FALLS CHURCH, Va.  –   Did you know that there are multiple TRICARE health plans? They’re all outlined in the TRICARE Plans Overview. If you’re eligible for or enrolled in a TRICARE plan, this resource highlights key features, including eligibility, how to get care, and costs information for different health plans.
 
“The TRICARE Plans Overview is one of the quickest ways for you to review multiple plans and compare your options,” said Robert Agnello, deputy chief of Digital Communications at the Defense Health Agency. “Each section includes related web links that can direct you to more in-depth resources on the TRICARE website.”
 
Here is a preview of what you’ll find in the TRICARE Plans Overview.
 
1. Learn which plans may be available to you and how they work
Do you ever wonder which plans you can choose from? The overview outlines TRICARE health plans, including TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Overseas, TRICARE Select, TRICARE Select Overseas, and US Family Health Plan (USFHP). As stated in the overview, “Your eligibility and location determine which particular plans are available to you.” For example, TRICARE Prime is mandatory for active duty service members and optional for active duty family members. TRICARE Prime is also an option for certain TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries who are in Prime Service Areas in the U.S.
 
Are you a non-activated National Guard or Reserve member? Or are you a young adult who no longer qualifies for regular TRICARE coverage? This resource also highlights premium-based plans, like TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, and TRICARE Young Adult. And if you’re transitioning to civilian life, you can find details about the Transitional Assistance Management Program and the Continued Health Care Benefit Program. You can also read about TRICARE Plus. This program is offered at some military hospitals and clinics and can give you access to primary care at the military hospital or clinic where you’re enrolled.
 
The TRICARE Plans Overview also discusses TRICARE For Life (TFL), which is Medicare-wraparound coverage for TRICARE beneficiaries who have Medicare Part A and Part B. There’s no enrollment in TFL.
 
2. Explore how you get care
To see certain TRICARE plans at a glance, you can refer to the table in the overview. The table outlines key facts, including who the plan is available for, and how you can get care under each plan. Some plans allow you to use any TRICARE-authorized provider. In some cases, like with TRICARE Prime, a primary care manager manages your health care. If you have the US Family Health Plan, you’ll have a designated USFHP provider who’ll refer you to a specialist when necessary. For a more detailed comparison, you can visit the Compare Plans Tool online to compare the key features of different plans side-by-side.
 
3. Discover additional health plan resources
The last section can direct you to more coverage details and resources. The TRICARE Plan Finder allows you to explore what plans you and your family may be eligible for. The overview also notes what type of out-of-pocket costs you may have. But how can you find out how much you’ll pay? You can use the TRICARE Compare Cost Tool to find costs associated with each plan.
 
Knowing your coverage options will help you choose the best plans for you and your eligible family members. If you expect any life changes, researching now may also save you time later and prevent any delays in coverage. Keep in mind, enrollment rules may differ by plan and depend on your eligibility. You can download the TRICARE Plans Overview from the TRICARE Publications page. Take a moment to also browse other benefit resources.