March 29, 2022

How to Prevent and Treat Traumatic Brain Injuries

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — According to the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, nearly half a million service members have been diagnosed with a first-time traumatic brain injury (TBI) since 2000. Head injuries can happen anywhere. In fact, most TBIs happen when service members are in non-deployed settings. Here’s how you can be ready, and resources to help you prevent or recover from a brain injury.

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.

Feb. 15, 2022

Is Your DEERS Information Up to Date?

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — When is the last time you checked to see if your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) is up to date? If it’s been a while, take time to log in to DEERS and review your information. Keeping information on you and your family current in DEERS is important. Inaccurate information in the DEERS database could prevent you from being able to use your TRICARE benefits properly.

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).

Sept. 16, 2021

Plan Ahead for Disasters With TRICARE

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — This year, we’ve seen the devastating effects of hurricanes, floods, snowstorms, and wildfires both in the U.S. and overseas. It’s a stark reminder that natural disasters can happen anytime and anywhere. But planning ahead and staying informed can help keep you and your family safe during a disaster.

Aug. 17, 2021

TRICARE Dental Program Covers Braces. But Does it Cover Clear Aligners?

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Are you wondering if you can get clear aligners with the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)? That’s a common question many TDP enrollees have—and we’ve got the answer for you. The TDP covers 50% of the cost of clear aligners and other orthodontic services up to the lifetime orthodontic maximum of $1,750.