TRICARE is the health care program for members of the uniformed services and their families. It provides comprehensive medical coverage for:
Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs)
Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs)
National Guard and Reserve members
National Guard and Reserve family members
Military retirees and their families
Survivors
Certain former spouses
TRICARE serves beneficiaries worldwide, ensuring access to quality care no matter where military life takes them.
How TRICARE Works
TRICARE combines the medical resources of the Military Health System—including military hospitals and clinics—with a large network of civilian doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and suppliers.
Together, these resources work to:
Foster health
Protect service members and families
Sustain long‑term wellness
Restore health when illness or injury occurs
TRICARE’s mission is to ensure that those who serve—and those who support them—receive the care they’ve earned.
Who Is Eligible for TRICARE?
Your service personnel office is responsible for determining your TRICARE eligibility. TRICARE covers a wide range of individuals connected to the uniformed services, including:
Eligible Groups
Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs)
Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs)
National Guard and Reserve members
National Guard and Reserve family members
Retired service members and their families
Retired Reserve members and families
Individuals eligible for both TRICARE and Medicare
Survivors
Children
Former spouses (who meet specific criteria)
Medal of Honor recipients and their families
Dependent parents and parents‑in‑law
Foreign Force members and their families
TRICARE is designed to support the health and well‑being of those who serve, have served, and the families who stand behind them.
How to Check Your TRICARE Eligibility
To confirm your eligibility:
1. Update Your Information in DEERS
Make sure all your personal and family information is current in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
This is the system TRICARE uses to verify eligibility.
2. Log Into milConnect
Once DEERS is updated, you can log into milConnect to check your TRICARE eligibility status and see what coverage you qualify for.
Where Can I Get Care?
The Military Health System (MHS) is a global, comprehensive, and fully integrated healthcare network. Depending on your TRICARE plan and beneficiary category, you may receive care from:
Military Hospitals and Clinics
The Department of Defense (DoD) operates many military hospitals and clinics around the world.
You may be able to receive care at these facilities based on:
Your location
Your TRICARE plan
Your beneficiary status
These facilities are part of the core Military Health System and often serve as the first point of care for many active‑duty families.
Civilian Network Providers
TRICARE also partners with a large network of civilian doctors, specialists, hospitals, and clinics.
If you’re enrolled in a plan that uses civilian providers, you can access care through TRICARE’s approved network.
TRICARE‑Authorized Non‑Network Providers
If a network provider isn’t available in your area, you may still receive care from TRICARE‑authorized non‑network providers.
Costs may vary depending on your plan, but these providers are still approved to treat TRICARE beneficiaries.
Information provided by TRICARE.mil
For personal, one‑on‑one assistance, guidance, or help understanding your TRICARE options, contact us at: 423-293-2936
I can help you understand your choices and make sure you’re getting the care and benefits you’re entitled to.
