Tricare stands as the cornerstone of the United States military’s healthcare program, functioning akin to government-administered health insurance. Under the oversight of the Pentagon’s Defense Health Agency, Tricare extends its coverage umbrella over millions of active and former service personnel, as well as their families.
Diversified into multiple coverage plans catering to distinct demographics within the military community, Tricare ensures comprehensive healthcare access. These encompass:
- Tricare Prime
- Tricare Select
- Tricare for Life
- Tricare Reserve Select
- Tricare Young Adult
- Tricare Dental Plan
Tricare Prime mirrors a civilian Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) model, assigning users a primary care manager and necessitating referrals for specialized care. Costs vary based on military service status, with active-duty families enjoying fee-free access when adhering to referral protocols, whereas retiree families incur out-of-pocket expenses.
Tricare Select resembles a civilian Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), granting users autonomy in selecting their primary care manager and enabling self-referral to specialists. While certain appointments incur no charges, others do, contingent upon the user’s service status and potential enrollment fees.
Tricare Reserve Select mirrors Tricare Select but mandates a monthly premium, tailored for traditional Guard and reservists.
Tricare for Life operates as a supplemental health coverage scheme for retirees and their spouses beyond the age of 65. Enrollees must also be registered in Medicare Part B and meet associated premium obligations.
Tricare Young Adult extends coverage to military dependents aged 21 to 25, either as full-time students or non-students. Enrollees are subject to enrollment fees stipulated by law.
The Tricare Dental Plan, managed by United Concordia, offers dental coverage purchasable by active-duty family members, Guard and Reserve members, and their families. Retirees, however, must procure dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).