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 | Feb. 1, 2024

Headed To the Doctor? Bring Proof of Your TRICARE Coverage

By TRICARE Communications

Are you preparing for a trip to the doctor’s office or the pharmacy? If so, make sure you have your proof of TRICARE coverage.
 
For most people with TRICARE, you’ll need to show your Uniformed Services ID card to your provider as proof of TRICARE eligibility. If you’re an active duty service member, you’ll need to show your Common Access Card.
 
Each ID card has a unique 11-digit Department of Defense Benefits Number (DBN), which confirms TRICARE coverage. The DBN helps you and your provider file claims. When getting care, filling a prescription at a military or retail pharmacy, or signing up for TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery, your ID card is your proof of coverage. 
 
“Without the proper documents, you could be denied treatment and have to reschedule your appointment,” said Jim Frank, DEERS Integration Manager, TRICARE Health Plan Division. “Knowing what proof of coverage you need is an important step to getting the care you need. You’ll also avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.”
 
How do you find and maintain your TRICARE proof of coverage? Follow these tips to ensure you have everything you need before your next provider appointment.
 

Update DEERS

Using your ID card starts with making sure your Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) record is up to date. You must be registered in DEERS to use your TRICARE health program benefit. If you’re already in the system, be sure to update your or your family’s information in DEERS too.
 
To add or remove family members to DEERS, sponsors must go in person to a local RAPIDS ID Card Office. You can make an make an appointment online to do this. Remember to bring all required forms, documentation, and identification to your appointment. Learn more about getting your ID card. If you need to renew your ID card, you may be able to do so online. A Department of Defense pilot program, which was recently expanded, allows family members, retirees, and others to renew a Uniformed Services ID card online. At this time, the pilot is limited to cardholders in the United States.
 

Eligibility letters

Eligibility letters are another way for providers to verify your TRICARE coverage. Sponsors can access these letters for themselves and their eligible family members. You can bring this letter with you to your health care appointments. To download an eligibility letter, go to milConnect and click “Obtain proof of health coverage.”
 

TRICARE For Life

Do you have TRICARE For Life (TFL) coverage? You need to show both your Medicare card and your Uniformed Services ID card when getting care, as noted in the TRICARE For Life Handbook. It’s a good idea to check with your provider to see if they take Medicare. You should also check that Medicare and TFL cover the type of care you’ll receive. Otherwise, you may have out-of-pocket costs.
 

Premium-based plans

If you’re enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select or TRICARE Retired Reserve, you can show your provider your enrollment card as proof of coverage. If you need a replacement card, log in to milConnect to print a copy.
 
You can enroll in TRICARE Young Adult without a Uniformed Services ID card. When your coverage begins, and you’re notified by your regional contractor, visit any ID card office to get a new ID card. You should show your ID card when you go to the doctor or pharmacy.
 
Having proof of TRICARE coverage is the first step to getting care. Remember to keep your information in DEERS up to date and your Uniformed Services ID card current so you and your family have access to health care services when you need them.

Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
 
Service member smiles with arms crossed in an office.

Explore Available Counseling and Mental Health S...

News
Sep. 10, 2025

Are you a service member, family member, or survivor? Your TRICARE benefit covers a variety of mental health...
Read More
Young woman sitting on couch speaking on cell phone

Live in the West Region? Learn if You Need To Ta...

News
Sep. 09, 2025

Are you a TRICARE Prime beneficiary living in the West Region? Are you currently using a referral to get...
Read More
Two uniformed service members stand in military pharmacy and funnel prescriptions into a bottle.

Q&A: TRICARE For Life Coverage of Weight Loss Me...

News
Sep. 08, 2025

The Defense Health Agency recently announced it will implement existing regulatory controls regarding TRICARE...
Read More
Provider wearing lab coat and stethoscope taking patient's blood pressure. Text reads: "Patients needed on Sept. 26 for a focus group discussion about hypertension (high blood pressure). Sign up deadline is Sept. 19. Learn if you qualify." TRICARE logo

Help Shape Clinical Practice Guidelines in Joint...

News
Sep. 04, 2025

The Department of Defense and Veterans Health Administration have partnered together and are inviting patients...
Read More
Service member smiles while posing in front of a building

Q&A: Understanding Eligibility and Coverage With...

