Navigating TRICARE After Military Retirement

A Financial and Health Guide for Veterans

As veterans embark on the rewarding journey of military retirement, a crucial aspect that demands their attention is the transition to TRICARE, the healthcare lifeline that extends beyond active duty. While TRICARE continues to be a comprehensive healthcare solution, there are financial considerations that veterans need to navigate post-retirement.

TRICARE Enrollment is not automatic when you retire!!!

When You Retire

• If you want to keep TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select with no break in coverage, you must reenroll within 90 days after your retirement date.
• If you don’t enroll in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select within 90 days of retirement, you may request a retroactive enrollment up to 12 months from the date of your retirement. Your claims can’t be paid until your enrollment is complete. 
• If you fail to enroll in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, you will lose all TRICARE coverage and only be able to receive care at military hospitals and clinics if space is available.

TRICARE Plans: TRICARE offers a range of comprehensive healthcare plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of veterans post-military service. Veterans can choose from various plans, each plan has a different cost structure.

• PLANS Available to Veterans
  • TRICARE Prime:
    • Emphasizes primary care coordination.
    • Requires enrollment and offers a designated primary care manager.
  • TRICARE Select:
    • Provides flexibility with both network and non-network providers.
    • No requirement for enrollment or a primary care manager.
  • TRICARE For Life:
    • Coverage for Medicare-eligible retirees.
    • Integrates seamlessly with Medicare benefits.
  • TRICARE Retired Reserve:
    • Serves retired Reserve Component members.
    • Provides healthcare coverage options post-retirement

TRICARE Costs: Veterans will be required to pay additional costs for healthcare they had not encountered while on active duty. Depending on the date of enlistment, and coverage selected the rates and requirements will differ.

• Annual Enrollment Fees – An annual amount required by each plan that can be payed in a lium sum or quarterly. (Also known as a Premium)
• Deductibles – Amount an individual or family will pay prior to TRICARE paying (Prime has no Deductible).
• Health Plan Costs (Also Known as Co-Payment or Cost-Share) – The Amount the individual pays for a covered health care service.
• Prescription Costs – Amount an individual will pay at the Pharmacy (No cost if prescriptions are filled at a Military Pharmacy)