VETERANS AND VETERANS FAMILIES
APPLYING FOR TRICARE
For those who serve, have served, and their families, receiving quality health
care is a necessity. They have sacrificed enough for this country and they
deserve the best. TRICARE, a comprehensive health care program operated
by the Department of Defense (DoD) acts as a protective umbrella for
veterans and their families. TRICARE has a wide-range coverage and ensures
quality health care for veterans and their families, wherever they might be.
In the following context, you will find out everything you need to know about
TRICARE and more, so keep reading.
TRICARE: Types of Plans
Here are the different types of plans offered by TRICARE.
TRICARE Prime- offers comprehensive coverage with a Primary Healthcare
Manager (PCM). You can choose a PCM after enrolling. This plan features
low or no copays, and access to military hospitals and clinics.
TRICARE Extra- if you want to choose your healthcare provider but with
reduced out-of-pocket costs, Extra is the go-to TRICARE plan. This plan
requires no referrals for specialty care and provides access to a network
of providers with lower copays.
TRICARE Standard- if you want to choose any provider anywhere, TRICARE
Standard is the best plan for you. Although it charges higher copays, it more
than makes up for that with no referrals and no network restrictions.
TRICARE for Life- a dedicated plan for Medicare-eligible veterans and their
families, TRICARE for Life offers no network restrictions and supplemental
coverage with low or no copays.
US Family Health Plan- this plan is a community-based health care option
for veterans living in designated areas. Family Health Plan also offers access
to civilian health care providers.
TRICARE: Eligibility Criteria
If you fall in one of the following categories, you are eligible for TRICARE.
Active-duty & Retired military personnel
Veterans with duty-connected disabilities
Recipients of the Medal of Honor
Family members i.e. Spouses, Children, and other family members
Certain former spouses
TRICARE: How to Apply?
a Plan- choose one of the plans listed above that best meets your
requirements and satisfies your needs.
Gather Documents- gather the documents required to apply for TRICARE i.e.
Military ID, SSN, birth certificate for family members, and marriage
certificate for spouses.
Enroll via Website- visit the TRICARE website online and get yourself enrolled.
Fill in the Application- download and fill the form DD Form 2876 from
the TRICARE website and afterward, submit it via mail or fax.
TRICARE: Tips for Applying
Here are a few tips to help you with the TRICARE application process.
Update your information with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility
Reporting System (DEERS) to see if you are eligible.
When applying, review the plan you are choosing thoroughly and
understand its coverage and limitations.
If you are required to pay, pay premiums to maintain your coverage.
And lastly, take advantage of the preventive care services offered by
TRICARE.
Conclusion
TRICARE is a healthcare plan dedicated to veterans, present and retired, and
their families. If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran, you
are eligible for TRICARE’s quality health care plans. Just choose one of its plans,
fill out the application form, and mail it or fax it to TRICARE. If you want
additional help, you can always contact TRICARE representatives anytime
via the website or phone.