Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure my family is eligible for TRICARE?
A legal dependent of a Reserve component member in one of the circumstances listed above who is registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Systems (DEERS) is eligible to receive medical treatment in the Military Health Care System. A legal dependent is defined in Section 1072 of Title 10, United States Code.
- Spouse and unmarried children under 21.
- Older children with severe physical or mental handicaps are also entitled.
- Children not yet 23 years old who are full-time students at an accredited college and must depend on the military parent for more than half of the support.
The family member must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). This is done when the family member is issued an Identification Card.
What if I have other health insurance? What does this mean to me?
If you have other health insurance in addition to your TRICARE Standard benefits, be aware that TRICARE Standard pays after all other plans you may have, except for Medicaid (a public assistance program) and certain insurance policies that are specifically designated as TRICARE supplements. This means that if you have another health plan in addition to TRICARE Standard, the other plan must pay whatever it covers before TRICARE Standard will make any type of payment. You may have coverage for yourself and your family through an employer, an association or a private insurer. This also includes the medical portion of an auto insurance policy, or any coverage that students in the family may have through their schools.
What are my health plan options available under TRICARE?
For eligible beneficiaries, the TRICARE program offers a triple-option healthcare plan. TRICARE Prime is the managed care option offered by the Department of Defense. It integrates military and civilian health care into a single delivery system. Beneficiaries who choose this option agree to a one-year enrollment. Enrollees selecting this option choose a primary care manager to provide or arrange for their healthcare needs. The TRICARE Prime option offers additional wellness and preventive care services. There is no annual deductible when you are enrolled in Prime. TRICARE Extra is similar to TRICARE Standard but offers discounts to patients when they use TRICARE network providers. This option allows beneficiaries to receive their care from civilian network providers at a reduced cost compared to TRICARE Standard. There are no claim forms to file; you just pay your reduced cost share after satisfying the deductible. You may use a combination of the TRICARE Extra and Standard programs at any time, depending on whether you choose physicians inside or outside the network. There is no enrollment requirement for this program. TRICARE Standard is a fee-for-service option that is the same as the standard CHAMPUS benefit. Beneficiaries using this option have the greatest choice of civilian physicians, but at a higher cost. The cost of having this choice includes a deductible, plus a percentage of subsequent charges, called cost shares, and possible balance billing, not to exceed 115 percent of the allowable charge. Enrollment is not a requirement to participate.
What is General TRICARE For Life?
Under legislation in the 2001 National Defense Authorization Act you will gain access to expanded medical coverage known as TRICARE For Life, as long as you are a uniformed service beneficiary who has attained the age of 65, are Medicare-eligible, and have purchased Medicare Part B. TRICARE For Life is a permanent healthcare benefit. Please click on https://www.tricare.osd.mil/ndaa/faq.cfm to learn more about eligibility, benefits, enrollment requirements, and costs associated with TRICARE For Life.
How do I access TRICARE Provider list?
You can search for TRICARE providers worldwide at Provider Search.
Where can I find more information about TRICARE Medical Benefits?
You can access more information about TRICARE at Medical Benefits.
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