Enrollment Fee
Quick Definition
Annual or monthly fee required to participate in certain TRICARE plans.
Key Takeaways
- Required annual or monthly payment for certain TRICARE plans
- Fees vary by plan, beneficiary category, and sponsor status
- Enrollment fees do not count toward the catastrophic cap
Full Definition
An enrollment fee is the annual or monthly payment required to participate in certain TRICARE plans. Enrollment fees vary based on your TRICARE plan, beneficiary category, and sponsor status. These fees are separate from deductibles, copayments, and cost-shares.
Enrollment fee structure: • Active duty members: No enrollment fees (TRICARE Prime is automatic and free) • Active duty family members: Varies by plan and rank • Retirees and families: Fees vary by plan, group, and individual vs. family enrollment
Plans with enrollment fees: • TRICARE Prime: Required for retirees (Group A and Group B rates) • TRICARE Select: Required for most beneficiary categories • TRICARE Reserve Select: Monthly premiums • TRICARE Young Adult: Monthly premiums • TRICARE Retired Reserve: Monthly premiums
Payment options: • Monthly allotment from retirement pay • Monthly electronic payment • Annual lump-sum payment (for some plans)
Key considerations: • Enrollment fees typically increase each calendar year • Fees do NOT count toward the catastrophic cap • Failure to pay enrollment fees can result in disenrollment • Group A retirees generally pay lower fees than Group B retirees
Understanding your enrollment fee obligations helps you budget for healthcare costs and avoid unexpected coverage disruptions.
Helpful Tips
- Set up automatic allotment from retirement pay to avoid missing enrollment fee payments.
- Check updated enrollment fee rates each year as they typically increase annually.
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.
How do I enroll in TRICARE?
Ensure you're registered in DEERS, then choose your plan during open enrollment or within 90 days of a qualifying life event.
Do I have to pay TRICARE Prime enrollment fees?
Active duty families pay no Prime enrollment fees. Retirees pay annual enrollment fees starting at $179 for individual or $358 for family in 2024.
How can I pay my TRICARE costs?
Pay enrollment fees, copays, and cost shares through allotment from military pay, credit/debit card, Easy Pay bank draft, or one-time payments online.
Related Terms
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