Understanding TRICARE Coverage at VA Facilities: A Guide for Veterans

Tricare is a medical insurance offered through U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to all service members who retire or become 100 percent disabled during service. Tricare insurance is available to veterans and their families.If you are a disabled veteran, you can receive treatments at your local VA hospital using your Tricare insurance plan.

Instructions

New Patient

• 1

  Bring your DD-214 to the hospital's registration area. Fill out paperwork that asks for information on previous medical care, disabilities, name, address, phone number, and other personal information.

• 2

  Give registration clerk your Tricare insurance card. A federal law requires veterans to present a health insurance cards if they are covered by insurance other VA healthcare.

• 3

  Sit for a picture for your VA photo ID. It will be mailed to your address within 7-10 days. You must present it at every doctor or hospital visit.

Previously-registered Patients

• 4

  Present your VA ID Card at registration. A clerk may scan your card or ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

• 5

  Inform the registration worker that you want to add new health insurance to your record. The registration worker will bring up your account information on a computer.

• 6

  Present your Tricare insurance card to the clerk. You will need your Tricare insurance card for all medical treatment.