TRICARE Glossary
Clear definitions of military healthcare terms—making TRICARE easier to understand
Expert Definitions
All terms researched from official TRICARE documentation and healthcare guidelines for accurate, trustworthy definitions.
Video Guides
Select terms include curated YouTube videos to help visualize concepts and understand complex healthcare topics.
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A
Active Duty
🔊 AK-tiv DOO-tee
Full-time service in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Active Duty Family Member
ADFM
🔊 AK-tiv DOO-tee FAM-uh-lee MEM-ber
Eligible family members of active duty service members.
Allowable Charge
🔊 uh-LOW-uh-buhl CHARJ
Maximum amount TRICARE will pay for a covered service.
C
Catastrophic Cap
🔊 kat-uh-STROF-ik KAP
Maximum out-of-pocket expenses for covered services each fiscal year.
Claim
🔊 KLAYM
Request for payment of covered medical services.
Copayment
🔊 KOH-pay-ment
Fixed amount you pay for covered services.
Cost-Share
🔊 KAWST-shair
Percentage of costs you pay for covered services.
D
E
P
T
TRICARE For Life
TFL
🔊 TRY-kair for LYFE
Medicare wraparound coverage for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries age 65+.
TRICARE Prime
🔊 TRY-kair PRYME
Managed care option with assigned PCM and lowest costs.
TRICARE Select
🔊 TRY-kair seh-LEKT
Self-managed option with provider choice and flexibility.