TRICARE Eligibility for Veterans

TRICARE provides affordable health care for active duty military members and their families. There are several plans from which to choose and include pharmacy benefits, dental options, and a vision plan. Transitional benefits may be available when a service member separates from the military.

From Active Duty to Retirement

• Service members on active duty receive TRICARE benefits.

  A service member must enroll in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). While on active duty, they are enrolled in a TRICARE Prime plan. Upon retirement, the service member can change the type of plan for themselves and their family. Moving to a different location can impact the service member's eligible benefits.

Changes in Benefits

• Active duty service members do not pay fees for their TRICARE benefits and there are minimal fees for family members. As a retiree, there are enrollment fees and copayments.

Veterans Health Administration

• Any service member who served on active duty is eligible to enroll in Veterans Administration (VA) health care benefits. The VA no longer only provides services to those with service-connected disabilities. Veterans are assigned to one of eight categories based on service-connected disability, income level and other factors. VA coverage includes preventative medicine and primary care as well as nursing home care and dental services.