An official website of the United States government
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 | Dec. 28, 2022

Know These TRICARE Basics To Make the Most of Your Plan

By TRICARE Communications

A new plan year begins Jan. 1, 2023. Now is a great time to get to know your TRICARE plan—especially if you recently enrolled in TRICARE or changed your plan during open season. Familiarizing yourself with your health plan is key to making the most of your benefits.
 
“Taking time to learn about your TRICARE plan can help you make the best health care decisions for you and your family,” said Debra Fisher, TRICARE Health Plan policy and programs analyst at the Defense Health Agency. “Understanding your plan’s covered services, costs, and eligibility requirements and knowing when you need to take action can help keep your out-of-pocket costs lower and ensure you have no gaps in coverage.”
 
Here are some TRICARE basics to be familiar with.
 
Q: What does TRICARE cover?
A: Generally, TRICARE covers services that are medically necessary and considered proven. This includes preventive care and mental health and substance use disorder care. You can use the TRICARE Covered Services tool to learn if a benefit is covered or not. To check if your prescription drugs are covered, search the TRICARE Formulary.
 
As a reminder, dental coverage is separate from TRICARE’s medical coverage. To have dental coverage, you need to enroll in a dental plan separately based on your beneficiary status or your relationship to the sponsor. Your vision coverage, including eye exams, is based on a few things—who you are, your health plan, and your age. You may be eligible for additional vision coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.
 
Q: How much does TRICARE cost?
A: Your health care costs may include enrollment fees, premiums, deductibles, copayments, and cost-shares. These costs depend on:
  • Who you are
  • Your beneficiary group
  • Your plan
  • The type of care you receive
  • Where you receive care
 
The TRICARE Compare Cost Tool can help you learn more about costs associated with your health plan. You can also read an overview of 2023 TRICARE costs and fees.
 
Q: Where can I receive care?
A: Where you get care depends on your plan.  
To keep your out-of-pocket costs lower, know your plan’s rules for referrals and authorizations before you make an appointment. If you’re looking for a network or non-network provider, check TRICARE’s provider directories to find a TRICARE-authorized provider in your area.
 
Q: What is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), and how can one affect my TRICARE eligibility?
A: A QLE is a certain change in your life that makes you eligible to enroll or change your TRICARE plan outside of open season. As outlined in the TRICARE Qualifying Life Events Fact Sheet, QLEs include the following:  
After you experience a QLE, you should update your info in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. Depending on the type of QLE, you may need to or have the option to change your TRICARE plan or enroll in a plan. A QLE for you or a family member opens a 90-day period for all family members to make eligible enrollment changes. Check out TRICARE.mil for the complete list of TRICARE QLEs and more QLE information.
 
Q: How can I learn more about TRICARE?
A: TRICARE.mil has a variety of resources to help you learn more about your benefits, including:  
TRICARE and our partners are here to help you maximize your benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family. If you have questions about your coverage, contact your TRICARE contractor.
 
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.
Uniformed service member uses mouse and keyboard, looking at desktop screen.

TRICARE Logins: Know How To Access Portals and M...

News
Jul. 24, 2025

Whether you need to make an appointment, check a claim, or download forms, knowing where to log in can make...
Read More
Service member holds a brown paper bag next to ScriptCenter automated machine.

Your TRICARE Pharmacy Program Benefit: Creating ...

News
Jul. 22, 2025

Have you recently filled a prescription at a military pharmacy? If so, you may know that military pharmacies...
Read More
Woman in white lab coat speaks on a laptop.

Unlock Your Health by Getting Virtual Health Car...

News
Jul. 17, 2025

Did you know that TRICARE beneficiaries can receive a variety of health care services via virtual health?...
Read More
Woman, baby, and service member smile and pose together

New to TRICARE? Here’s How To Get Started With Y...

