Tricare health insurance offers several plans for military families.
Tricare health insurance offers several plans for military members and their families, as well as retired military service personnel. While Tricare offers a variety of options, keep in mind that you will have only a few choices based on your age, military status and location. Active duty members, for example, are automatically assigned to Tricare Prime, while their family members may choose from Tricare Standard or Tricare Prime based on personal preferences. Evaluate all of your options before you select the Tricare plan that is best for you and your family.
Instructions
1. Review the plans that match your age group. For example, if you are over age 65, you are eligible for Tricare for Life or U.S. Family Health Plan. People under age 65 have more options, with the ability to choose Tricare Prime, Standard, Extra or U.S. Family Health Plan.
2. Evaluate your ability to travel for appointments. If you do not have regular access to a vehicle, you may prefer to use Tricare Prime, which utilizes on-base physicians. While Tricare Standard and Extra enable you to select a civilian provider, you may need to travel longer distances to your appointments.
3. Consider how often you travel and whether you tend to get sick on vacation. While Tricare Prime does permit you to see doctors while you travel, you do need to get preapproval from Tricare. With Tricare Standard, you can see any Tricare-approved physician without the need to contact Tricare prior to your appointment. This makes urgent care or emergency visits less of a hassle for you.
4. Ask yourself whether you want to be seen by the same doctor on a regular basis or if you prefer to easily change physicians. Tricare Standard does not require you to utilize a primary care physician (PCM), but Tricare Prime and U.S. Family Health Plan both require you to schedule appointments with only one doctor. Extra appointments with specialists or a different physician require preapproval by Tricare or a referral from your PCM.
Tags: Tricare Prime, Tricare Standard, Family Health, Family Health Plan, Health Plan, While Tricare