Prior to January
30, 2015, DE was defined in
32 CFR 199.2(b) as a
device or apparatus which does not qualify as Durable Medical Equipment
(DME) under the TRICARE Basic Program but which is essential to
the efficient arrest or reduction of functional loss resulting from,
or the disabling effects of a qualifying condition as provided in
Sections 2.2 through
2.4. Examples of DE
, at the
time, were special computer peripheral devices (keyboard,
mouse, etc.) or software that makes a computer functional to an
Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) beneficiary with a qualifying
condition that would otherwise limit or prohibit the beneficiary’s
ability to use the computer; or an electrical/mechanical lifting
device that raises an ECHO beneficiary in a wheelchair from ground
level to first floor level of the beneficiary’s residence.