TRICARE FAQ
Get expert answers to common questions about TRICARE coverage, eligibility, and benefits with visual guides and video tutorials
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What is TRICARE?
TRICARE is the healthcare program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide.
Who is eligible for TRICARE?
Active duty members, retirees, National Guard/Reserve members, their families, survivors, and Medal of Honor recipients.
What is the difference between TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select?
TRICARE Prime is a managed care option with a primary care manager and lower costs. TRICARE Select offers more flexibility to choose providers with higher out-of-pocket expenses.
How much does TRICARE cost?
Costs vary by plan and beneficiary status. Active duty members have no costs. Retirees and their families pay enrollment fees and cost-shares.
How do I enroll in TRICARE?
Ensure you're registered in DEERS, then choose your plan during open enrollment or within 90 days of a qualifying life event.
What is TRICARE For Life and who qualifies?
TRICARE For Life is Medicare wraparound coverage for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries age 65+ who have Medicare Parts A and B.
How do I find a TRICARE provider?
Use the online provider directory on your regional contractor's website or call them directly for assistance.
Does TRICARE cover prescriptions?
Yes, TRICARE covers most prescriptions through military pharmacies, network pharmacies, and home delivery.
Does TRICARE cover my family members?
Yes, TRICARE covers eligible family members including spouses, children under 21 (or 23 if students), and children with disabilities.
Can my adult children get TRICARE coverage?
Yes, through TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) for qualified dependents ages 21-26 who are not eligible for employer health coverage.
How does TRICARE work when I'm stationed or living overseas?
TRICARE Overseas Program provides coverage outside the U.S. with regional contractors managing Prime and Select options.
What TRICARE options are available for Reserve and National Guard members?
Reserve and Guard members have TRICARE Reserve Select when not activated, and regular TRICARE when on active duty orders over 30 days.
Does TRICARE cover dental care?
TRICARE medical plans include limited dental (emergency only). Separate dental insurance available through FEDVIP program.
Does TRICARE cover mental health services?
Yes, TRICARE covers mental health services including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care with the same cost-shares as medical services.
What maternity and pregnancy services does TRICARE cover?
TRICARE covers comprehensive maternity care including prenatal visits, delivery, and postpartum care for all eligible beneficiaries.
Can I change my TRICARE plan and when?
You can change TRICARE plans during annual Open Enrollment (late fall) or within 90 days of a Qualifying Life Event.
How do TRICARE and Medicare work together?
TRICARE For Life works with Medicare for beneficiaries 65+ who have both Medicare Part A and B, with Medicare paying first and TRICARE second.
How does TRICARE cover emergency room visits and urgent care?
TRICARE covers emergency care worldwide without prior authorization. Visit nearest ER for emergencies; urgent care for non-emergencies.
Does TRICARE cover eye exams and glasses?
TRICARE covers medical eye care and exams for conditions/diseases. Routine vision exams and glasses require separate FEDVIP vision insurance.
What preventive care services does TRICARE cover?
TRICARE covers comprehensive preventive care at no cost including annual checkups, vaccines, cancer screenings, and wellness visits.
What's the difference between a referral and prior authorization?
Referrals allow you to see specialists (Prime requirement). Prior authorization is approval needed before certain services regardless of plan.
How does the TRICARE catastrophic cap work?
The catastrophic cap is your maximum annual out-of-pocket cost. Once reached, TRICARE pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the fiscal year.
Do surviving family members keep TRICARE after a service member dies?
Yes, surviving family members retain TRICARE coverage indefinitely if the sponsor died on active duty or after retirement with 20+ years of service.
Does TRICARE cover autism services and therapy?
Yes, TRICARE covers autism services including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy through the Autism Care Demonstration.
How much do prescriptions cost with TRICARE?
Prescription costs vary by location: military pharmacies are free, network pharmacies charge $13-$60 copays, and home delivery offers lower costs for 90-day supplies.