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 | 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.

"The Department recognizes the significant contributions of our DoD civilian workforce around the world," said Ashish Vazirani, who is performing the duties of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. "In keeping with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's commitment to taking care of all our people, we owe it to our civilians to facilitate access to health care no matter where they are. The support from this pilot program will help enhance the patient experience for the approximately 11,000 civilians stationed in Japan through the new pilot."

This pilot is called the Pilot Health Insurance Enhancement for DOD Civilian Employees in Japan and will assist eligible civilian employees with health care navigation and upfront costs associated with accessing Japan's healthcare system.

To be eligible, the employee must be enrolled in a participating health plan through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. The enrollment window for eligible employees will be the Federal Benefits Open Season, which runs this year Nov. 11 through Dec. 9. Federal Benefits Open Season allows federal civilians to enroll in or change health care options.

The services provided under this pilot will begin Jan. 1, 2025, when participants can use the services and access support through a call center. The call center will be open 24/7 and staffed with bilingual service representatives who will assist callers with identifying their needs, make appointments with provider offices, and issue payment guarantees up front. Dependents are not eligible for services during the pilot, which runs through Sept. 29, 2025.

Employees working in Japan with the following military departments, defense agencies and DoD field activities are eligible for this supplemental coverage:

  • Department of the Air Force
  • Department of the Army
  • Department of the Navy
  • Defense Information Systems Agency
  • Defense Logistics Agency
  • Department of Defense Education Activity
  • Defense Commissary Agency
  • Defense Contract Management Agency
  • Defense Finance and Accounting Service
  • Defense Health Agency
  • Defense Media Activity
  • Defense Threat Reduction Agency
  • National Security Agency
  • Defense Intelligence Agency
  • National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

"We are excited to offer this program," said Seileen Mullen, who is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. "This is a no-cost supplemental service, and we encourage civilian employees in Japan to use it."

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs will oversee the pilot program and has awarded a $4.2 million contract to International SOS Government Services Inc., which is also the prime contractor for the TRICARE Overseas Program. The contract for this pilot is being funded by the military departments, defense agencies and DoD field activities that have civilian employees working in Japan.

Active-duty service members and TRICARE Prime beneficiaries have prioritized access to health care in military hospitals and clinics based on current federal law and DoD policy. DoD civilians who are not TRICARE beneficiaries may use military health facilities on a space-available basis.

Agreements with FEHB insurance carriers who currently provide coverage for DoD civilian employees in Japan will be established to provide direct billing agreements. Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) employees are eligible for this program if enrolled in an Aetna International plan.

Additional details dedicated to this pilot program will be announced before Federal Benefits Open Season begins. This information will also be posted to web sites for military hospitals and clinics in Japan in their "Getting Care" section.

Smiling mother and son stand in kitchen, mixing ingredients in a mixing bowl

Q&A: Your TRICARE Catastrophic Cap

News
Apr. 03, 2025

You can’t always predict your family’s healthcare needs. But you can know the most you could have to pay for...
Read More
Woman in white lab coat speaks on a laptop.

Unlock Your Health by Getting Virtual Health Car...

News
Apr. 01, 2025

Did you know that TRICARE beneficiaries can receive a variety of healthcare services via virtual health? These...
Read More
Map of the TRICARE West Region states shown in blue, next to TRICARE logo. Text reads, "Attention West Region Beneficiaries: Payment Deadline: The deadline to make your payment is April 30. Referral Approval Waiver: Referral approvals are waived through April 30."

Live in the West Region? Submit Payments to TriW...

News
Mar. 27, 2025

Do you currently live in the West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic funds...
Read More
Woman holds her baby.

Having a Baby in 2025? Here’s How TRICARE Covers...

News
Mar. 26, 2025

Are you expecting a baby in 2025? TRICARE covers many services to help you through pregnancy, childbirth, and...
Read More
Woman and child on the TRICARE Dental Program website home page.

The TRICARE Dental Program Website Has a New Look!

News
Mar. 20, 2025

Have you checked out the new TRICARE Dental Program website yet? The updated layout makes searching your...
Read More
Man and woman take a picture outside.

Unlock Your Health With These TRICARE For Life B...

News
Mar. 20, 2025

As you age, it’s important to think about your future health needs. If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65,...
Read More
Dentist holds dental equipment.

The Dentist Is In... 10 TRICARE Dental Program T...

News
Mar. 19, 2025

Whether you’re new to the TRICARE Dental Program or a long term TDP beneficiary, it’s important to brush up on...
Read More
Woman in medical scrubs holds up model teeth.

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

News
Mar. 18, 2025

Have you ever felt intimidated by the dentist? Dental related stress is common. The stress of going to the...
Read More

April 3, 2025

Q&A: Your TRICARE Catastrophic Cap

You can’t always predict your family’s healthcare needs. But you can know the most you could have to pay for TRICARE covered services. TRICARE calls this your catastrophic cap. Your catastrophic cap limits how much you and your family will pay for TRICARE covered healthcare services each calendar year.

April 1, 2025

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

Did you know that TRICARE beneficiaries can receive a variety of healthcare 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.

March 27, 2025

Live in the West Region? Submit Payments to TriWest by April 30 To Avoid Disenrollment – Plus, Referral Approval Waiver Extended to April 30

Do you currently live in the West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card? If so, and you haven’t done so already, you must provide your payment information to the West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, by Wednesday, April 30. If you don’t act, you’ll be disenrolled, retroactive to your paid-through date. If you have TRICARE Prime, you should also know that the Defense Health Agency has extended the West Region referral approval waiver through April 30.

March 26, 2025

Having a Baby in 2025? Here’s How TRICARE Covers Maternity Services

Are you expecting a baby in 2025? TRICARE covers many services to help you through pregnancy, childbirth, and after your baby is born. Prenatal and postpartum care helps keep both you and your baby healthy by catching any problems early—and, recent updates to the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration now bring more support options to families worldwide.

March 20, 2025

The TRICARE Dental Program Website Has a New Look!

Have you checked out the new TRICARE Dental Program website yet? The updated layout makes searching your important TDP benefits information simpler.

March 20, 2025

Unlock Your Health With These TRICARE For Life Basics

As you age, it’s important to think about your future health needs. If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65, TRICARE has you covered if you take the appropriate steps. Once you actively have Medicare Part A and Part B, you’re automatically enrolled in TRICARE For Life. TFL coverage allows you to get the care you need while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.

March 19, 2025

The Dentist Is In... 10 TRICARE Dental Program Terms You Should Know

Whether you’re new to the TRICARE Dental Program or a long term TDP beneficiary, it’s important to brush up on essential terms relating to your dental coverage. Understanding your TDP plan can help you make the most of your benefits.

March 18, 2025

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

Have you ever felt intimidated by the dentist? Dental related stress is common. The stress of going to the dentist often leads people to feel hesitant. If you’re feeling unsure at the dentist, then you may not ask any questions or express your discomfort with a procedure. However, taking charge of your oral health isn't just about brushing and flossing daily; it's about actively participating in your dental care journey.

March 18, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Here’s How TRICARE and Other Health Insurance Work Together

TRICARE may not be the only health coverage you have. If you have health insurance through an employer, a spouse’s plan, or a private insurer, it’s considered other health insurance, which can affect how TRICARE processes your claim. TRICARE and OHI work together to help cover your health care and services.

March 13, 2025

How To Find and Choose Your TRICARE Provider

If you’re looking for a provider, it’s important to understand the different types of TRICARE providers you can see. The type of provider you see can determine how much you pay for care and the process for filing claims.