March 22, 2022

How Referrals Work With Your TRICARE Prime Plan

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Are you enrolled in a TRICARE Prime plan? Then you have a primary care manager (PCM) to handle your basic primary health care services. But what if you need specialty treatment, like from a cardiologist to evaluate a possible heart problem or a dermatologist to check a mole that’s changed? In that case, your PCM needs to submit a referral for you to see a specialist.

Jan. 18, 2022

How to Get Urgent Care Under Your TRICARE Health Plan

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Do you have an injury or illness that isn’t quite serious enough for a trip to the emergency room? This might be the right time to go to an urgent care center. Most TRICARE beneficiaries can go to an urgent care center whenever they need to. You just want to be sure to check out and follow the urgent care rules for your health plan.

Dec. 20, 2021

Need Health Advice at Home? Chat With a Nurse 24/7

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — With the threat of flu season added to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you might not want to go to the doctor’s office for a minor health issue. And with the Military Health System (MHS) Nurse Advice Line, you may not have to. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the best ways to prevent flu and COVID-19 is to avoid contact with people who are sick. With the MHS Nurse Advice Line, you can get health advice 24/7 from a registered nurse from the comfort of your home.

Dec. 2, 2021

How to Choose Between TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — TRICARE Open Season is your yearly opportunity to review your current benefits. It’s a time to make changes to your health plan based on your personal needs. Dec. 13 marks the end of open season, so it’s important to make your decisions now. But which plan will best meet your needs in the new year?

Oct. 14, 2021

Keeping Your Eyes Healthy With TRICARE

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Do you think you need glasses or contact lenses? If so, you aren’t alone. About 11 million Americans over age 12 need some form of vision correction, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of course, the best way to find out if you need vision correction is by seeing your eye doctor.

Sept. 22, 2021

Retiring From the Service? Get to Know Your TRICARE Options

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — If you’re getting ready to retire from active duty or reserve service, your goal is likely to make a smooth transition to civilian life. TRICARE can help you do that. When you retire from active duty or retire from the National Guard or Reserve, you’ll experience a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event (QLE).

July 23, 2021

FDA Announces Recall of Certain Sleep and Respiratory Devices

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has directed Philips Respironics to recall millions of sleep and respiratory devices following concerns that foam in the devices, which is used to reduce sound and vibration, may break into particles and enter the air hose of the device and be inhaled by the user. In response, the Military Health System (MHS) has notified all TRICARE-authorized durable medical equipment providers of the recall.

July 15, 2021

Old-School Summer Safety Risks: Sun, Water, Insects and Alcohol

Even as concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic begin to fade, the traditional, old-school summer safety issues - like those involving sun, water, insects and alcohol - continue to pose real risks for many military families.

July 13, 2021

TRICARE and Marriage: What to Do When Getting Married

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — It’s a big moment when you say “I do.” It’s also important for your family health coverage. Spouses of service members are eligible for TRICARE coverage. And getting married is a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event (QLE). So, what does this mean and what steps do you need to take?

June 30, 2021

Delivering Readiness: The Evolution of TRICARE

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Ever wonder about the people behind the curtain at TRICARE? Maybe you imagine policy gurus or bureaucrats with little connection to military service. If so, you may be surprised to learn that’s not true.