How do TRICARE and VA health care work together?

Direct answer: You can have both at the same time and choose which to use per visit, but they don't coordinate like commercial insurance — TRICARE won't duplicate a payment VA already made or authorized for the same care.

Applies to: All TRICARE plans · All regions

Details

VA health care covers only the veteran; TRICARE also covers eligible family members. Service-connected care through the VA is often no-cost, while TRICARE has enrollment fees, premiums, or cost-shares depending on your plan. Many retirees use the VA for service-connected conditions and TRICARE for family care or anything not service-connected. Read VA health care for the VA side and TRICARE For Life when Medicare is also part of the coverage.

What to do next

Confirm this with your Primary Care Manager or regional contractor before scheduling — rules can vary by region and by service.