Does TRICARE for life require a referral to see a specialist?

Asked by: Melisa Jast  |  Last update: August 8, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (26 votes)

Referrals aren't required for most health care services under TRICARE Select. As outlined in the TRICARE Plans Overview, TRICARE Select beneficiaries aren't required to have a PCM and can choose to see any TRICARE-authorized provider. There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: Network and Non-Network.

Which TRICARE does not require a referral?

TRICARE Prime

Prime enrollees may receive clinical preventive services from any network provider without a referral or authorization. Urgent care visits do not require referrals.

Which TRICARE plans require a referral?

However, if you're enrolled in one of the following plans, you need a referral before you visit a specialist:
  • TRICARE Prime.
  • TRICARE Prime Overseas.
  • TRICARE Prime Remote.
  • TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas.
  • TRICARE Young Adult Prime.
  • US Family Health Plan.

What is not covered by TRICARE for Life?

In general, TRICARE excludes services and supplies that are not medically or psychologically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of a covered illness (including mental disorder), injury, or for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy or well-child care.

Does TRICARE for Life require prior authorization?

Do I need an authorization? When TFL is the primary payer for certain services, you will need preauthorization. When Medicare or other insurance is the primary payer, you will not. TFL does not make referrals to specialists or other providers.

Why do I need a referral to see a specialist?

17 related questions found

What is the difference between TRICARE and TRICARE for Life?

TRICARE For Life is Medicare-wraparound coverage for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries who have Medicare Part A and B. Available worldwide: TRICARE pays after Medicare in the U.S. and U.S. Territories. TRICARE is the first payer in all other overseas areas.

Is TRICARE for Life free for military retirees?

Is TRICARE For Life free for military retirees? There are no enrollment fees or monthly premiums for retirees who are TRICARE beneficiaries. However, you must have Medicare Part A and B to qualify, and you have to pay Part B premiums, which are based on your income.

Can you lose TRICARE for Life?

You will lose your TRICARE coverage if you don't have Part B, if you drop Part B, or fail to pay your Part B premiums.

What does TRICARE for Life pay for?

A: TFL is Medicare-wraparound coverage for TRICARE beneficiaries who have Medicare Part A and Part B. It's available worldwide and offers comprehensive health coverage, including prescription drug coverage under the TRICARE Pharmacy Program.

Do I need Part D if I have TRICARE for Life?

Medicare Part D Not Required

You don't need to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to keep your TRICARE benefits. For most TRICARE beneficiaries, there is almost NO advantage to enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan.

Does TRICARE Retired require a referral?

Referrals aren't required for most health care services under TRICARE Select. As outlined in the TRICARE Plans Overview, TRICARE Select beneficiaries aren't required to have a PCM and can choose to see any TRICARE-authorized provider. There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: Network and Non-Network.

Does TRICARE Select cover MRI?

TRICARE doesn't cover MRI to: Confirm implant rupture in symptomatic patients. Evaluate breasts before biopsy to differentiate benign from malignant breast disease or to differentiate cysts from solid lesions.

Can TRICARE Prime see civilian doctors?

If you're looking for a doctor, TRICARE can help. Your coverage enables you to visit several types of providers. You may get care from a provider at a military hospital or clinic or from a civilian TRICARE-authorized provider. There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: Network and Non-Network.

How do I get a prior authorization for TRICARE?

How to Get Pre-Authorization
  1. Download and print the form for your drug.
  2. Give the form to your provider to complete and send back to Express Scripts. Instructions are on the form. You don't need to send multiple forms.
  3. Your authorization approval will apply to network pharmacies and home delivery.

How do I get a TRICARE referral Online?

Beneficiaries must log in at www.tricare-west.com to view authorizations, referrals and individual Explanation of Benefits statements. HNFS posts these documents electronically to the Secure Inbox where they can viewed online and/or printed.

Does TRICARE cover toenail fungus?

TRICARE doesn't cover: Removal of corns or calluses. Trimming of toenails or other routine podiatry services (unless required for another covered medical condition) Services performed for cosmetic purposes.

Does TRICARE for Life pay for medications?

Tricare for Life is health care coverage for military members, retirees and their families who have Medicare Part A and Part B. It provides prescription drug coverage through the Tricare Pharmacy Program.

Does TRICARE for Life pay for cataract surgery?

TRICARE covers cataract surgery and related supplies and services.

Is TRICARE for Life a PPO or HMO?

The TRICARE Select health plan is similar to a preferred provider organization (PPO) for eligible beneficiaries not enrolled in TRICARE Prime (except ADSMs and TRICARE For Life beneficiaries). TRICARE Select allows beneficiaries to choose their own TRICARE-authorized provider and manage their own health care.

Is TRICARE for Life always secondary?

If you lose your other health insurance, TRICARE becomes your primary payer. If you have TRICARE for Life, TRICARE becomes the second payer.

Does TRICARE for Life continue for spouse after death?

TRICARE continues to provide coverage for family members when a sponsor dies. Family member health plan options and costs will vary based on: The sponsor's military status when he/she dies.

Do spouses of retired military get TRICARE for Life?

Surviving spouses remain eligible for TRICARE unless they remarry and children remain eligible until they age out or lose eligibility for TRICARE for other reasons.

Does TRICARE for life cover dental work?

TRICARE covers adjunctive dental care. as part of the "medical" benefit. Dental coverage for diagnostic and preventive services, restorative services, orthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics and other non-medical services are provided under two different dental plans: TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program.

Does TRICARE for Life offer Silver Sneakers?

TRICARE does not cover any exercise programs, including SilverSneakers. However, if you have TRICARE For Life (TFL), you can also enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers the SilverSneakers benefit.

Does TRICARE for Life pay for Medicare Part B premium?

When you use TRICARE For Life, you don't pay any enrollment fees, but you must have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Medicare Part A is paid from payroll taxes while you are working. Medicare Part B has a monthly premium, which is based on your income.