TRICARE and VA Dual Eligibility
Army Reserve: Retired
Benefit Fact Sheet
Summary:
When leaving active duty, Soldiers may be entitled to or eligible for benefits offered by TRICARE and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), depending on whether the Soldier retires or separates. If retiring, the Soldier is eligible for TRICARE as a military retiree and may also be eligible for certain VA benefits. Service members who separate due to a service-connected disease or disability may be eligible for VA benefits and certain TRICARE benefits.
Eligibility:
Retired Soldiers may be eligible for both TRICARE and VA benefits. This means that health care may be covered by TRICARE and/or VA benefits. For most health care needs, TRICARE may be the main source of coverage. Most VA facilities are TRICARE network providers.
Note: If retiring from the National Guard or Reserve, the Soldier will become eligible for TRICARE retiree health care benefits when you reach age 60 and are drawing retirement pay. You may enroll in the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program at any age.
Benefit Highlights:
If eligible, TRICARE provides coverage even if treatment is received through VA for the same medical condition in a previous episode of care. However, TRICARE will not duplicate payments made by VA or authorized to be made by VA. The rules and costs of whichever benefit is used will apply.
VA Health Care Benefits
Retired Soldiers may qualify for VA health care benefits if they served on active military service, were discharged, or released under conditions other than dishonorable and meet length of service requirements.
TRICARE representative at the Soldiers local VA facility can offer more information about using a VA TRICARE network provider. Copayments, cost-shares, and deductibles may apply.
Click here for TRICARE and VA benefit comparison.
Additional Information:
For more information on VA Benefits for Veterans, please visit:
http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp
TRICARE DEERS Information:
http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Eligibility/DEERS
Document Review Date: 5 April 2012