Does TRICARE cover annual wellness visits?
Quick Answer
TRICARE covers annual wellness visits and preventive care at no cost to all beneficiaries when using network providers. Covered services include physical exams, immunizations, cancer screenings, and health risk assessments.
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Key Takeaways
- Annual wellness visits are covered at no cost for all beneficiaries
- Preventive services include screenings, immunizations, and counseling
- Must use a network provider for $0 cost preventive care
- Follow-up care for problems discovered during a wellness visit has standard copays
Detailed Answer
TRICARE covers a wide range of preventive care and annual wellness services at no out-of-pocket cost to encourage beneficiaries to stay healthy.
Covered Preventive Services (No Cost)
- Annual physical examinations
- Well-child visits and developmental screenings
- Immunizations and vaccinations (per CDC schedule)
- Cancer screenings (breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate, lung)
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings
- Depression and behavioral health screenings
- Hearing and vision screenings
- Obesity screening and counseling
- Tobacco cessation counseling
Women's Preventive Services
- Annual gynecological exams
- Mammograms (annual for women 40+)
- Pap smears and HPV testing
- Prenatal care visits
- Breastfeeding support and supplies
- Contraception counseling and methods
- Osteoporosis screening for at-risk women
Children's Preventive Services
- Well-baby and well-child checkups
- Developmental and autism screening
- Immunizations per CDC schedule
- Vision and hearing screenings
- Lead screening
- Fluoride treatments and dental referrals
How to Get Your Wellness Visit
- TRICARE Prime: Schedule with your PCM at no cost
- TRICARE Select: Visit any network provider at no cost
- TRICARE For Life: Medicare covers preventive services, TFL covers remaining
- Use MTF services when available for guaranteed no-cost care
Important Details
- Preventive services must be provided by a network provider for $0 cost
- Non-network preventive services may have cost-shares
- If a problem is discovered during a wellness visit, follow-up care has standard copays
- Annual wellness visits are separate from sick visits
Recommended Screening Schedule
- Annual: Physical exam, blood pressure, depression screening
- Age 45+: Colorectal cancer screening
- Age 50+: Prostate screening discussion (men)
- Age 40+: Annual mammogram (women)
- As recommended: Immunization boosters and flu shots
Helpful Tips
- Schedule your annual wellness visit early in the year so you do not forget
- Ask your provider about all age-appropriate screenings during your visit
- Use your MTF for guaranteed free preventive care services
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.
What services does TRICARE cover?
TRICARE covers preventive care, doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery, mental health, maternity, prescriptions, and more with some requiring authorization.
What preventive care does TRICARE cover?
TRICARE covers annual physicals, immunizations, cancer screenings, well-child visits, and other preventive services at no cost with network providers.
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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