TRICARE Plans

TRICARE Standard

TRICARE Standard provides servicemembers and their dependents with health care from authorized physicians on a fee-for-service basis. Minimum deductibles and copayments must be met before plan benefits begin.

Highlights

• TRICARE Standard offers more flexibility than other TRICARE plans. You can choose any TRICARE authorized provider, whereas TRICARE Extra and Prime require you to use a military treatment facility (MTF).

• Reservists, National Guard members and their eligible dependents can continue their TRICARE enrollment after the separation from active duty. However, they must re-enroll.

Drawbacks

• TRICARE Standard can be expensive. You will be required to make copayments, satisfy a yearly deductible and cost share outpatient visits.

• If a family member with TRICARE Standard visits a medical professional other than a TRICARE participating provider and the bill exceeds the allowable charge, the enrollee must pay the balance of the bill.

• You may be required to file your own coverage claims. If the provider asks you to pay in full, you can seek reimbursement from TRICARE.

Apply

It is not necessary to apply for TRICARE Standard. Servicemembers are automatically enrolled upon the beginning of their active duty service. It is important to make sure that everyone using TRICARE has an up-to-date profile in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and has a current military I.D. card. DEERS enrollment determines your eligibility for TRICARE,  and your military I.D. card acts as your insurance card.