Healthcare & TRICARE: Clarity for Your Care
Understanding your military healthcare benefits shouldn't be a battle. We provide plain-language guides to TRICARE options, eligibility, and costs for service members, veterans, and families.
TRICARE Plan Comparison
Find the plan that fits your status and your family's needs. Coverage varies based on your location and duty status.
| Plan Name | Primary Audience | Key Features | Enrollment Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRICARE Prime | Active Duty & Families | HMO-style, managed care with a PCM | $0 for Active Duty |
| TRICARE Select | Active Duty Families & Retirees | PPO-style, flexible provider choice | Varies by Group |
| Reserve Select (TRS) | Selected Reserve & Families | Premium-based health plan | Monthly Premiums |
| TRICARE For Life | Medicare-Eligible Retirees | Secondary payer to Medicare | $0 (Must have Part B) |
Navigating Enrollment & Costs
Follow these critical steps to secure your coverage and manage your out-of-pocket expenses effectively.
Verify DEERS Eligibility
Your eligibility for TRICARE is managed through the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. Ensure your information is current.
Choose Your Plan
Select between Prime (managed care) or Select (preferred provider) based on your location and preference for flexibility.
Enroll via BENE Online
Use the Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BENE) portal to submit your application or change your plan during Open Season.
Monitor Catastrophic Caps
Understand your maximum out-of-pocket limit. Once reached, TRICARE pays 100% of covered services for the remainder of the year.
Healthcare During Life Events
Major life changes impact your coverage. Here is how to handle common transitions.
PCS Move
You must transfer your enrollment to your new region. Contact your new regional contractor within 90 days.
Deployment
Families may have more flexibility. Active duty members remain on Prime; families can switch plans if needed.
Retirement
Transition to TRICARE Select or Prime as a retiree. Enrollment fees apply. Dental coverage shifts to FEDVIP.
VA Transition
Learn how VA healthcare and TRICARE work together. Some services may overlap while others are distinct.
Guides & Checklists
Downloadable tools and official links to help you manage your healthcare status.
Newborn Enrollment Guide
A 5-step checklist for adding a child to DEERS and TRICARE coverage.
Provider Search Tool
Find authorized network providers in your current or upcoming duty station.
Claims & Appeals
How to dispute a denied claim or find the status of an existing medical bill.
Medical Records Request
Standard forms for requesting or transferring your military health records.
Recent Policy Changes
Stay informed about the latest alerts and status changes affecting military healthcare.
New pharmacy network adjustments have taken effect. Some retail pharmacies may no longer be in-network. Check the updated list to avoid higher co-pays for prescriptions filled at non-network locations.
Annual enrollment fees for TRICARE Select Group A and B retirees have been adjusted for the new calendar year. Ensure your allotments are updated to prevent coverage lapse.
New pilot programs are expanding telehealth mental health services for Guard and Reserve members. No referral is required for the first eight sessions with a network provider.
Get in Touch
Have questions about a briefing or need to report a policy change? Our team is here to help.
Briefing Clarifications
Need more detail on a specific healthcare policy we covered? Reach out for a clearer explanation.
Corrections & Tips
Help us keep our briefings accurate. Submit corrections or policy tips directly to our editors.
Media & Partnerships
For press inquiries or partnership opportunities regarding military family health advocacy.