Army Health Insurance: Free For Life?

Military personnel and their families are eligible for free health insurance through TRICARE, the current military health care system. TRICARE offers comprehensive coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as life insurance and pharmacy prescription options. While active-duty military and family members generally receive medical care at no cost, retirees and their families may have to pay for TRICARE coverage. However, the law now allows Medicare-eligible retirees to use TRICARE to pay for any costs not covered by Medicare.

TRICARE: the US Army's health insurance program

TRICARE is the US Army's health insurance program. It is governed by public law and federal regulations, which can change frequently. TRICARE is part of the Military Health System (MHS), which is one of the largest and most complex healthcare institutions in the US. The MHS has a three-part directive: save lives on the battlefield, combat infectious disease worldwide, and provide healthcare to America's active-duty and reserve-duty personnel and their families.

TRICARE provides comprehensive medical coverage to members of the military and their families, including drugs and dental. As an active-duty service member, you must enrol in TRICARE Prime and your coverage will be provided by one of the following:

• TRICARE Prime Remote
• TRICARE Prime Overseas
• TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas

Your family members can enrol in one of the plans above with you, or they may qualify for:

• U.S. Family Health Plan
• TRICARE for Life (with Medicare)
• TRICARE Select Overseas

Active-duty military and family members typically pay nothing for TRICARE services. National Guard/Reserve members may have to pay a cost share or copayment.

TRICARE offers 11 health plans for an expanded list of eligible care recipients, including:

• Active-duty service members and their families
• Members of the National Guard/Reserve and their families
• Survivors
• Former military spouses
• Medal of Honor recipients and their families
• Others registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)

TRICARE provides exclusive medical, pharmacy, and dental coverage to uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. TRICARE's healthcare plans provide two basic types of care:

• Direct care at an MTF (military treatment facility)
• Purchased care at a civilian provider contracted by the Department of Defense (DoD)

Currently, approximately 60% of healthcare services are purchased, with 40% provided by MTFs. The amount of purchased care is expected to rise in the future.

TRICARE also offers several programs and services for families with special needs, such as:

• Applied Behavioural Analysis
• Cancer Clinical Trials
• Durable Medical Equipment
• Home Health Care
• Hospice Care
• Mental Health Care
• Skilled Nursing Facility Care

TRICARE is not just for active-duty military members; it also provides coverage for those who have retired from the military. If you retire before your 65th birthday, you and your family will remain eligible for the TRICARE health care benefits you received while in the Army. If you retire at 65 or older, you'll be eligible for TRICARE For Life health care benefits with Medicare Part A & B coverage.

Medical coverage for soldiers' families

TRICARE provides exclusive medical, pharmacy, and dental coverage to uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. There are two basic types of care within TRICARE's healthcare plans:

• Direct care at a military treatment facility (MTF)
• Purchased care at a civilian provider contracted by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

All TRICARE plans provide minimum essential coverage that meets Affordable Care Act requirements. TRICARE also offers several programs and services for families with special needs, such as autism care, hospice care, and cancer clinical trials.

The Army is committed to the well-being of soldiers and their families, and as such, provides excellent health benefits at no cost when serving full time. Family health care coverage is one of the best cost-saving benefits available, with high-quality coverage at little to no cost. This coverage includes expecting and new parents, with a comprehensive parental leave program and resources to help after childbirth.

Dental, vision, and life insurance coverage

Dental Insurance

The Active-Duty Dental Program covers dental care at both military dental clinics and civilian providers. To be eligible, you must be an active-duty service member, a service member who needs line-of-duty care, a foreign force member stationed in the U.S., or a National Guard and Reserve member who is on active-duty orders, issued delayed-effective-date orders during a pre-activation period, or covered by the Transitional Assistance Management Program. There are no out-of-pocket costs for covered dental services.

The TRICARE Dental Program is a voluntary dental plan available to National Guard or Reserve members who are not on active duty and are not covered by the Transitional Assistance Management Program. It also covers the service member's family members. It includes typical dental services, such as exams, cleanings, fillings, oral surgery, orthodontics, and braces.

