TRICARE is a health care program from the Defense Health Agency (DHA) in the U.S. Department of Defense. The program is designed for active-duty service members, military retirees, National Guard and Reserve members, survivors, family members, and former spouses who meet eligibility requirements. In total, it covers nearly 9.4 million people worldwide [1].
TRICARE offers health care resources from the Military Health System, including military hospitals and clinics, plus health care professionals, pharmacies, and supplies to help protect the health of military members and their loved ones.
Both active duty service members, veterans, and their extended families face a higher risk of different health conditions. 1 in 4 active-duty members shows signs of a mental health condition [2]. Veterans have a higher rate of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease [3]. Depression and anxiety among military personnel’s spouses and children has been linked to absence due to deployment [4].
Let’s take a look at how TRICARE responds to elevated health risks, how to apply, and what the benefits are.
What Is TRICARE?
TRICARE is a health program offering benefits to people in the military and their families. It provides medical care to help support people’s wellbeing and readiness for military missions. People receiving TRICARE can be stationed or reside in the U.S. or abroad.
The program was introduced by the Department of Defense in 1994, replacing a previous program called CHAMPUS. It was rolled out between 1996 and 1998.
There are certain requirements that have to be met to receive TRICARE coverage.
TRICARE Eligibility Requirements
TRICARE covers two groups of people:
- Sponsors. Active-duty military members and veterans.
- Family members. Spouses, children, and other dependents.
Sponsors can be on active duty or can be retired from the following:
- US air force
- US army
- US coast guard
- US marine corps
- US navy
- Commissioned Corps of the US Public Health Service
- Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Other sponsors who can qualify if they:
- Have a Medal of Honor
- Are the spouse or child of a service member with a Medal of Honor
- Are the survivor of a deceased service member
- Are the former spouse of a military member
It’s worth noting that not all veterans are eligible for TRICARE. There are also a number of specifications for family member eligibility, which includes spouses and children up to 21, stepchildren, children born out of wedlock, children with disabilities, full time students, adult children, former spouses, surviving spouses and children, and secondary dependents.
TRICARE Plans
Different plans are available with TRICARE and each one has different costs depending on military status and family status. TRICARE Costs gives a breakdown for covered services, enrollment fees, and plan premiums. TRICARE Covered Services Tool shows what services, supplies, and treatment are covered.
TRICARE plans are:
- TRICARE Prime
- TRICARE Prime Remote
- TRICARE Prime Overseas
- TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas
- TRICARE Select
- TRICARE Select Overseas
- TRICARE For Life
- TRICARE Reserve Select
- TRICARE Retired Reserve
- TRICARE Young Adult
- TRICARE Plus
- US Family Health Plan
- TRICARE Prime Demo
The Find a TRICARE plan tool can help determine the best plan, based on each person’s situation and eligibility. It’s possible to change plans each year during “Open Season”.
Benefits of TRICARE
TRICARE brings a number of health benefits to military personnel and their extended families.
- Worldwide medical coverage. Access to urgent and emergency care anywhere in the world.
- Choice of care models. Different plans provide health benefits that align better with different people’s medical needs.
- Zero premiums for active duty members. With Prime plans, active military pay $0 in monthly premiums.
- Preventive care. Checkups, immunizations, and early screenings cost nothing with in-network providers.
- Low copays for retirees. Compared to commercial civilian plans, TRICARE costs are significantly lower for retirees.
- Capped out-of-pocket expenses. An annual limit ensures families pay no more than a maximum amount for covered medical care each year.
- Affordable, accessible prescriptions. Zero-cost medications at military pharmacies and low-cost delivery options.
- Maternity and newborn care. Prenatal visits, delivery, postpartum care, and other maternity support at low costs.
- Mental health coverage. Outpatient therapy, substance use treatment, and behavioral health services are included.
Addiction and Mental Health Among Service Members
Service members have a high risk of developing an addiction or mental health disorder due to the high-stress environments they operate in, exposure to trauma, and spending long periods of time separated from their families and support networks.
One study found more than 32% of young men in all branches of the military engaged in heavy drinking, compared with 17% of civilian men [5]. 1 in 10 veterans has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder [6]. In terms of mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects up to 13% of military personnel, and depression affects up to 27%. Only a small portion of these groups seek mental health treatment and receive adequate levels of care [7].
Structured addiction and mental health treatment for service members can be life-changing. Evidence-based therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed practices such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) support people to challenge negative thinking, process events, develop healthier coping skills, and calm their nervous systems.
With TRICARE, military personnel and others close to them can access essential addiction and mental health care more easily and on a longer-term basis.
TRICARE-Covered Addiction and Mental Health Treatment at Trinity Wellness Group, MA
At our center near Milton, Massachusetts, we offer tailored addiction and mental health care run by a team of licensed specialists. Our full and half-day outpatient programs are suitable for service members, their families, and dependents who are stable enough to live at home, but require support to move forward.
We integrate evidence-based therapies in our programs, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) where clinically needed, and a range of holistic activities. We follow a trauma-informed approach, treating addiction and mental health symptoms while also looking at the driving forces and unprocessed trauma underneath.
We accept TRICARE and our team is experienced working with military personnel and veterans. We provide comprehensive and compassionate care, and prioritize individuals’ progress within and outside of our center walls.
Healing is possible. Speak with us today.
Sources
[1] TRICARE. Tricare 101. tricare.mil.
[2] National Alliance on Mental Illness. Service Members & Veterans. nami.org.
[3] Betancourt, J. et al. 2021. Exploring Health Outcomes for U.S. Veterans Compared to Non-Veterans from 2003 to 2019. Healthcare.
[4] Rodriguez, A. Margolin, G. 2016. Military Service Absences and Family Members’ Mental Health: A Timeline Followback Assessment. Journal of Family Psychology.
[5] Ames, G. Cunradi, C. 2004. Alcohol Use and Preventing Alcohol-Related Problems Among Young Adults in the Military. Alcohol Research & Health.
[6] National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2019. General Risk of Substance Use Disorders. nida.nih.gov.
[7] Sharifian, N. et al. 2025. Factors Associated With Mental Healthcare Utilization Among United States Military Personnel With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder or Depression Symptoms. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.