What is the TRICARE program? TRICARE is the uniformed forces health care program for active duty service members (ADSMs), active duty family members (ADFMs), members of the National Guard and Reserve and their families, retirees and retiree family members, survivors, and some former spouses abroad.
TRICARE combines the health care resources of the Military Health System, such as military hospitals and clinics, with a network of civilian health care professionals, institutions, pharmacies, and suppliers in order to promote, protect, maintain, and restore the health of those entrusted to their care.
Your eligibility for TRICARE is determined by your service personnel office. TRICARE beneficiaries include:
- Families of service members on active duty
- Families of National Guard/Reserve members
- retired military personnel and their families
- Retired Reserve personnel and their families
- Beneficiaries eligible for TRICARE and Medicare
- Survivors
- Children
- Former spouses
- Medal of Honor honorees and families
- Dependent parents and parents-in-law
- Foreign Force members and families
To determine your eligibility, you must first ensure that your DEERS profile is up-to-date. Then, you may log onto milConnect to determine your TRICARE eligibility. Find out more
Is Tricare the greatest insurance?
Tricare, generally considered the gold standard for medical coverage, is government sponsored health insurance. Understanding Tricare can allow you to maximize your advantages.
TRICARE provides a range of health care plans and coverage alternatives, including vision and dental care, pharmacy services, and coverage for additional needs, such as cancer treatment and hospice care. In certain instances, TRICARE coverage may be combined with other insurance.
Medicaid or Tricare payment comes first.
Other Health Insurance Exceptions – The sole exemption to this regulation is if you have other government insurance. Medicare, Medicaid, VA health care, and Indian Health Service coverage are examples of additional federal health insurance. If you have one of these insurance, they will pay before Tricare. Tricare pays first if you are treated for a non-covered ailment.