FALLS CHURCH, Va. –
Living with a chronic health condition can feel hard. But you don’t have to do it alone.
TRICARE offers programs and coverage to help you live better with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, and depression.
“Managing a chronic condition is easier when you have the right support and resources,” said Dr. Stacy Usher, lead nurse, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “TRICARE-covered services for chronic health conditions give you the tools and guidance you need to manage your health.”
What’s covered
TRICARE covers medically necessary treatments for chronic health conditions. This coverage includes:
Case management
If you’re getting treatment for chronic illnesses, you can get support from
case management specialists at no extra cost. Case managers are typically nurses or social workers who help you navigate the health care system to get the care you need.
To find a case manager, contact:
Common chronic conditions
Asthma
Asthma affects millions of people. This condition makes your airways swell. This makes breathing hard. You might wheeze, cough, feel chest pain, or have trouble breathing. TRICARE covers asthma tests and all treatments you need.
TRICARE covers asthma testing and treatment. The TRICARE pharmacy benefit covers up to six inhaler refills to cover 90 days at military pharmacies, TRICARE retail network pharmacies, and through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery.
Diabetes
Diabetes happens when your body can’t make enough insulin or use it as well as it should.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. It can affect anyone but occurs more often in adults over age 45. TRICARE covers diabetes tests, blood sugar monitors, special shoes, and other devices.
TRICARE covers diabetic supplies and equipment, as well as diabetes outpatient self-management training services.
Heart conditions
Heart conditions like
coronary artery disease and
chronic heart failure need ongoing care. Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease. Heart failure makes it hard for your heart to pump blood effectively. You might feel tired, short of breath, or notice swollen legs. TRICARE covers
cardiovascular testing,
therapeutic services, and other treatments to protect your heart health.
Mental health conditions
Mental health matters too. Conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health challenges can cause overwhelming feelings that interfere with daily life. These conditions deserve professional care.
TRICARE covers inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services, as described in the TRICARE Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services Fact Sheet. These may include:
- Outpatient services (like psychotherapy and psychological testing and assessment)
- Office-based substance use disorder treatment
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Opioid treatment programs
- Medication assisted treatment
- Inpatient psychiatric care
- Psychiatric residential treatment center care
Getting support
TRICARE’s
regional contractors offer their own disease management programs to help you manage chronic conditions. They provide information and guidance to improve your quality of life. You can talk with experts who understand your condition and know how to help you manage it.
Visit TRICARE West Region or TRICARE East Region Disease Management to learn more about what your contractor offers.
How to get started
Don’t let chronic conditions control your life. TRICARE covers services that give you the tools, knowledge, and support to take charge of your health.
For more details about what TRICARE covers for specific conditions, contact your regional contractor or military hospital or clinic.
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