Topic
Healthcare — TRICARE
Medical, dental, mental health, vision, and pharmacy benefits for service members, families, and retirees.
Overview
TRICARE is the DoD's worldwide health care program. Active-duty members receive free coverage; family members and retirees enroll in one of several TRICARE plans, with costs varying based on retirement status, plan type, and when you joined the military.
TRICARE Prime (HMO-style)
Free for active duty and their families. You're assigned a Primary Care Manager (PCM) at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF) or in the civilian network. PCM manages most care; specialty referrals required. Lowest out-of-pocket cost but least flexibility. Retirees on Prime pay a modest annual enrollment fee ($363–$726 in 2025).
TRICARE Select (PPO-style)
Fee-for-service with more flexibility. See any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral. Active duty family members pay no premium but small copays apply. Retirees pay annual deductibles ($168–$337 individual / $336–$675 family in 2025) and cost-shares (~15–25% of negotiated rate). Better choice if you want maximum provider flexibility.
TRICARE Reserve Select
For Selected Reserve members (and their families) not on active duty. Monthly premium (~$54 individual / $244 family in 2025) — much cheaper than civilian plans. Behaves like TRICARE Select for coverage.
TRICARE for Life (TFL)
For retirees and family members eligible for Medicare (typically age 65+). TFL acts as 'wraparound' coverage to Medicare — Medicare pays first, TRICARE covers the gaps and copays. Free, no enrollment, but you must have Medicare Part A and Part B. Considered one of the best retirement benefits in the country.
TRICARE Young Adult
Dependent children up to age 26 who would otherwise age out can buy into TRICARE Young Adult (Prime or Select). Monthly premium varies by plan and sponsor's status — typically $300–$700/month. More expensive but often better coverage than ACA marketplace plans.
Dental Plans
Active duty dental is free at the MTF. Family members enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) through United Concordia — premiums vary by location ($12–$45/month for one person, $30–$120 for family). Retirees enroll in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) — many plans available, prices vary.
Vision
Active duty get annual eye exams free at MTFs. Family members get one routine eye exam per year covered under TRICARE Prime. Glasses/contacts are extra unless you buy a vision insurance rider under FEDVIP.
Pharmacy Coverage
Three tiers: (1) MTF pharmacies — free, (2) TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery (Express Scripts) — 90-day supplies, low cost or free, (3) Retail network pharmacies — small copays per script. Brand-name drugs without generic substitution carry higher copays.
Mental Health
Outpatient counseling, psychiatry, substance abuse, and family therapy are all covered. Major change in 2020: no referral needed from PCM for the first 8 outpatient mental health visits. Telehealth psychiatry/therapy is widely covered. Confidentiality protections have improved — most mental health visits don't go on your military record unless they involve safety concerns.
Military OneSource — 12 Free Sessions
Separate from TRICARE: Military OneSource offers up to 12 free confidential, short-term counseling sessions per issue, per service member or family member, with NO command notification. Includes individual, couples, family, and child counseling. 24/7 phone: 1-800-342-9647.
Maternity and Newborn Care
Maternity care is fully covered — prenatal, delivery (vaginal or C-section), and 6 weeks postpartum. Newborns are covered for the first 60 days under the sponsor automatically. After 60 days, the baby needs to be enrolled in DEERS to keep coverage. Birthing centers and certain home births are covered (with prior authorization).
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
If you have a family member with a special medical or educational need, enroll in EFMP. It ensures you're not assigned to a duty station without appropriate care/schools. Mandatory for eligible families — failing to enroll can cause problems at PCS time.
Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP)
If you separate and don't yet have civilian insurance, CHCBP provides up to 18 months of premium-based temporary coverage (similar to COBRA in civilian life). Useful bridge during transition.
Verify
tricare.mil has plan finders, the pharmacy formulary, network provider search, enrollment forms, and cost calculators. For mental health resources: militaryonesource.mil or call 1-800-342-9647.
Want personalized answers?
Open the Boot Buddy chat in the corner and ask anything — eligibility, examples, or how a benefit applies to your situation.
Official VA resources