TRICARE & Military Libraries: Access and Resources
*TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program. For official government policy, visiting TRICARE.mil is recommended.*
## Quick answer While TRICARE does not provide library services directly, military libraries (MWR Libraries) are a core benefit for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries. These facilities provide free access to physical books, digital media, and academic journals that support the health literacy and professional development of service members and their families.
## In detail Libraries in the military ecosystem are managed under the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program, rather than the Defense Health Agency (DHA). However, they are intrinsically linked to TRICARE benefits because they serve as the primary hub for health information and military medical research.
### The DoD MWR Library System Virtually every major installation in the East Region (managed by Humana Military) and the West Region (managed by TriWest Healthcare Alliance) features a physical library. Additionally, the **DoD MWR Libraries website** provides a 24/7 digital portal.
Key services include: * **Medical and Scientific Databases:** Access to EBSCO and Gale databases, which contain peer-reviewed medical journals and health encyclopedias. * **CLEP and DSST Prep:** Educational resources for service members looking to advance their rank or medical certifications. * **Mental Health Resources:** Collections often include materials on PTSD, TBI, and military transitions. * **Digital Content:** Free access to Libby/OverDrive for eBooks and audiobooks, reducing out-of-pocket entertainment costs for families.
### Health Literacy and TRICARE Effective use of TRICARE often requires understanding complex medical terminology. Military libraries provide the tools for beneficiaries to: 1. **Research Diagnoses:** Look up evidence-based treatments before a specialist appointment. 2. **Verify Medications:** Use pharmaceutical guides to check for drug interactions (complementing the information provided by Express Scripts). 3. **Support IEPs:** Access specialized resources for families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) and TRICARE's Extended Care Health Option (ECHO).
### Access during Overseas Assignments For those covered by TRICARE Overseas (managed by International SOS), libraries are even more critical. In remote OCONUS locations, the post library is often the only reliable source for English-language medical references and educational materials for DODEA students.
## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Service Members:** Free access to professional military education (PME) and technical manuals. * **Active Duty Family Members:** Access to children's literacy programs and health databases. * **Retirees and Families:** Continued access to installation libraries and digital resources. * **TRICARE For Life Beneficiaries:** Research tools for managing age-related health conditions and Medicare coordination documents. * **EFMP Families:** Specialized materials to assist with the care of family members with chronic disabilities.
## Common scenarios * **The Researching Spouse:** A Navy spouse in the West Region (TriWest) is told their child may need an ABA therapy referral. They visit the installation library to access the "Consumer Health Complete" database to research TRICARE’s coverage requirements for autism services before calling their PCM. * **The Deploying Soldier:** An Army Sergeant preparing for a deployment to the East Region (Humana Military) downloads $200 worth of audiobooks for free via the DoD MWR Libby account, saving money that would otherwise be spent on commercial subscriptions. * ** The Student Retiree:** A retired Airman using TRICARE For Life uses the library’s academic databases to complete a nursing degree, accessing medical journals that would usually cost $35 per article.
## Related terms * **MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation):** The program that manages community support services, including libraries and fitness centers. * **DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System):** The database used to verify your identity and eligibility to check out library materials. * **EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program):** A mandatory enrollment program for families with special needs, often supported by library resources. * **ECHO (Extended Care Health Option):** A TRICARE supplemental program providing additional services for beneficiaries with specific chronic conditions. * **T-5 Contract:** The current TRICARE regional contract (effective 2025) involving Humana Military and TriWest.
## Sources * **DoD MWR Libraries:** https://www.dodmwrlibraries.org/ * **TRICARE Official Site:** https://www.tricare.mil/ * **Military OneSource:** https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance:** https://www.triwest.com/