennort, program analyst and TRICARE liaison with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs; and Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.
1 Feb 2022
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast - Educational Special Needs and Early Intervention Services
Information and resources associated with educational special needs and early intervention services and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. Learn about the education checklists available on the EFMP & Me tool and how to use them.
Featuring Tricia (Trish) Smith, early intervention specialist, Educational and Developmental Intervention Services; Jasmine McLeod, Department of Defense Education Activity; and Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.
28 Jan 2022
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast - Exceptional Family Member Program Overview
Learn about benefits and services available to military families with special needs through the Office of Special Needs, the Exceptional Family Member Program and the EFMP & Me tool.
With Karen Terry and Rebecca Lombardi from the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.
Inside a recent episode
Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast — Cover Health Care Costs for Special Medical or Educational Needs
Published 7 Feb 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] Yeah, I do want to get more into the healthcare flexible spending account. You know, just help us in it because this is something that can allow service members to set aside pre-tax earnings, healthcare, medical, dental, vision, things like that. So help us get a better understanding of how that works. So absolutely. So a service member or a family who's interested in using a healthcare flexible spending account would enroll during a special enrollment period scheduled for March 3rd to March 31st of 2025. Because this is the first year we're offering it, we have to offer it through the special enrollment period, but then all other subsequent years service members would enroll during federal benefits open season, which occurs every year between mid-November to mid-December. […]
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