Sesame Street for Military Families: Free TRICARE Support

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## Quick answer TRICARE covers the "Sesame Street for Military Families" resources as a free, non-clinical educational benefit provided through the Department of Defense (DoD). While it is not a medical procedure or "health plan" in the traditional sense, these resources are specifically designed to help families navigate military-specific challenges like deployment, injury, and relocation through age-appropriate multimedia content.

## In detail Sesame Street for Military Families is a partnership between Sesame Workshop and the Department of Defense. It is integrated into the holistic support system TRICARE and the Military Health System (MHS) provide to beneficiaries.

### Types of Support Available Because military life involves stressors that civilian life does not, these resources are structured around specific "Life Events" (a core focus of our TRICARE guidance): * **Deployments:** Resources to help children understand why a parent is leaving and how to stay connected. * **Relocation (PCS):** Tools to manage the anxiety of "moving house," which happens to military families at 3x the rate of civilian families. * **Injuries (Visible and Invisible):** Specific guides for families dealing with a parent's physical injury or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). * **Transitions to Civilian Life:** Support for the family unit as they leave active duty.

### How to Access the Benefit There are no copays or authorization requirements for these resources. Unlike a doctor's visit under TRICARE Select or Prime, these are "open access": 1. **Digital Platform:** The primary hub is the Sesame Street for Military Families website. 2. **Mobile Apps:** Apps like "Sesame Street for Military Families" are available for free on iOS and Android. 3. **Military OneSource:** TRICARE often coordinates with Military OneSource to distribute physical kits (DVDs, activity books) to families. 4. **On-Base Resources:** Pediatric clinics at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) often stock Sesame Street materials to help children during medical appointments.

## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Families:** Children of service members experiencing the "Coming Home" or "Going Away" phases of deployment. * **National Guard and Reserve:** Families who may be geographically separated from a military installation and need digital-first support. * **Wounded Warriors:** Families navigating the recovery process of a service member under the care of the TRICARE East (Humana Military) or West (TriWest) regions. * **Survivors:** Specific resources are available for families grieving the loss of a service member.

## Common scenarios **The PCS Move** The Miller family is moving from Fort Liberty (East Region) to JBLM (West Region) in 2026. Their 4-year-old is experiencing anxiety about the move. Instead of a clinical referral, the parents use the *Sesame Street for Military Families* "Big Moving Adventure" app. **Cost: $0.**

**Managing "Invisible" Injuries** A Retired Lead Petty Officer is receiving treatment via TriWest (TRICARE West) for PTSD. His spouse uses the "Talk, Listen, Connect" Sesame Street toolkit to explain his "invisible boo-boos" to their toddler. This supplements the veteran's clinical care with at-home educational support. **Cost: $0.**

**Deployment Preparation** An Air Force family is preparing for a six-month deployment. They order a "Stay Connected" kit through Military OneSource, which includes Elmo-themed activities for the child and the deploying parent. **Cost: $0.**

## Related terms * **Military OneSource:** A DoD-funded program providing comprehensive non-medical counseling and resources. * **MTF (Military Treatment Facility):** A military hospital or clinic where these resources are often distributed. * **Psychosocial Support:** Non-medical support that addresses the emotional and social needs of a patient or family. * **Resiliency:** The ability of military families to adapt to the unique stresses of service life. * **Life Events:** A TRICARE category for major changes like marriage, birth, or moving that trigger enrollment windows.

## Sources * **Sesame Street for Military Families:** https://sesamestreetformilitaryfamilies.org/ * **Military OneSource (DoD):** https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ * **TRICARE.mil - Support for Families:** https://www.tricare.mil/ParentResources