Is TRICARE Select the same as TRICARE for Life?

Asked by: Dr. Carlos Watsica IV  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.2/5 (68 votes)

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 can't reimburse care delivered by a provider who isn't an authorized TRICARE provider.

What is the difference between TRICARE and TRICARE for Life?

TRICARE is a health insurance program provided by the federal government to active duty and retired military personnel and their family members. ... TRICARE for Life (TFL), a program for Medicare-eligible military retirees and their dependents, acts as a supplement to Medicare.

What is TRICARE Select?

TRICARE Select is a self-managed, preferred provider organization (PPO) plan available in the United States. You must show eligible for TRICARE in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. You need to register in DEERS to get TRICARE.. Enrollment is required, learn more on the Select Enrollment Page.

What is the difference between TRICARE and TRICARE Select?

With TRICARE Prime, your provider will file claims for you in most cases. Under TRICARE Select, you aren't required to have a PCM. You manage your own health care and can receive care from any provider. However, you can save money with TRICARE Select if you see a TRICARE-authorized network provider.

What is TRICARE Select called now?

In 2018, TRICARE Select replaced TRICARE Standard and Extra. TRICARE Select is a self-managed, preferred provider network plan.

TRICARE and Medicare: TRICARE for Life

31 related questions found

Is TRICARE select any good?

TRICARE Select is a good option for those military family members and other eligible enrollees who need a care provider not in in the TRICARE network and don't want to change their existing services.

Can I go to a military hospital with TRICARE Select?

One of the advantages of TRS, TRR and TRICARE Select programs is an almost unrestricted choice of providers. ... Military Hospitals and Clinics – As a TRICARE beneficiary, you have access to some of the best medical care in the country. You can get care at military hospitals and clinics on a space available basis.

Who is TRICARE Select for?

Tricare Select is a fee-for-service insurance plan that lets you see any doctor. This plan is available to family members, veterans, and retirees.

What does TRICARE Select pay for?

Tricare Select is a fee-for-service insurance plan that lets you see any doctor. If you visit a network doctor you normally will only have to pay a small copay when you visit. This plan is available to family members, veterans, and retirees.

How much do you pay for TRICARE Select?

How much is the TRICARE Select Group A enrollment fee? The fee is: $12.50 per month or $150 annually for an individual plan. $25 per month or $300 annually for a family plan.

Do you pay for TRICARE Select?

When enrolled in a premium-based health plan (TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, TRICARE Young Adult Prime, TRICARE Young Adult Select, or Continued Health Care Benefit Program), you pay a monthly or quarterly premium.

How do I use TRICARE Select?

Using Select
  1. Step 1: Find a Doctor. Once enrolled, you can visit any TRICARE-authorized provider. ...
  2. Step 2: Make an Appointment. Schedule an appointment with any provider. ...
  3. Step 3: Pay for the Care. If you visit a network provider, you will only need to pay your cost-share.

What does TRICARE Select not cover?

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.

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.

Do military retirees get TRICARE for Life?

When you retire from active duty you are eligible to purchase Tricare Prime, Select, or the US Family Health Plan. ... Once you reach age 65 you are no longer eligible for those programs, you can then purchase Medicare and TRICARE for Life.

How much is TRICARE for Life for retired military?

The TRICARE Select enrollment fees for a Group A retired beneficiary are: For an individual plan, you'll pay $12.50 per month or $150 annually. For a family plan, you'll pay $25.00 per month or $300 annually. The catastrophic cap will increase from $3,000 to $3,500.

Is TRICARE Select East or West?

The TRICARE West Region includes the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa (except the Rock Island Arsenal area), Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri (except the St. Louis area), Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas (Amarillo, Lubbock and El Paso areas ...

Does TRICARE Select pay for lodging?

TRICARE will reimburse the actual costs of lodging (including taxes) and the actual cost of meals (including taxes and reasonable tips but excluding alcoholic beverages) up to the government maximum per diem allowance for the specialty care provider's area.

Do I need a referral if I have TRICARE Select?

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.

How do I know if I have TRICARE for Life?

Go to the TRICARE Covered Services page. For Medicare services, visit the Medicare website. You can also check out the TRICARE For Life Cost Matrix to see a breakdown of costs for certain Medicare and TRICARE covered services. Q: I'm turning 65 soon.

Can TRICARE Select Use Base pharmacy?

You can fill your prescriptions at military pharmacies for free: Military pharmacies stock drugs on the Basic Core Formulary. They meet most of the primary care needs of TRICARE beneficiaries.

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

Medicare requires you to have prescription drug coverage. Tricare for Life provides the required creditable drug coverage so you don't have to buy a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

What TRICARE do you get when you retire?

TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) is a premium-based health plan available for purchase by qualified members of the Retired Reserve until reaching age 60. TRR provides coverage and costs similar to TRICARE Select, but TRR beneficiaries must also pay monthly premiums in addition to copayments, cost-shares, and deductibles.

Can you lose TRICARE for Life?

Nothing. The good news is your family's existing TRICARE coverage doesn't change. Your spouse can remain in his or her TRICARE plan. And if you have children, they remain in their current plan until they change plans or lose TRICARE eligibility.

What happens to my TRICARE when I turn 65?

TRICARE and Medicare beneficiaries who are age 65 must have Medicare Part A and Part B to remain TRICARE-eligible and be able to use TFL. TRICARE beneficiaries who aren't eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A at age 65 on their own work history or their spouse's work history remain eligible to enroll in USFHP.