TRICARE is the health care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. It provides comprehensive health coverage to ensure military families have access to high-quality healthcare services.
TRICARE coverage is available to:
- Active duty service members and their families
- National Guard and Reserve members and their families
- Military retirees and their families
- Some former spouses
- Survivors of deceased service members
- Medal of Honor recipients and their families
- Certain others registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
TRICARE Program Options
TRICARE offers several different health plan options to meet the diverse needs of military families:
- TRICARE Prime
Similar to an HMO plan
Provides the most comprehensive coverage with the lowest out-of-pocket costs
Requires enrollment and assignment to a primary care manager (PCM)
Active duty service members must enroll in TRICARE Prime
- TRICARE Select
Self-managed, preferred provider option
Offers more flexibility in choosing providers
No referrals required for most services
Higher out-of-pocket costs than TRICARE Prime
- TRICARE For Life
Medicare wraparound coverage for TRICARE beneficiaries who have Medicare Part A and Part B
Serves as secondary payer to Medicare
Minimal out-of-pocket costs
- TRICARE Reserve Select
Premium-based health plan available to qualified National Guard and Reserve members
Similar benefits to TRICARE Select
- TRICARE Young Adult
Premium-based health care plan available for qualified adult children up to age 26
Available in Prime or Select options
Using TRICARE with Other Insurance
If you have other health insurance in addition to TRICARE (such as through a civilian employer), TRICARE acts as the secondary payer. You must file claims with your primary insurance first before TRICARE will process the claim.
When transitioning out of the military, it's important to understand your healthcare options:
- Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP): Provides 180 days of premium-free transitional health care benefits after regular TRICARE benefits end
- Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP): Offers temporary health coverage for 18-36 months after TRICARE eligibility ends (similar to COBRA but for military members)
For assistance with TRICARE issues, you can contact TRICARE directly or reach out to OHA for guidance on navigating any challenges with your military health benefits.
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