Can You Still Get TRICARE After the Military?
When a military service member retires or leaves the military, one of the most common concerns is what will happen to their healthcare benefits. TRICARE is a health insurance program administered by the US Department of Defense (DoD) that provides medical and pharmacy benefits to military personnel, retirees, and their families. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question: Can you still get TRICARE after the military?
Eligibility for TRICARE After the Military
To be eligible for TRICARE after the military, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:
- Being a retired military member (active duty or reserve) with 20 or more years of service
- Being a survivor of a military member who died on active duty or as a result of a service-connected injury or illness
- Being a dependent of a military member or retiree who is eligible for TRICARE
- Being a former spouse of a military member or retiree who is eligible for TRICARE (only applicable for those who were married to the military member at the time of their retirement or death)
Types of TRICARE Coverage After the Military
TRICARE offers several types of coverage for eligible beneficiaries. These include:
- TRICARE Reserve Select: A voluntary, fee-based program for Selected Reserve members who are not eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Extra
- TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRICARE Retiree Dental Program – TRDP): A dental insurance program for eligible retirees and their families
- TRICARE for Life (TFL): A Medicare-wraparound program for eligible retirees who are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B
- CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs): A health benefits program for eligible spouses and children of veterans who have a permanent and total service-connected disability or who have died as a result of a service-connected injury or illness
TRICARE Prime vs. TRICARE Extra
TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Extra are two types of TRICARE coverage that are commonly used by retirees and their families. Here are some key differences between the two:
| Feature | TRICARE Prime | TRICARE Extra |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $150 per month | $283 per month |
| Co-payments | $15 per doctor visit, $30 per hospital outpatient visit | $30 per doctor visit, $60 per hospital outpatient visit |
| Referrals | Required for specialist care | No referrals required |
| Network Providers | Limited to TRICARE Prime network providers | Limited to TRICARE Extra network providers |
How to Enroll in TRICARE After the Military
To enroll in TRICARE after the military, you will need to follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility: Determine if you are eligible for TRICARE based on your military service and other factors.
- Choose a TRICARE plan: Select the type of TRICARE coverage that is best for you and your family.
- Enroll in TRICARE: Complete the TRICARE enrollment process, which may include providing required documentation and paying any applicable fees.
- Update your beneficiary information: Ensure that your TRICARE records are up-to-date by providing any required information and notifying TRICARE of any changes to your family or household.
Conclusion
TRICARE is a valuable health insurance program that provides medical and pharmacy benefits to military personnel, retirees, and their families. While there are certain requirements and eligibility criteria for TRICARE coverage after the military, many retirees and their families are able to continue receiving this important benefit. By understanding the different types of TRICARE coverage and the enrollment process, you can ensure that you and your family receive the healthcare benefits you need.
