Uniformed Services
Quick Definition
The eight U.S. uniformed services whose members are eligible for TRICARE benefits.
Full Definition
The uniformed services are the eight federally funded services of the United States whose members are eligible for TRICARE and other military healthcare benefits. The term encompasses both the armed forces and other uniformed organizations.
The eight uniformed services: • U.S. Army • U.S. Navy • U.S. Marine Corps • U.S. Air Force • U.S. Space Force • U.S. Coast Guard • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps • U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps
TRICARE eligibility by service: • All uniformed service members are eligible for TRICARE • Family members and dependents are eligible based on sponsor's status • Retirees from all services maintain TRICARE eligibility • Reserve and Guard members have eligibility based on duty status
Important distinctions: • NOAA and USPHS members have the same TRICARE benefits as armed forces members • All uniformed service members are registered in DEERS • Benefits do not vary by branch of service • The Defense Health Agency administers TRICARE for all uniformed services
Understanding that TRICARE extends beyond the traditional military branches helps ensure all eligible uniformed service members and their families access their healthcare benefits.
Related Questions
Related Terms
Active Duty
Full-time service in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Beneficiary
Person eligible to receive TRICARE benefits.
Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System(DEERS)
Database of all individuals eligible for military benefits.
Defense Health Agency(DHA)
The agency that manages the Military Health System and administers TRICARE.
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