Military Health, Tricare programs - Military Times

Tricare Help: Will my son be covered when he’s away at college?

Q. My son will be starting college in another Tricare region. Can he still have Tricare Prime there as he does here? What will his benefits be at his new address? How do I file his claims?

You’ll have to call the Tricare contractor for your son’s new address. Contact numbers for the regions are online at www.tricare.mil/regionaloffice.cfm.

Ask whether Tricare Prime is available in his new area. If yes, his benefits will not change. If no, you will need to change his enrollment to Tricare Standard, and his claims will be subject to a $150 deductible per fiscal year and a 25 percent cost share of the amount allowed on each claim.

If he has to change to Tricare Standard, also ask for the address to file his claims. And ask for two Tricare Standard handbooks — one for each of you. You can also download the handbooks at www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Plans.

If your son will be coming home for visits, contact his Tricare Service Center to discuss the best way to handle his coverage during those periods.

If your son is 18 or older, I advise that you get a signed and dated statement from him that authorizes Tricare to handle any of his Tricare matters with you. That is Privacy Act stuff, and Tricare will be unable to talk with you about his claims unless he authorizes it in writing.

Q. I’m a reservist and will be 60 on Dec. 22. Does my Tricare begin Dec. 1 like Medicare, or on my birthday? Is there coverage for the spouse of a retiree? How do I sign up?

About two weeks before your birthday, contact the personnel section at your reserve component. Tell them you will be 60 on Dec. 22 and want to apply for retired benefits for you and your family. Ask what you need to do and what documents you’ll need.

You must get all your civilian medical care from Tricare-authorized providers; they are registered with Tricare, and Tricare can pay for the services of only those providers.

Start learning about Tricare now at www.tricare.mil.

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