Tricare
What Does Tricare Mean?
Tricare is the healthcare program administered by the U.S. Department of Defense for active and retired military personnel, their dependents, and certain members of the National Guard and Reserves. Previously known as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), Tricare offers care within the private (civilian) healthcare market, rather than through military hospitals and other military-operated healthcare facilities. Tricare also complies with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
Tricare is sometimes stylized as TRICARE.
Insuranceopedia Explains Tricare
Until 1966, healthcare for active and retired military members was provided exclusively at military-operated facilities. However, due to the growth of the military during the Cold War, these facilities became overwhelmed by the increasing demand for care. In response, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) was created in 1966, allowing the Secretary of Defense to contract with private healthcare providers. In 1997, CHAMPUS underwent administrative changes and was rebranded as Tricare.
Tricare offers a variety of plans, including:
- Preferred-provider plans (PPO)
- Health maintenance plans (HMO)
- Plans for families
- Plans for retirees, including a plan that supplements Medicare
- Plans for young adults
- Plans designed to supplement other plans
- Plans for personnel living overseas
In addition to health (medical) plans, Tricare also provides dental, prescription drug, and certain special plans (such as the Combat-Related Special Compensation Travel Benefit Plan).
