TRICARE Extra

Army National Guard: Retired

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:

Retired Army National Guard Soldiers are eligible for TRICARE Extra benefits when they reach age 60 and begin to receive regular retired pay.

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).
  • 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