tricare

TRICARE is the U.S. Department of Defense health care program that provides comprehensive medical and dental coverage for eligible service members, retirees, and their families, as well as survivors and certain former spouses. Administered by the Defense Health Agency, TRICARE combines care from military treatment facilities and a network of civilian providers and pharmacies, with benefits and costs varying by plan and beneficiary category.

Eligible populations include active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, dependents, retirees, survivors, and certain former spouses. Eligibility and eligibility-based cost structures depend on status, location, and plan selection. Enrollment is required for certain options and optional for others, and beneficiaries may access care at military facilities or through TRICARE network providers worldwide.

TRICARE offers several options. TRICARE Prime is a managed care option that generally requires enrollment and uses a primary care manager with referrals for specialty care. TRICARE Prime Remote targets qualified families living far from military treatment facilities. TRICARE Select is a fee-for-service option with more provider flexibility and typically fewer network constraints. For qualified National Guard and Reserve members and their families, TRICARE Reserve Select and TRICARE Retired Reserve are premium-based plans. TRICARE Young Adult provides coverage up to age 26 for dependent children who no longer qualify under other TRICARE categories. TRICARE For Life acts as a Medicare wraparound for beneficiaries eligible for Medicare Parts A and B. The TRICARE Overseas Program covers care for service members and families stationed or traveling overseas.

Costs vary by plan and category, including enrollment requirements, copayments, and cost-shares. Some services at military treatment facilities may incur little or no out-of-pocket costs. Enrollment and plan details are managed through TRICARE’s websites and support lines.