Tricare Disability: Understanding Severe Disability Requirements

Tricare is a health care program operated by the Department of Defense for military personnel, their families and survivors. It includes extended coverage for severely disabled persons, a determination of which must be made in order to qualify.

Branches Covered

• Tricare covers all seven uniformed services, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Definition

• According to the Department of Defense, a disabled family member is a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. A severe disability may exist if a medical review board has determined that there is a 30 percent or greater disability.

Services

• Special programs for persons with severe disabilities include durable medical equipment, home health care, hospice care, skilled nursing facility care and mental health care. Additional services are also available, depending on the special needs of the plan member.