TRICARE Supplement

A TRICARE supplement is a private insurance policy designed to help cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with TRICARE coverage, such as copayments, deductibles, and cost-shares. These policies are offered by private insurance companies and are not part of the TRICARE program itself.

What TRICARE supplements typically cover: • Annual deductibles • Copayments for office visits and services • Cost-shares for inpatient and outpatient care • Excess charges from non-network providers (balance billing) • Some plans cover services not included in TRICARE

Types of TRICARE supplements: • TRICARE Select supplements: Cover deductibles, cost-shares, and excess charges • TRICARE Prime supplements: Cover copays and out-of-network costs • TRICARE For Life supplements: Cover costs above Medicare and TRICARE coverage

Who might benefit from a supplement: • Retirees with higher cost-sharing responsibilities • Families with frequent healthcare needs • Beneficiaries who regularly use non-network providers • Those who want to minimize unpredictable medical costs

Important considerations: • TRICARE supplements are NOT government programs • Monthly premiums vary by carrier, plan, and coverage level • Review policy terms carefully before purchasing • Not all supplements cover the same expenses • Compare multiple carriers to find the best value

TRICARE supplements can provide peace of mind by reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs, particularly for retirees and families with significant medical needs.