See details for your state

Defense Health Agency, U.S. Department of Defense

TRICARE

BenefitHealthcareRecurringRolling

What it may cover

Varies

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

Check locally

What you get

TRICARE is the health care program for active duty and retired uniformed service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families, providing comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy coverage worldwide. TRICARE offers several plan options including TRICARE Prime (HMO-style), TRICARE Select (PPO-style), and TRICARE for Life (Medicare supplement for retirees) with varying costs and network requirements. Most active duty members and their families have low or no cost-sharing for covered services.

Help paying for healthcare, prescriptions, coverage, or care services through a public program or approved provider.

Have insurance cards, medical bills, and income documents ready before you call.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/4 confirmed

Are you an active duty service member, retired service member, National Guard or Reserve member, or an eligible family member or survivor?
Are you registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System?
Eligibility category determines which TRICARE plan options are available?
Retirees at age 65 transition to TRICARE for Life as a Medicare supplement?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1Uniformed Services ID card or dependent ID card
2DEERS registration (typically automatic for active duty; family members must be registered)
3Medicare enrollment for TRICARE for Life (retirees 65+)

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the local health or benefits office that handles TRICARE.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

Internal Revenue Service / HealthCare.gov

ACA Premium Tax Credits

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

CHIP — Children's Health Insurance Program

Social Security Administration / Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Extra Help — Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy

See details for your state

Defense Health Agency, U.S. Department of Defense

TRICARE

BenefitHealthcareRecurringRolling

What it may cover

Varies

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

Check locally

What you get

Help paying for healthcare, prescriptions, coverage, or care services through a public program or approved provider.

Have insurance cards, medical bills, and income documents ready before you call.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/4 confirmed

Are you an active duty service member, retired service member, National Guard or Reserve member, or an eligible family member or survivor?
Are you registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System?
Eligibility category determines which TRICARE plan options are available?
Retirees at age 65 transition to TRICARE for Life as a Medicare supplement?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1Uniformed Services ID card or dependent ID card
2DEERS registration (typically automatic for active duty; family members must be registered)
3Medicare enrollment for TRICARE for Life (retirees 65+)

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the local health or benefits office that handles TRICARE.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

Internal Revenue Service / HealthCare.gov

ACA Premium Tax Credits

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

CHIP — Children's Health Insurance Program

Social Security Administration / Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Extra Help — Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy