TRICARE Benefits for Veterans: Eligibility & Coverage

TRICARE provides affordable health care for active duty military members and their families. There are several plans from which to choose and include pharmacy benefits, dental options, and a vision plan. Transitional benefits may be available when a service member separates from the military.

From Active Duty to Retirement

• Service members on active duty receive TRICARE benefits.

  A service member must enroll in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). While on active duty, they are enrolled in a TRICARE Prime plan. Upon retirement, the service member can change the type of plan for themselves and their family. Moving to a different location can impact the service member's eligible benefits.

Changes in Benefits

• Active duty service members do not pay fees for their TRICARE benefits and there are minimal fees for family members. As a retiree, there are enrollment fees and copayments.

Veterans Health Administration

• Any service member who served on active duty is eligible to enroll in Veterans Administration (VA) health care benefits. The VA no longer only provides services to those with service-connected disabilities. Veterans are assigned to one of eight categories based on service-connected disability, income level and other factors. VA coverage includes preventative medicine and primary care as well as nursing home care and dental services.