TRICARE Letters: Proof of Coverage & Authorizations
*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or the official TRICARE program. For the most current official policy, visit TRICARE.mil.*
## Quick answer In the TRICARE system, "letters" typically refer to official correspondence regarding your eligibility, authorizations for care, or your Enrollment Fees/Premiums. These documents—such as the **Verification of Coverage** letter—are essential for proving you have minimum essential health coverage or for securing specialty care through TriWest (West) or Humana Military (East).
In detail
Letters serve as the primary legal and administrative communication between the Defense Health Agency (DHA), regional contractors, and the beneficiary. Because TRICARE does not always issue physical insurance cards (your Military ID serves as your card), these letters are your proof of insurance.
Types of TRICARE Letters
* **Proof of Coverage (Verification Letter):** This is the most common document. It confirms that you are currently enrolled in a plan like TRICARE Prime or Select. You often need this for school registration, new employment, or applying for other supplemental insurance. * **Authorization/Referral Letters:** If you are in TRICARE Prime and your Primary Care Manager (PCM) refers you to a specialist, your regional contractor (Humana Military or TriWest) will issue an authorization letter. This letter contains your **Authorization Number**, the date range the approval is valid, and the number of visits allowed. * **Disenrollment Letters:** Sent if you fail to pay premiums (e.g., for TRICARE Reserve Select) or if you lose eligibility (e.g., reaching age 21 or 23 if not a full-time student). * **Debt Collection/Late Payment Letters:** Notification that your monthly allotment or credit card payment failed for your 2026 enrollment fees.
### How to Get Your Letters As of 2026, most letters are delivered electronically via the **milConnect** portal or your regional contractor's secure login.
1. **milConnect (DEERS):** Go to the "Correspondence/Documentation" tab to generate a "Proof of Coverage" letter instantly. 2. **Regional Portals:** Log in to Humana Military (East) or TriWest (West) to download specific medical authorization letters. 3. **Express Scripts:** For pharmacy-related issues, such as prior authorizations for specific medications, Express Scripts will mail a determination letter.
### 2026 Important Document Deadlines | Action | Required Documentation | | :--- | :--- | | **New Enrollment** | Enrollment confirmation letter sent within 30 days. | | **Referral Approval** | Usually available online within 3–5 business days. | | **Appeals** | Must be filed via written letter within 90 days of a denial. |
## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Families:** Need authorization letters for all specialty care and Verification of Coverage for civilian school or sports programs. * **National Guard and Reserve:** Require Proof of Coverage letters to show employers they have met the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements via TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS). * **Retirees:** Must monitor letters regarding 2026 enrollment fee updates and "Age 65" transition letters explaining the move to TRICARE For Life (TFL). * **Providers:** Rely on the authorization letter to ensure they will be reimbursed for services rendered.
Common scenarios
**Scenario 1: Starting a New Job** Sarah, a spouse of a Navy Veteran enrolled in TRICARE Select, starts a new job in July 2026. Her employer asks for proof of health coverage to waive the company plan. Sarah logs into **milConnect**, selects "Proof of Coverage," and downloads a PDF letter instantly to satisfy her employer's HR department.
**Scenario 2: The Specialty Referral** Mark is enrolled in TRICARE Prime in the West Region. His PCM refers him to a cardiologist. Mark must wait for his **Authorization Letter** from **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** before booking the appointment. If he goes before the letter is issued, he may be charged Point-of-Service fees, which include a **$300 deductible** for 2026.
**Scenario 3: Premium Non-Payment** A TRICARE Reserve Select member misses two months of premiums because their credit card expired. They receive a **Notice of Disenrollment** letter. They now face a 90-day lockout period unless they can prove the failure to pay was due to an administrative error.
## Related terms * **DEERS:** The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System; the database that generates your eligibility letters. * **Authorization Number:** A unique code found on referral letters that tells a doctor the care has been pre-approved for payment. * **Explanation of Benefits (EOB):** Not a bill, but a letter sent after a doctor's visit explaining what TRICARE paid and what you owe. * **milConnect:** The official Department of Defense web portal used to manage benefits and print coverage letters. * **Summary of Benefits:** A document (often in letter format) outlining what your specific 2026 plan covers.
## Sources * **TRICARE.mil Proof of Coverage:** [https://www.tricare.mil/proofofcoverage](https://www.tricare.mil/proofofcoverage) * **milConnect / DEERS:** [https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/](https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/) * **Humana Military (East):** [https://www.humanamilitary.com/](https://www.humanamilitary.com/) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West):** [https://www.triwest.com/](https://www.triwest.com/)高速公路收费站收费亭内。