Is Humana Military the Same as TRICARE?
As a military veteran or an active-duty personnel, understanding the healthcare benefits provided by your employer can be crucial in ensuring timely and effective medical care. Two popular healthcare programs used by military personnel are TRICARE and Humana Military. While both programs share some similarities, they have distinct differences. In this article, we’ll delve into the details and answer the question: Is Humana Military the same as TRICARE?
What is TRICARE?
TRICARE is a health program administered by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) for active-duty personnel, retirees, their families, and survivors. It was established in 1997 to provide a comprehensive health care system to those who have served or are currently serving in the military. TRICARE covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and surgeries.
What is Humana Military?
Humana Military is a health plan provider that offers TRICARE-covered services to eligible beneficiaries. In 1996, Humana became one of the first Medicare and Medicaid Advantage plans in the country, and later, it was awarded the TRICARE contract in 2003. Humana Military offers a range of health plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. The company is known for its comprehensive coverage, extensive network of providers, and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery.
Similarities between TRICARE and Humana Military
While Humana Military is a health plan provider under the TRICARE umbrella, the two share some similarities:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Both TRICARE and Humana Military provide comprehensive coverage for a range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and surgeries.
- Wide Network of Providers: Both programs have a vast network of healthcare providers, allowing beneficiaries to choose from a variety of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare services.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Both TRICARE and Humana Military offer 24/7 customer support for beneficiaries, ensuring that healthcare concerns are addressed promptly.
Differences between TRICARE and Humana Military
Despite the similarities, TRICARE and Humana Military have some key differences:
- Eligibility: TRICARE is a healthcare program for active-duty personnel, retirees, their families, and survivors, while Humana Military is a health plan provider that offers TRICARE-covered services to eligible beneficiaries.
- Cost: TRICARE is a government-run program, and its cost is typically lower than commercial health insurance plans. Humana Military, on the other hand, is a private health plan provider that may charge higher premiums or out-of-pocket costs compared to TRICARE.
- Plan Options: TRICARE offers multiple plan options, including the TRICARE Prime plan, TRICARE Extra, and TRICARE For Life. Humana Military, as a private health plan provider, may offer different plan options with varying levels of coverage, deductible, and copays.
Comparison of TRICARE and Humana Military Plans
Here’s a comparison of the TRICARE Prime plan and the Humana Military plan (also known as the Humana Military Supplemental Voluntary Enrollment Option or HMSVEO):
Service | TRICARE Prime | Humana Military HMSVEO |
---|---|---|
Premium | $12.95/month (Individual) | $43.94/month (Individual) |
Deductible | $0 | $250 |
Copay | $10 (urgent care), $20 (primary care) | $30 (urgent care), $40 (primary care) |
Prescription Medication | 25% of cost (after deductible) | 20% of cost (after deductible) |
Referrals | Required for specialist care | Required for specialist care |
Out-of-Network Coverage | Limited coverage (50% of cost) | No coverage (must use in-network providers) |
Conclusion
While TRICARE and Humana Military share some similarities, they are not the same. TRICARE is a government-run healthcare program for military personnel, retirees, and their families, while Humana Military is a private health plan provider that offers TRICARE-covered services to eligible beneficiaries. Understanding the differences between the two programs is crucial for military personnel to make informed decisions about their healthcare benefits. By weighing the pros and cons of each program, beneficiaries can choose the best option to suit their healthcare needs and financial situation.