TRICARE Extra
Army National Guard: Drilling
Benefit Fact Sheet
Summary:
TRICARE Extra is an option that allows TRICARE Standard beneficiaries to save money by making civilian doctors' appointments with doctors (nurse practitioners, labs, clinics, etc.) who are "participating" providers.
Eligibility:
TRICARE Extra can be used by any TRICARE-eligible beneficiary, who is not active duty, not otherwise enrolled in Prime, and not eligible for TRICARE for Life (TFL).
The Reserve Components include the Army National Guard, the Army Reserve, the Navy Reserve, the Marine Corps Reserve, the Air National Guard, the Air Force Reserve, and the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.
When on military duty, Reserve Component members are covered for any injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, including traveling to and from military duty, under line-of-duty procedures. Medical coverage (direct care at the Military Treatment Facilities) is available when the member is activated. When ordered to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days, Reserve Component members have comprehensive health care coverage under TRICARE.
When ordered to active duty for more than 30 days in support of a contingency operation, Reserve Component members are also eligible for "early" and transitional (demobilization) benefits:
- Early TRICARE benefits
- Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP)
When the Reserve Component sponsor is on orders for more than 30 consecutive days, his/her Family's medical and dental care needs are covered under several TRICARE options:
- TRICARE Standard
- TRICARE Extra
- TRICARE Prime
- TRICARE Prime Remote for Active Duty Family Members
- TRICARE Dental Program
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) FY 2011 gave the DoD the authority to expand benefits to qualified dependents that lose TRICARE eligibility and are under the age of 26. Young adults can purchase TRICARE Young Adult and pay monthly premiums. Initially, only TRICARE Standard/Extra will be available. Once implemented, claims may be filed and premiums paid retroactively to January 1, 2011.
Benefit Highlights:
- TRICARE Extra is an option for TRICARE Standard beneficiaries who want to save out-of-pocket expenses by making an appointment with a TRICARE Prime network provider (doctor, nurse practitioner, lab, etc.). Enrollment is not required. Coverage is automatic as long as your information is current in DEERS.
- Costs also vary depending on your military status (active duty Family members vs. retirees, their Families and others). After you have met an annual deductible, you are responsible to pay a cost-share (or percentage).
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The Extra option-user can expect that the network provider will file all claims forms for him or her. (The Standard beneficiary might have claims filed for him or her, but the non-network provider can decide to file on his or her behalf or not, on a case by case basis.)
- When using the Extra option, the Standard beneficiary must meet the same requirements to satisfy a deductible and pay a cost share for treatment.
- Under TRICARE Extra there is no Extra identification card because there is no enrollment. Your valid uniformed services ID card serves as proof of your eligibility to receive health care coverage from any TRICARE Prime provider.
Additional Information:
For more information, please visit the TRICARE Extra webpage maintained by the TRICARE Management Activity:
http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/LearnAboutPlansAndCosts/TRICAREStandardandExtra
For more information on TRICARE Young Adult eligibility:
http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/LearnAboutPlansAndCosts/TRICAREYoungAdult
TRICARE DEERS Information:
http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/ProfileFilter.do?puri=%2Fhome%2Foverview%2FEligibility%2FDEERS
TRICARE Standard and Extra fact sheet:
http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/Download/Forms/TSE_FS.pdf
Document Review Date: 9 April 2012