Understanding Your Military Health Insurance Benefits
|
|
|
In addition to the pay you earn in the service of your country, you are also entitled to medical benefits. The Department of Defense’s health care program for those in the armed forces is called TRICARE, which also has services for veterans and which all servicemembers should be aware of.
Who Is Eligible For TRICARE?Any member of any U.S. uniformed service, be it the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or Public Health Service. If you are on active duty, retired from active duty or the spouse or unmarried child (up to age 21) of an active duty servicemember or retiree, you are eligible for TRICARE. If you are a non-servicemember who has received the Medal of Honor, you and your family are eligible for TRICARE.
What Are Your TRICARE Options?You have three main options for health care coverage under TRICARE. TRICARE Prime covers treatment at Military Treatment Facilities. TRICARE Standard is a fee for service option that allows maximum flexibility since there is no primary care physician you must go through; however, there are deductibles and co-payments to consider. TRICARE Extra is a preferred provider option that is somewhat more economical than TRICARE Standard.
TRICARE For VeteransTRICARE currently has a great option for retired veterans known as TRICARE for Life. Any uniformed service retiree who is eligible for TRICARE and Medicare can participate in TRICARE for Life. TRICARE for Life covers the veteran with no enrollment fees; family members who wish to participate must pay Medicare Part B monthly premiums. TRICARE also has other programs for veterans such as TRICARE Pharmacy and TRICARE Dental.
Your health is important, both during your military service and beyond. Make sure you have the right TRICARE plan for you so that you can stay in good health while in the service and in your civilian life beyond.
|
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form
Del.icio.us
Digg