Until 2019, military retirees were eligible for Tricare Dental. Now, they are covered by the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP Dental). This is available for retired service members, family members of retired service members, retired Guard and Reserve members, family members of retired Guard and Reserve members, Medal of Honor recipients, and family members of Medal of Honor recipients.

The VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) offers discounted private dental insurance for veterans and family members who meet certain requirements. While some veterans enrolled in VA health care are eligible for free dental care, many are not. VADIP helps veterans buy private dental insurance at a reduced cost.

Vision Insurance

Vision insurance is available through TRICARE, with plans starting at $10.67 for individuals and $29.34 for families. The EyeMed and VSP network plans offer discounts and additional savings on frames, glasses, sunglasses, co-pays, and overall lower out-of-pocket costs.

Life Insurance

The Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program provides low-cost term life insurance to eligible service members. The maximum coverage is $400,000, available in increments of $50,000. The basic SGLI premium is six cents per $1,000 of coverage, with premiums automatically deducted from the base pay.

The SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI) provides automatic traumatic injury coverage to all service members covered under the SGLI program. It provides short-term financial assistance to those who are severely injured, offering financial support during their recovery.

Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) allows you to continue your military life insurance after you separate from service. It offers lifetime coverage as long as premium payments are maintained. You can enroll for the maximum amount of coverage under the SGLI plan you had when you separated from service, or opt for lower coverage in increments of $10,000.

Pregnancy and postpartum care

If you are enrolled in a TRICARE Prime Plan, you must get a referral from your primary care manager (PCM) before seeking pregnancy care. Your PCM will refer you to a military hospital or clinic, if available. If not, they will refer you to a network provider for the duration of your pregnancy. After your baby is born, you will continue to receive postpartum care for up to six weeks.

If you use any other plan, you can visit any TRICARE-authorized provider. It is recommended to find a network provider first, as you will pay less out-of-pocket. As with the Prime Plan, you will continue to receive postpartum care for up to six weeks after giving birth.

Mental health services

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and the Army recognizes the importance of providing comprehensive mental health services to its soldiers and veterans. Here is an overview of the mental health services available:

In-Service Mental Health Support:

During their service, soldiers can access mental health care and specialized support from clinical psychologists within the Army. This includes individual and group counseling, as well as specialized support for various mental health conditions. For example, the Army offers support for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MST), depression, grief, anxiety, and other mental health needs. These services are available at military hospitals and clinics worldwide, ensuring soldiers can access expert care without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.

Veteran Mental Health Services:

After retirement from service, veterans can continue to access mental health services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA mental health services are available to all veterans, regardless of discharge status, service history, or eligibility for VA health care. The VA offers a range of mental health programs, including counseling, therapy, medication management, and peer support.

Veterans can walk into any VA medical center or call the Veterans Crisis Line at any time to access immediate mental health support. The VA also provides a 24/7 crisis line and chat service for confidential help, with responders including fellow veterans. Additionally, the VA offers mental health apps, online self-help portals, and telemental health programs, allowing veterans to access support from the comfort of their homes or nearest VA health facilities.

Substance Use and Behavioral Health:

The Army and VA also provide support for substance use and behavioral health issues. Veterans can access substance use assessments, alcohol and drug assessments, and referrals through VA programs. Additionally, the VA offers behavioral health clinics and a 24/7 crisis line to help veterans navigate difficult situations and receive timely support.

Specialized Mental Health Programs:

The VA and other organizations offer specialized mental health programs to cater to the unique needs of veterans. For example, the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) provides interactive programs, mental health workshops, and professional services to help veterans build resilience and overcome mental health conditions like PTSD, MST, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). WWP also offers weekly one-on-one emotional support calls, connecting veterans with dedicated WWP Talk Partners to help set goals and work through challenges.

Family Support:

Recognizing the importance of family well-being, the Army and VA also provide mental health resources for family members of soldiers and veterans. Family members can access counseling services, including couples and family counseling, as well as support programs like WWP Talk and Project Odyssey. Additionally, caregivers of veterans can seek support through the VA Caregiver Support Program and the VA's caregiver peer support mentoring program.

In summary, the Army and VA are committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to soldiers and veterans, ensuring they receive the support they need during and after their military service. These services are designed to address a range of mental health concerns and help individuals and their families lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

Frequently asked questions