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 | Nov. 20, 2024

TRICARE Now Covers Hearing Aids for Children of Military Retirees

By TRICARE Communications

If you’re a parent, you understand the important role hearing plays in your child’s overall health and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hearing loss can limit a child’s ability to develop speech, language, and social skills. Early intervention and treatment of hearing loss is key to ensuring your child doesn’t miss any developmental milestones. If you’re a military retiree, there’s some good news from TRICARE.

TRICARE has recently expanded its hearing aid coverage to include eligible children of retired service members. This new coverage results from a new statute. It aims to improve access to life-changing medical technology and help eligible children of retired service members get the hearing aids they need.

“Before the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, TRICARE coverage of hearing aids was limited to dependents of active duty service members with qualifying hearing loss,” said Erica Ferron, management and program analyst, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “Now, more TRICARE beneficiaries will be able to receive hearing aids and services."

Keep reading to learn about eligibility, coverage, and more.

Who is eligible?

Are you a retiree? Your child may qualify for hearing aid coverage if: The benefit covers unmarried children of living sponsors who are:
  • Under 21 years old, or
  • A full-time college student aged 21-23, or
  • Unable to support themselves due to a disability that started before age 21 (or before 23 if they were a student)
This includes:
  • Biological children
  • Adopted children
  • Stepchildren
  • Children placed in your legal care by a court

Does my child’s hearing loss qualify?

To get coverage for hearing aids, your child needs to take a hearing test. They must demonstrate at least 26 decibels of hearing loss in one or both ears.

Important things to know

  • Your child must be enrolled in TRICARE Prime or the US Family Health Plan.
  • Coverage is retroactive to Dec. 22, 2023. If your child got hearing aids or services on or after that date, you can file for reimbursement for TRICARE covered services. But it won’t happen automatically. You must file a claim with your regional contractor.

Special cases

If you’re interested in exploring TRICARE’s expanded coverage of hearing aids, note that the coverage isn’t available overseas. If your child lives in the U.S. but travels overseas, they can keep their coverage, but they need special approval for overseas care.

TRICARE doesn’t cover hearing aids for retirees. You may, however, qualify for other special programs. Check out TRICARE’s hearing aids page to learn more.

Remember, for your child to get this benefit, your child must have TRICARE Prime and a qualifying hearing loss. The ability to hear properly is essential for your child’s social and physical development. If your child is eligible, be sure to take advantage of this new TRICARE coverage.

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.
 

Mother and child look at laptop

How To Schedule an Appointment Using the MHS GEN...

News
Nov. 21, 2024

Navigating your healthcare appointments at military hospitals and clinics is convenient with the MHS GENESIS...
Read More
Nationally Recognized Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade A, Fall 2024.

Fifteen Military Hospitals Receive Leapfrog’s Hi...

News
Nov. 15, 2024

The Defense Health Agency announced 15 military hospitals got an “A” rating in Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade...
Read More
Family looks at a phone

TRICARE Open Season 2024 Begins: Learn if You Ne...

News
Nov. 11, 2024

Have you considered changing your family’s TRICARE health plan for 2025? Now is your opportunity: TRICARE Open...
Read More
Uniformed service member stands and smiles with wife and child, as toddler waves to the camera.

Check Out Your 2025 TRICARE Health Plan Costs

News
Nov. 07, 2024

With 2025 just around the corner, you may be starting to consider your family’s health needs for next year...
Read More
TRICARE Open Season 2024 graphic with woman writing on pad of paper.

Your Comprehensive TRICARE Open Season Checklist...

News
Nov. 05, 2024

TRICARE Open Season is right around the corner. This year, it runs from Nov. 11 to Dec. 10. Follow this...
Read More
Dentist works on patient's teeth

TRICARE Dental Program Premiums Decrease Effecti...

News
Oct. 30, 2024

If you’re enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program, your TDP monthly premiums will decrease for coverage...
Read 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
Emergency Procedures Due to Extreme Weather >>> Emergency procedures are in place in multiple states due to Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene. >>Learn more  

Nov. 21, 2024

How To Schedule an Appointment Using the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal

Navigating your healthcare appointments at military hospitals and clinics is convenient with the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal’s scheduling feature.

Nov. 20, 2024

TRICARE Now Covers Hearing Aids for Children of Military Retirees

TRICARE has recently expanded its hearing aid coverage to include eligible children of retired service members. This new coverage results from a new statute. It aims to improve access to life-changing medical technology and help eligible children of retired service members get the hearing aids they need.

Nov. 15, 2024

Fifteen Military Hospitals Receive Leapfrog’s Highest Safety Grade

The Defense Health Agency announced 15 military hospitals got an “A” rating in Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade fall 2024 assessment. This grade reflects the DHA’s ongoing dedication to transparency and to provide high-quality, safe care to service members and their families.

Nov. 11, 2024

TRICARE Open Season 2024 Begins: Learn if You Need To Take Action

Have you considered changing your family’s TRICARE health plan for 2025? Now is your opportunity: TRICARE Open Season starts Nov. 11 and runs through Dec. 10.

Nov. 7, 2024

Check Out Your 2025 TRICARE Health Plan Costs

With 2025 just around the corner, you may be starting to consider your family’s health needs for next year. There may be changes to your TRICARE health plan costs starting Jan. 1, 2025. Depending on your plan, these costs may include enrollment fees, premiums, cost-shares, and copayments.

Nov. 5, 2024

Your Comprehensive TRICARE Open Season Checklist: Prepare for Nov. 11

TRICARE Open Season is right around the corner. This year, it runs from Nov. 11 to Dec. 10. Follow this detailed checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Oct. 30, 2024

TRICARE Dental Program Premiums Decrease Effective Nov. 1

If you’re enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program, your TDP monthly premiums will decrease for coverage effective Nov. 1. These new rates will remain in effect until Feb. 28, 2025.

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.