Understanding TRICARE Benefits: Coverage & Eligibility

TRICARE is a health care program available for members of the military, reserved guard, military retirees and their dependents.

Covered Services

• Numerous services are covered by TRICARE provided they are medically necessary and considered proven, such as immunization, maternity care, hospitalization and mental health care. TRICARE offers medical, dental, vision, mental health and prescription coverage.

Eligibility

• Active servicemen/women, retirees, dependents, and their survivors from the military services can access TRICARE by registering through the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. Sponsors (active, retired or reserves) are the only ones that can change beneficiaries. Several plans are available, sponsors can choose and evaluate plans on TRICARE's website.

Claim A Service

• TRICARE members do not usually need to file claims for services as TRICARE does so automatically. However, some services require members to pay first and then file a claim to be reimbursed. If the service is a covered expense, TRICARE will offer repayment and an explanation of what was paid.