What are the main differences between all TRICARE plans?
Quick Answer
TRICARE offers Prime, Select, For Life, Reserve Select, Retired Reserve, and Young Adult plans with varying costs, networks, and eligibility requirements.
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Key Takeaways
- Prime has lowest costs but requires PCM
- Select offers more flexibility
- TFL wraps around Medicare at 65
- Reserve/Young Adult are premium-based
Detailed Answer
TRICARE provides multiple health plan options tailored to different beneficiary groups.
TRICARE Prime
- Managed care (HMO-style)
- Requires Primary Care Manager
- Lowest out-of-pocket costs
- Active duty enrolled automatically
TRICARE Select
- Self-managed (PPO-style)
- No PCM required
- More provider flexibility
- Higher cost shares than Prime
TRICARE For Life
- Medicare wraparound coverage
- For Medicare-entitled beneficiaries
- No enrollment fee
- TRICARE pays after Medicare
TRICARE Reserve Select
- For Selected Reserve members
- Premium-based coverage
- Same benefits as Select
- Affordable family coverage
TRICARE Retired Reserve
- For "gray area" retirees under 60
- Premium-based coverage
- Coverage until retirement pay begins
TRICARE Young Adult
- For adult children 21-26
- Premium-based coverage
- Prime or Select options
Related TRICARE Terms
Related Questions
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.
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.
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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