Can I have TRICARE and employer insurance at the same time?
Quick Answer
Yes, you can have TRICARE and employer insurance simultaneously. When you have other health insurance (OHI), TRICARE coordinates benefits as the secondary payer, covering remaining costs after your employer plan pays first.
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Key Takeaways
- You can have both TRICARE and employer insurance at the same time
- Employer insurance pays first, TRICARE pays second
- Report your other health insurance to DEERS and your TRICARE contractor
- Having both can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs
Detailed Answer
Having both TRICARE and employer-sponsored health insurance is allowed and can be financially beneficial. TRICARE coordinates benefits with other health insurance (OHI) to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
How Coordination of Benefits Works
- Your employer insurance pays first as the primary payer
- TRICARE pays second as the secondary payer
- TRICARE covers most remaining costs after your employer plan pays
- This can result in little to no out-of-pocket expenses for covered services
Benefits of Having Both
- Lower overall out-of-pocket costs
- Broader provider access (use either network)
- TRICARE covers gaps left by employer insurance
- Additional prescription drug coverage options
- Catastrophic cap protection through TRICARE
Important Requirements
- You must report your OHI to your TRICARE contractor and DEERS
- Failure to report OHI can result in claims processing issues
- Update DEERS with your employer insurance information
- Provide policy numbers and coverage details
How to Report Other Health Insurance
- Update DEERS online through milConnect
- Visit an ID card office in person
- Call DMDC at 1-800-538-9552
- Contact your regional TRICARE contractor
Special Considerations
- If your employer plan has a high deductible, TRICARE can help cover deductible costs
- TRICARE does not pay premiums for employer insurance
- Employer coverage does not replace TRICARE benefits
- You may still need TRICARE enrollment (Prime or Select) to use TRICARE as secondary
When Employer Insurance Is Primary
- For active duty family members with employer coverage
- For retirees with employer coverage (under 65)
- TRICARE is always secondary to employer-based insurance
- Exception: Active duty service members always have TRICARE as primary
For Retirees with Medicare
- At age 65, Medicare becomes primary
- TRICARE For Life becomes secondary to Medicare
- Employer coverage coordination depends on employer size and plan rules
Helpful Tips
- Always report other health insurance to DEERS to avoid claims issues
- Use your employer insurance first, then submit remaining costs to TRICARE
- Compare total costs of both plans to determine the best strategy for each service
Related TRICARE Terms
Related Questions
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.
Can I have TRICARE and other health insurance?
Yes, you can have TRICARE with other health insurance. TRICARE coordinates benefits and usually pays after other insurance.
What are the main differences between all TRICARE plans?
TRICARE offers Prime, Select, For Life, Reserve Select, Retired Reserve, and Young Adult plans with varying costs, networks, and eligibility requirements.
What do most military families add to their TRICARE coverage?
Supplemental health insurance is the most common addition — it covers dental, vision, and out-of-pocket costs that TRICARE leaves uncovered. Life insurance and a legal will are also highly recommended.
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