It is important to protect your assets from unexpected health-care costs. As long as you are active duty, health care for you and your family is provided by the military.

TRICARE Coverage
Options	Description
TRICARE Prime	Active duty servicemembers are automatically covered at no cost and are seen in a military treatment facility (MTF). Family members may also be seen in an MTF if space is available. No enrollment fee, annual deductible or co-payments for care by TRICARE network providers for family members of active duty servicemembers enrolled in Prime. Co-payments still remain for those with TRICARE Prime for prescription drugs and Prime Point of Service claims.
TRICARE Extra	Allows participants to select a physician, hospital or other medical provider listed in the TRICARE Provider Directory. No requirement to enroll. Expenses include deductibles and co-payments.
TRICARE Standard	Allows military retirees to seek an authorized provider of choice. No requirement to enroll. Greatest flexibility in the choice of providers. Most expensive of the three options.
TRICARE For Life	Requires enrollment in Medicare Part B. Provides lifetime health care for those retired from military service who are Medicare-eligible (age 65 and older) and their Medicare-eligible family member. Covers most out-of-pocket costs after Medicare has paid its share.

Separating From The Military

If you leave the military before retirement, you can purchase health insurance similar to TRICARE for up to 18 months for servicemembers and up to 36 months for family members. Group health-care coverage is usually available through civilian employers. Individual health insurance can be expensive; if you cannot get insurance through your employer and you are not eligible for TRICARE or VA medical care, investigate group health insurance obtained through a professional organization, club or alumni association.

When you retire from the military, health care from military facilities may be limited and most retirees will turn to the TRICARE program.

TRICARE Supplements

TRICARE supplements are available to pickup expenses that may remain after TRICARE pays its share of covered benefits. TRICARE coverage generally leaves little that is uncovered that a supplement plan would have to pickup, so review your benefits closely to understand whether paying for a supplement makes sense for you.

For more information about TRICARE, visit www.tricare.mil

The USAA Educational Foundation’s publications, Life After The Military and Separating From The National Guard And Reserves, offer additional information.

Next: If Coverage Or Plans Change

Updated Thursday, October 01, 2009

HELPFUL FORMS & LISTS

Comparing Health Insurance Plans

Comparing Costs Of Health Insurance Plans