News
Aug. 28, 2025

If you live far from a military hospital or clinic, TRICARE Prime Remote could be the right TRICARE health...
Read More
Father and son hold hands while walking down a street

Unlock Your Health by Understanding the TRICARE ...

News
Aug. 26, 2025

Do you have TRICARE Prime? If so, you likely get most of your routine health care from your primary care...
Read More
Image of woman sitting on sofa on laptop. Text reads: "Participants needed for virtual tricare.mil usability study. Learn if you qualify." TRICARE logo

Share Your Thoughts on Tricare.mil in Upcoming U...

News
Aug. 22, 2025

Are you interested in shaping the future of TRICARE’s web presence? The Defense Health Agency Usability Lab is...
Read More
Smiling woman holds a baby.

How TRICARE Covers Breastfeeding Supplies and Se...

News
Aug. 21, 2025

Are you pregnant or did you recently have a baby? TRICARE covers certain breast pumps and supplies and...
Read More

Sept. 10, 2025

Explore Available Counseling and Mental Health Services

Are you a service member, family member, or survivor? Your TRICARE benefit covers a variety of mental health services. But did you know there are other counseling services available to you? This article explores what services you can access if you need support.

Sept. 9, 2025

Live in the West Region? Learn if You Need To Take Action on Your Referrals Before Oct. 1

Are you a TRICARE Prime beneficiary living in the West Region? Are you currently using a referral to get specialty care? If you used the West Region referral approval waiver to see a specialist between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2025 and need to continue seeing that specialist, you’ll need to get a new referral to a network specialist before Oct. 1, 2025. If you’re still using a valid referral issued by a previous contractor before Jan. 1, 2025, you also need to get a new referral for any care received starting Oct. 1.

Sept. 8, 2025

Q&A: TRICARE For Life Coverage of Weight Loss Medications

The Defense Health Agency recently announced it will implement existing regulatory controls regarding TRICARE coverage of weight loss medications, including Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) drugs, to ensure prescription processing aligns with federal coverage requirements.

Sept. 4, 2025

Help Shape Clinical Practice Guidelines in Joint DOD, VA Patient Focus Groups: Hypertension on Sept. 26

The Department of Defense and Veterans Health Administration have partnered together and are inviting patients to share their experiences managing hypertension, or high blood pressure. This initiative is part of a virtual focus group on Friday, Sept. 26 at noon ET. It will help shape clinical practice guidelines for treating hypertension across military and veteran communities.

Aug. 28, 2025

Q&A: Understanding Eligibility and Coverage With TRICARE Prime Remote

If you live far from a military hospital or clinic, TRICARE Prime Remote could be the right TRICARE health plan for you. While TRICARE Prime is only available to eligible beneficiaries in Prime Service Areas (designated regions that have proximity to military hospitals or clinics), TPR extends coverage beyond PSAs. This plan helps active duty service members and their family members get care when they live or work in areas that are remote from military hospitals or clinics.

Aug. 26, 2025

Unlock Your Health by Understanding the TRICARE Prime Referral Process

Do you have TRICARE Prime? If so, you likely get most of your routine health care from your primary care manager. But sometimes, you may need specialty care that your PCM can’t provide. This is when your PCM will give you a referral. In this article, you’ll learn about the TRICARE Prime referral process. We’ll highlight what’s new—and easier—for you and your family members if you’re moving this year.

Aug. 22, 2025

Share Your Thoughts on Tricare.mil in Upcoming Usability Study

Are you interested in shaping the future of TRICARE’s web presence? The Defense Health Agency Usability Lab is looking for participants for a tricare.mil usability study. The DHA Usability Lab will hold several studies to get feedback on the website.

Aug. 21, 2025

How TRICARE Covers Breastfeeding Supplies and Services

Are you pregnant or did you recently have a baby? TRICARE covers certain breast pumps and supplies and breastfeeding counseling at no cost for new mothers.

Aug. 19, 2025

TRICARE Medical vs. Dental Coverage: Understanding Key Differences

When you need care for your mouth, jaw, or teeth, you may have questions about whether you should use your TRICARE medical or dental plan. Knowing when to use your medical or dental coverage helps avoid unnecessary costs or delays in care.

Aug. 14, 2025

Medicare and TRICARE For Life: Finding Providers

If you have TRICARE For Life, you’ll get health care from Medicare providers. Here’s what you need to know about finding different types of Medicare providers.