TRICARE Health Care Program & Benefits | Military OneSource (2024)

Health Care & Emotional Well-being

Benefit overview

TRICARE is the health care program for service members, retirees and their families worldwide. TRICARE provides comprehensive coverage, health plans, special programs, prescriptions and dental plans. Not all plans are available in all locations.

How this benefit helps

TRICARE helps service members and families by providing health care coverage.

TRICARE Health Care Program & Benefits | Military OneSource (2)

TRICARE covers health care

TRICARE brings together the health care resources of the Military Health System — such as military hospitals and clinics — with a network of civilian health care professionals, institutions, pharmacies and suppliers.

How to access this benefit

TRICARE offers different health care plans for different situations. There are plans for active-duty service members, their families, reservists, retirees and more. The TRICARE 101 webpage provides links to the available TRICARE plans, eligibility requirements and a care finder. To receive benefits through TRICARE, you must enroll in the plan that matches your situation. You can enroll online through the milConnect website. Click on the Benefits tab, and then click on Beneficiary Web Enrollment. Once enrolled, you will be notified by your regional contractor, and you can log in to milConnect to download your enrollment card. Once processed, you can click Find a Doctor. Call your regional TRICARE contractor with questions or if you have special circ*mstances.

TRICARE Health Care Program & Benefits | Military OneSource (2024)

FAQs

Is military OneSource the same as TRICARE? ›

While Military OneSource does not directly manage or facilitate any part of the TRICARE health benefits program, we want to make sure that you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family to live your best MilLife.

Who does TRICARE answer to? ›

TRICARE is managed by the Defense Health Agency under leadership of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs).

What does the TRICARE military health care system provide coverage for? ›

TRICARE is the health care program for service members, retirees and their families worldwide. TRICARE provides comprehensive coverage, health plans, special programs, prescriptions and dental plans.

What are the three types of TRICARE? ›

This fact sheet provides an overview of TRICARE health plans, including TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TRICARE For Life, and TRICARE Plus.

Is TRICARE free for the military? ›

Active duty service members pay nothing out-of-pocket. Active duty family members pay nothing unless using the point-of-service option. All other beneficiaries pay annual enrollment fees and network copayments.

What can Military OneSource do for you? ›

Military OneSource provides a wide range of support and confidential services, including: Military OneSource online services and webinars. Call center consultation and referral services. Language translation services for documents and for telephonic interpretation.

Who is not eligible for TRICARE? ›

TRICARE does not cover every veteran: While retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, and their families are typically eligible for TRICARE health insurance, other separated service personnel are generally not. Veterans who don't qualify for TRICARE are typically eligible for medical services through the VA health system.

What does TRICARE not cover? ›

In general, TRICARE excludes services and supplies that are not medically or psychologically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of a covered illness (including mental disorder), injury, or for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy or well-child care.

Is TRICARE a PPO or HMO? ›

Is TRICARE a HMO or PPO? Both. TRICARE has HMO (managed care) plan options (the various Prime plans, as well as US Family Health Plan) and PPO options (Select, Select Overseas, Reserve Select, and Retired Reserve).

What is the best TRICARE coverage? ›

“For example, if you want a primary care manager to coordinate your care, TRICARE Prime might be right for you. If you would prefer more flexibility when picking specialty providers, consider TRICARE Select.”

Who qualifies for TRICARE most? ›

Who is eligible for TRICARE?
  • Uniformed Service members and their families.
  • National Guard and Reserve members and their families under federal orders more than 30 consecutive days or at the discretion of the state governor.
  • Survivors.
  • Certain former spouses.
  • Medal of Honor recipients and their families.

Are all veterans eligible for TRICARE? ›

Not all veterans are eligible for TRICARE. Your Service decides if you and your family members are eligible. They report the information in DEERS. To learn more, visit the TRICARE Eligibility page.

What is a Military OneSource provider? ›

Military OneSource from the Defense Department is your 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources and confidential help. When MilLife happens, it's your “first line of support” — giving service members and military families tools to stay well and thrive. Call us anytime at 800-342-9647 — we're here for you.

What website replaced TRICARE? ›

MHS GENESIS is the secure patient portal to access your Military Health System health record and virtually interact with your health care team. There are three ways to access your medical information MHS GENESIS through a DS Logon Account.

What is the new name for TRICARE standard? ›

In 2018, TRICARE Select replaced TRICARE Standard and Extra. TRICARE Select is a self-managed, preferred provider network plan.

What did TRICARE used to be called? ›

TRICARE replaced the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) program in 1993.

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