How can I appeal an EFMP decision so that I can get accompanied travel?

2020-04-15T16:38:21-04:00

I need some guidance with the EFMP process.
I am separated, my husband is still active at Fort Hood. He came up on great orders, a 1:1 match for a position at Grafenwoehr. This would be the first overseas tour for either of us so the process to get there is new. I did the EFMP screen, and they gave me paperwork to give to my providers to fill out. The screener was really hung up on a prescription for levothyroxine from my infertility doctor. She then asked about my records from my counselor. I explained I see a counselor to manage my anxiety related to my fertility treatments, but we are about to stop those so I won't be needing counseling. She asked and I did clarify that I am not medicated, have never had an ER visit or a hospitalization, and only see a counselor and not a psychiatrist. She told me to have the fertility doc and my counselor fill out the appropriate parts of the packet but waived that all off like it was no big deal. EFMP sent the final form to my husband that they enrolled me anyway, but not for the meds, for the counseling. Still we thought this was no big deal, because my counselor even wrote on the paperwork I will be ending my treatment within the next six months (basically to butt up to us leaving).
Monday we got a disapproval for accompanied travel. The only thing anyone will tell my husband is that I "have a mental health issue" and they "don't have the services" for me. I am floored, because I don't receive any specialized care (We can do talk therapy on an app now, for Pete's sake), and I'm basically done with it anyway and it's documented as such. We're getting the run around on how to appeal this because everyone is on telework for COVID. Does anyone have any help or insight on how to rectify this situation? I don't feel like I even need to be enrolled let alone have this affect my husband's career (if he has to change to a "needs of the Army" job) or our marriage (if we have to be separated).

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 15 at 2020 5:37 PM

2020-04-15T17:37:10-04:00

Do you have an EFMP office at your post? I also read: If a Family member's medical or educational needs change, and they no longer meet the eligibility requirements for the EFMP, they should be unregistered from EFMP.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 15 at 2020 5:49 PM

2020-04-15T17:49:43-04:00

Contact your local EFMP coordinator to work things out. If conditions do not warrant you to be in the EMFP then you should be dropped from the program.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 15 at 2020 5:59 PM

2020-04-15T17:59:25-04:00

It is a very remote site with very limited facilities. As for Germany it is beautiful in hat region. Having said that, it is highly unlikely that your status will change in time to make this move. You should keep trying, based on COVID and stop move. The good news is, if your medical situation can be resolved you may join him later. The main issue is not that you no longer need care, it is the likelihood the requirements could return. There are perimeters for this and your current duty station should be able to shed some light.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Apr 15 at 2020 8:07 PM

2020-04-15T20:07:51-04:00

1LT Amanda Gillum Im sorry this has happened to you and your husband Amanda. Personally I think some things are not anyones business. The med you take for infertility I take as my thyroid is gone. As a nurse you know those meds are a dime a dozen and can be had anywhere. While I'm not giving advice, I dont know if I ever would have said anything about the counseling. Good luck to you and your husband.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2020 9:03 PM

2020-04-15T21:03:52-04:00

If your EFMP was denied for you to go to Germany, it is because they don’t have services for you there, hence, the government will not pay for you to go there, nor will they provide medical care if you choose to go. Your husband will likely go on a dependent restricted tour unless by some miracle EFMP changes their decision

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2020 9:04 PM

2020-04-15T21:04:58-04:00

It's not the services available. Germany, Drum, Alaska and JBLM are often denied EFMP for depression or mental health because of the over cast weather.

If you were a dependent, it would be as easy as just reapplying for your EFMP screening in six months. But, since you're probably in a position where the Army will need to move you soon you might not be able to wait. Ultimately, it's Germany that denied you, based on the information provided by the EFMP. screener. You can also call/email EFMP branch at HRC to ask about a rescreening

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2020 9:42 AM

2020-04-16T09:42:10-04:00

This is another example of why there will always be a stigma in the military for going to mental health.

Good Luck, I hope you can get what you want

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2020 4:13 PM

2020-09-30T16:13:03-04:00

I have the same exact situation, my wife was turned I believe (from what efmp nurse says as is common) psychological services. I have orders to Army Futures Command, Austin, Tx and Ft Hood denied efmp..ridiculously stupid considering my wife is on medicare and tricare due to her disability... Reaching out for help, extremely disappointing program is the efmp...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2020 9:53 PM

2020-09-30T21:53:33-04:00

Are you stationed at Fort Hood is there a way my wife can get in touch with you because Austin Futures command is a special assignment not just a duty station and I was specially selected