Does TRICARE cover genetic testing?

TRICARE covers genetic testing when it is medically necessary for clinical decision-making, including diagnostic testing for suspected genetic disorders, carrier screening when there is a family history of hereditary conditions, pharmacogenomic testing to guide medication selection, and prenatal genetic testing such as amniocentesis and cell-free DNA screening. Pre-authorization is typically required for genetic testing, and the test must be ordered by a TRICARE-authorized provider with appropriate clinical justification. TRICARE does not cover direct-to-consumer genetic tests, ancestry testing, or screening that lacks specific medical indications. Genetic counseling is a covered benefit and is recommended before and after certain genetic tests. Coverage decisions for newer genetic tests may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine medical necessity. Standard copays and cost-shares apply based on the beneficiary's plan and whether the testing laboratory is in the TRICARE network.