Continuing with our New Navy Wife Kit, this blog will give you a general overview of TRICARE. It is important to again note that in order to be covered under TRICARE you must first be enrolled in DEERS. For information regarding how to enroll in DEERS please read the first blog in AllMyLove Gifts & Apparel’s New Navy Wife Kit.

What Is TRICARE?

So what is TRICARE? TRICARE is a major component of the Military Heath System. It is available to Active Duty Service Members, National Guard and Reservists, Retirees, family members, and some former spouses. In order to be eligible you must be enrolled in DEERS (Defense Eligibility Enrollment System).

TRICARE Plans

TRICARE is divided into different regions (North, South, West, etc) and has several different plans that offer a variety of different coverage options.

TRICARE for Life (TFL)

Is a plan available to those who are eligible for Medicare; Individuals must have Medicare Parts A and B. TFL acts like a secondary payer, whereas Medicare would be your primary insurance. For more information regarding TFL please check out the following link:

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Plans/ForLife

Global Remote Overseas (TGRO)

Is a TRICARE Prime option offered Service Members and their families who are in designated remote locations that are overseas. Physicians who are in their core network are those who have graduated from an accredited medical school. For more information regarding TGRO, please check out the following link:

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Plans/GlobalRemoteOverseas

TRICARE Prime

Is generally considered the TRICARE plan with the most affordable and comprehensive coverage. There are no enrollment fees needed for Active Duty Service Members and their families. With this plan, your PCM (Primary Care Manager) generally takes care of your healthcare needs, and gives you referrals to specialists. For more information regarding TRICARE Prime, please see the following link:

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Plans/Prime

TRICARE Prime Remote

With this plan, it is important to note that a remote location is one of which is 50 or more miles away from a military treatment facility. This plan is similar to TRICARE Prime, but for Active Duty Services members and family who are assigned to remote duty stations within the United States. For more information regarding this plan, please check the following link below:

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Plans/PrimeRemote

TRICARE Prime Overseas

Like TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Overseas has no enrollment fees. This plan is available to Active Duty Members as well as their families who are residing with them in overseas areas where TRICARE Prime Overseas is available. For more information regarding this plan please see the following link:

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Plans/PrimeOverseas

TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)

Is a plan that may be purchased by qualified National Guard and Reservists. There is no assigned PCM with this plan; however, monthly premiums must be paid. Failure to do so may result in enrollment lockout and/or disenrollment. For more information regarding this plan, please visit the following link:

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Plans/ReserveSelect

TRICARE Standard and Extra

Is a plan that gives you more options with regard to Providers. You will pay out of pocket fees, but in return you can seek care through any TRICARE authorized provider both in and out of the network. There is an Extra option that is resembles a Preferred Provider Option to reduce out of pocket costs. For more information regarding this plan, please visit the link below:

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Plans/StandardExtra

TRICARE Standard Extra Overseas

Is a plan that resembles TRICARE Standard with the exception this plan applies to those who are stationed in overseas areas. The TRICARE Extra option is not available with this plan; there is also no assigned PCM. For more information regarding this plan, please visit the link below:

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Plans/StandardOverseas

TRICARE Dental

TRICARE Dental is a premium based dental insurance program administered by United Concordia Companies, Inc. TRICARE Dental is available to Active Duty Family Members, USNG and Reservists (who are not on Active Duty Orders), and family members of USNG and Reserves. In order to enroll into the program, the Sponsor must have at least 12 months remaining on contract (this can sometimes be waived). To learn more about TRICARE Dental please visit the following link:

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/Dental/DentalProgram

TRICARE can often be confusing and at times daunting. That being said, TRICARE has a great tool to help individuals figure out which plans they are eligible for. It is called their Plan Wizard. This tool can be found here:

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/PlanWizard.jsp

I do hope this blog has helped you learn a little bit about the Military Healthcare System. To review any of the information listed above you should visit the Official TRICARE Overview Website (http://www.tricare.mil). Stay tuned to learn about the Family Readiness Group and the Ombudsman in the next blog!

Last update : 07/27/2009 11:32 AM

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