Veterans Health Administration — TRICARE vs VHA
Two Different Systems
Transition Can Be Confusing
The transition from receiving care within the military healthcare system into the Veterans Health Administration can be challenging and sometimes confusing.
TRICARE Definition
TRICARE Description
Military health care, known as TRICARE:
- Operated through the Department of Defense
- Provides medical care for service members and their dependents
VHA Definition
VHA Description
The Veterans Health Administration provides health care for:
- Enrolled veterans
- Their eligible family members
…through a network of hospitals and clinics across the country.
Key Distinction
TRICARE vs VHA Distinction
TRICARE and the Veterans Health Administration work together, but have different:
- Eligibility criteria
- Health benefits
- Costs
TRICARE Program
TRICARE Foundation
TRICARE is the worldwide health care program serving:
- Uniformed service members and retirees
- Their family members
- Survivors
- Some former spouses entitled to TRICARE benefits
Reserve Component
TRICARE for ARC
TRICARE programs are also available to Air Reserve Component members and their families.
Force Multiplier Role
TRICARE = Force Multiplier
TRICARE is a force multiplier for the military health system that fills gaps in military health care using networks of:
- Civilian health care professionals
- Facilities
- Pharmacies
- Suppliers
Why It Matters
Civilian Networks Enable
These civilian networks help enable the Department of Defense to provide beneficiaries with access to high-quality health care services even while uniformed medics are serving abroad in contingency operations.
Coverage Area
TRICARE Coverage Area
TRICARE is available in the United States and overseas.
Regional Contractors
TRICARE Regional Contractors
Each TRICARE region has a managed care support contractor that administers and coordinates health care services with network and non-network civilian hospitals and providers.
Website
TRICARE Website
https://www.tricare.mil/
TRICARE Plans
Primary Plans
The primary health care options offered to eligible beneficiaries are:
- TRICARE Prime
- TRICARE Select
Plan Variations
Plan Variations
Variations include:
- TRICARE Prime Remote
- TRICARE Prime Overseas
- TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas
- TRICARE Select
- TRICARE Select Overseas
Additional Plans
Additional TRICARE Plans
Additional plans available:
- TRICARE For Life
- TRICARE Reserve Select
- TRICARE Retired Reserve
- TRICARE Young Adult
- U.S. Family Health Plan
Plan Finder
Plan Finder Tool
The TRICARE plan finder can be used to determine the best plan available: https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/PlanFinder
TRICARE Dental Plans
3 TRICARE Dental Plans
TRICARE offers three dental plans, each with its own dental contractor:
- Active duty dental program
- TRICARE dental program
- TRICARE retiree dental program