What is TRICARE Standard?

TRICARE Standard was the original fee-for-service option in the TRICARE program that gave beneficiaries maximum flexibility to see any TRICARE-authorized provider without referrals or network restrictions. Under Standard, beneficiaries paid annual deductibles and then cost-shares (typically 20% for active duty families and 25% for retirees) for covered services. Providers were not required to accept the TRICARE-allowable charge, so beneficiaries could face balance billing up to 15% above the allowable amount. TRICARE Standard did not require enrollment or enrollment fees, and was available to all TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries. On January 1, 2018, TRICARE Standard was replaced by TRICARE Select as part of reforms mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017. TRICARE Select maintained the provider flexibility of Standard but added enrollment requirements, modified cost-sharing structures, and incentivized the use of network providers with lower cost-shares. Former Standard beneficiaries were transitioned to Select and now must actively enroll during Open Season or following a qualifying life event.