An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | Aug. 30, 2022

Make Sure You Understand Recent TRICARE Telehealth Policy Changes

By TRICARE Communications

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Defense Health Agency (DHA) made several temporary updates to the TRICARE benefit regarding telehealth. These temporary policy updates allowed you to get care safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DHA has since updated these telehealth policies.
 
“During COVID-19 lockdown mandates, telehealth policies created opportunities for TRICARE beneficiaries to receive medical care,” said Elan Green, chief of TRICARE Health Plan’s Member Benefits and Reimbursement Section at the DHA. “Now, the DHA understands that telehealth visits are still essential for many families. We’re pleased to continue offering audio-only telehealth services.”
 
It has now been more than two years since the start of the pandemic. Some of these policy changes have recently expired. Meanwhile, others have become permanent. Listed below are the policy updates.
 
Audio-only Telehealth
Audio-only telehealth appointments are now a permanent TRICARE benefit. This is effective as of July 1, 2022. This means everyone, including those without access to live, two-way audio and video technology, will continue to have access to telehealth services.
 
Cost-shares and Copayments
TRICARE placed a temporary waiver on costs at the start of the pandemic. This encouraged the use of telehealth services. That waiver recently expired. This means you’ll have to pay cost-shares and copayments once again.
 
Telehealth costs are like in-person care costs. Your costs depend on your beneficiary category, health plan, and appointment type. Active duty service members (ADSMs) don’t pay out-of-pocket costs. Active duty family members (ADFMS) who have a TRICARE Prime plan don’t pay either, unless they use the point-of-service (POS) option. As outlined in the TRICARE Costs and Fees Fact Sheet, the POS option allows you to see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral. But, the POS option only works for nonemergency services.
 
You can find specific costs using the TRICARE Compare Cost tool or the TRICARE Costs and Fees Fact Sheet.
 
Using Telemedicine Services
To find a provider who offers telemedicine services, you can use the Find a Doctor tool. You can also look up providers by going to All Provider Directories. Keep in mind, not all services are available through telemedicine. So, it’s important to check with your provider to see which options are available to you.
 
Referral or pre-authorization may apply for your telemedicine visit. If you aren’t sure, you can reach out to your TRICARE contractor.
 
If you’re overseas, the country where you live must allow telemedicine. Your provider must also have a license to practice where you live. You can reach out to your TRICARE Overseas Program Regional Call Center for more information.
 
Telemedicine is a safe and secure way to connect with your health care provider online. You can learn more about telemedicine services by going to the Telemedicine page on the TRICARE site.
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit the TRICARE Subscriptions page today, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
TRICARE Open Season Webinar graphic

Get Ready for TRICARE Open Season and 2025 Regio...

News
Oct. 29, 2024

Are you ready for TRICARE Open Season and the upcoming changes to TRICARE in 2025? Mark your calendar for a...
Read More
Woman looking at laptop screen

Q&A: What To Know as TRICARE Open Season Begins ...

News
Oct. 24, 2024

TRICARE Open Season begins Monday, Nov. 11—that’s just a few weeks away. If you’re a TRICARE beneficiary, this...
Read More
Man works on a laptop

TRICARE Claim Form Updated To Assist in Processi...

News
Oct. 23, 2024

If you’ve submitted a claim for reimbursement, then you may be familiar with the TRICARE claim form, Patient’s...
Read More
TRICARE Enrollment Freeze Oct. 25-27, 2024

TRICARE Enrollment Freeze and Scheduled milConne...

News
Oct. 21, 2024

It’s almost time for TRICARE Open Season, which begins Nov. 11. That means you should check your information...
Read More
Man receives a vaccine.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones: Get Your F...

News
Oct. 17, 2024

The fall and winter months bring an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, including flu, COVID-19, and...
Read More
Three women smiling at the camera

Unlock Your Health by Scheduling a TRICARE Well-...

News
Oct. 16, 2024

With TRICARE, you have access to a wide range of preventive care specific to your needs. For women, this...
Read More
Woman sits at table looking at laptop with smartphone next to her.

Live in the West Region? Update Your TRICARE Pay...

News
Oct. 10, 2024

Do you currently live in the West Region? Or, do you live in one of the six states (Arkansas, Illinois,...
Read More
Uniformed service member smiles with his wife and toddler as they pose for a selfie.

Learn How Referrals and Specialty Care Will Work...

News
Oct. 08, 2024

Health care delivery under new TRICARE contracts starts on Jan. 1, 2025. These new contracts will improve...
Read More

Oct. 29, 2024

Get Ready for TRICARE Open Season and 2025 Region Changes at Nov. 14 Webinar

Are you ready for TRICARE Open Season and the upcoming changes to TRICARE in 2025? Mark your calendar for a TRICARE webinar, “Get Ready for TRICARE Open Season and 2025 Region Changes,” on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2–3 p.m. ET on Microsoft Teams Live.

Oct. 24, 2024

Q&A: What To Know as TRICARE Open Season Begins Nov. 11

TRICARE Open Season begins Monday, Nov. 11—that’s just a few weeks away. If you’re a TRICARE beneficiary, this is the time when you can enroll in a health plan or change health plans for coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2025. You can make these changes through Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Oct. 23, 2024

TRICARE Claim Form Updated To Assist in Processing Overseas Claims

If you’ve submitted a claim for reimbursement, then you may be familiar with the TRICARE claim form, Patient’s Request for Medical Payment (DD Form 2642). In September 2024, this form was updated to include fields that’ll make it easier when filing claims for care received overseas.

Oct. 21, 2024

TRICARE Enrollment Freeze and Scheduled milConnect and Beneficiary Web Enrollment Outage Beginning Oct. 25: What To Know

It’s almost time for TRICARE Open Season, which begins Nov. 11. That means you should check your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System as soon as possible. There will be a global TRICARE enrollment freeze from Oct. 25-27, and limitations to the Beneficiary Web Enrollment self-service portal between Oct. 28 and Dec. 31.

Oct. 17, 2024

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones: Get Your Flu Shot With TRICARE

The fall and winter months bring an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, including flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus. Getting your flu shot is an easy way to help ward off illness. The vaccine lowers your chance of getting sick, going to the hospital, or even dying from the flu.

Oct. 16, 2024

Unlock Your Health by Scheduling a TRICARE Well-Woman Exam

With TRICARE, you have access to a wide range of preventive care specific to your needs. For women, this includes comprehensive services like an annual well-woman exam.

Oct. 10, 2024

Live in the West Region? Update Your TRICARE Payment Information With TriWest

Do you currently live in the West Region? Or, do you live in one of the six states (Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin) moving to the West Region in 2025? If you pay for your TRICARE coverage via credit card or bank electronic funds transfer, you can now securely give your recurring payment information to the incoming West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance.

Oct. 8, 2024

Learn How Referrals and Specialty Care Will Work as New TRICARE Contracts Start in 2025

Health care delivery under new TRICARE contracts starts on Jan. 1, 2025. These new contracts will improve quality and access for beneficiaries in the United States by enhancing referral management and access to specialty care. Learn more about what to expect starting Jan. 1.

Oct. 7, 2024

DOD Announces Health Care Supplement Program Pilot for DOD Civilian Employees in Japan

The Department of Defense (DOD) today announced a one-year pilot program to provide no-cost supplemental health support services to DOD civilian employees serving in Japan after a yearlong effort to identify and address concerns regarding access to medical care.

Oct. 3, 2024

2025 Changes to the TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration

Are you expecting a baby in 2025? Have you considered getting breastfeeding counseling or support from a labor doula? If so, you should know about some changes coming to the TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration on Jan. 1, 2025, including expansion overseas.