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What does TRICARE cost for active duty service members?
Verified by TRICARE.com Editorial Team
Updated 2024-12-01
AI-assisted (gemini, gpt-4o)
Quick Answer
Active duty pay nothing for TRICARE. No enrollment fees, premiums, copays, or deductibles. Healthcare is free as part of military service, including prescriptions at MTF.
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Key Takeaways
- Zero cost for active duty
- Automatically in Prime
- MTF prescriptions free
- Family has different costs
Detailed Answer
Active duty TRICARE is completely free:
No Costs for Active Duty
- No enrollment fees
- No monthly premiums
- No copays for care
- No cost-shares
- No deductibles
- Prescriptions at MTF: Free
- Prescriptions at retail: Free/minimal
Why It's Free
- Healthcare is a condition of service
- Maintains force readiness
- Part of military compensation
- Automatically enrolled in Prime
Where to Get Care
- Military Treatment Facilities (MTF)
- Network providers when referred
- Emergency care anywhere
The Only Costs
- TRICARE Dental Program: Optional premium
- Some non-covered services
- Non-network when not authorized
Family Costs
- Family can use TRICARE Prime (no enrollment fee)
- Family can use TRICARE Select (some cost-shares)
- Family prescriptions may have copays
Helpful Tips
- Use MTF for all care when possible
- Dental program is separate
- Family can choose plans
Sponsored
What do most military families add to their TRICARE coverage?
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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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