News
Jul. 15, 2025

Have you recently enlisted in or received a commission to a uniformed service? Or, have you just married a...
Read More
Four young children stand in a huddle, laughing and holding a soccer ball. Text reads: Stay in the Game - Stop Measles Before It Starts! Defense Health Agency and Unlock Your Health text.

Measles Cases on the Rise in the U.S.: Recognize...

News
Jul. 11, 2025

You may have heard about the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S. Measles is a highly contagious illness that...
Read More
Service member smiles next to a woman in a black shirt

Moving Overseas? TRICARE Has You Covered

News
Jul. 10, 2025

If you live outside the U.S., you can get high-quality health care through several TRICARE overseas health...
Read More
Mother holds newborn baby

Q&A: Getting TRICARE for Your Newborn Baby

News
Jul. 08, 2025

Welcoming a new baby to your family is an exciting milestone. Your baby’s health is probably one of your top...
Read More
Doctor checks a patient's vitals

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different ...

News
Jul. 01, 2025

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident...
Read More

July 24, 2025

TRICARE Logins: Know How To Access Portals and Manage Your Benefit

Whether you need to make an appointment, check a claim, or download forms, knowing where to log in can make using your TRICARE benefits easier. Today’s Military Health System relies on multiple online platforms—each with a specific purpose. Understanding them, and how they’re evolving, can help you make the most of your health coverage.

July 22, 2025

Your TRICARE Pharmacy Program Benefit: Creating a Patient-Centered Military Pharmacy Experience

Have you recently filled a prescription at a military pharmacy? If so, you may know that military pharmacies have different procedures than civilian pharmacies. When a provider issues a new prescription to a military pharmacy, you need to activate the prescription before a pharmacist fills it. Recently, the Defense Health Agency has developed and updated two tools—Q-Anywhere and ScriptCenters—to make this prescription pickup process easier and more convenient.

July 17, 2025

Unlock Your Health by Getting Virtual Health Care at Home With TRICARE

Did you know that TRICARE beneficiaries can receive a variety of health care services via virtual health? These services take place through secure video calls, phone appointments, and other technology platforms. TRICARE virtual health coverage includes primary care, urgent care, mental health, and specialty services.

July 15, 2025

New to TRICARE? Here’s How To Get Started With Your Benefit

Have you recently enlisted in or received a commission to a uniformed service? Or, have you just married a uniformed service member? If you’re new to TRICARE, you may have some questions about how to enroll in a plan, get care, and learn more about your coverage.

July 11, 2025

Measles Cases on the Rise in the U.S.: Recognize the Symptoms and Protect Your Family

You may have heard about the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S. Measles is a highly contagious illness that can cause serious complications. Anyone who isn’t protected against measles can get the illness—and children are especially at risk of getting seriously sick.

July 10, 2025

Moving Overseas? TRICARE Has You Covered

If you live outside the U.S., you can get high-quality health care through several TRICARE overseas health plans. These plans serve active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, and family members living overseas.

July 8, 2025

Q&A: Getting TRICARE for Your Newborn Baby

Welcoming a new baby to your family is an exciting milestone. Your baby’s health is probably one of your top priorities, so you may be wondering how to get TRICARE coverage for your child. Your child’s date of birth and their sponsor’s status affect what you should do next.

July 1, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different Types of Care

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident or an illness, TRICARE covers a range of health care services—but the type of care you need determines where you should go.

June 26, 2025

Unlock Your Health as You Approach Medicare Eligibility

Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible. Medicare Part A and Part B are required to remain eligible for TRICARE, with limited exceptions. Knowing how and when to sign up for Medicare will help you avoid gaps in coverage and late enrollment penalties.

June 24, 2025

4 Ways You Can Use Your TRICARE Benefits and Stay Healthy This Summer

What’s on your to-do list this summer? Maybe you’re planning to spend time at the pool, go to a barbecue, or take a vacation. But don’t take a vacation from your health this summer. Here are four suggested ways you can use your TRICARE benefits this summer.