MOAA members with questions about their health care often say they have “called TRICARE” to try and resolve their issue, to no avail. But there is not one single “TRICARE” number to call – finding the right support depends on the particular issue.
The below guide will help direct TRICARE beneficiaries to the right support for a range of health care concerns. Need more help? MOAA Premium and Life members can reach out to our benefits experts for further guidance, or access a member-exclusive publication that may address their concerns.
Prescription Problems
TRICARE beneficiaries – whether they are active duty servicemembers, families on TRICARE Prime or Select, or retirees on TRICARE For Life – use the same pharmacy benefit administrator, Express Scripts.
If a prescription requires preauthorization or medical necessity, the beneficiary (or their physician) will need to contact Express Scripts. Those who fill a prescription at a non-network pharmacy or while traveling overseas must pay out of pocket and then file a claim with Express Scripts.
Express Scripts can be reached at 1 (877) 363-1303 or via its website.
[MOAA MEMBER EXCLUSIVE: Transitioning Into Medicare and TRICARE For Life]
Those on the US Family Health Plan (USFHP) fall under one of six regional providers. Use the links below to find provider contact information, as they all have their own pharmacy network (though they follow the TRICARE uniform formulary):
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- Martin’s Point Health Care
- Brighton Marine Health Center
- Vincent Catholic Medical Centers
- CHRISTUS Health
- Pacific Medical Centers
Finding a Network Provider
The U.S. is divided into two regions, East (administered by Humana Military, 1-888-444-5445) and West (administered by TriWest, 1-888-874-9378). Network providers are different for each TRICARE region. Each contractor’s website lets users find providers who have entered into formal agreements to accept the TRICARE-negotiated rate as payment in full.
USFHP beneficiaries need to find designated providers by searching their designated provider’s website.
TRICARE for Life doesn’t have a network of providers; beneficiaries can visit any participating or non-participating Medicare provider. Find one using the Medicare Provider Directory or by calling Medicare at 1 (800) 633-4227.
[RELATED: Military Families Will Keep Access to Critical Children’s Hospital]
Dental Coverage for Active Duty Family Members
United Concordia is the contractor for civilian dental care for active duty servicemembers, activated Guard and Reserve members and their families, personnel in the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP), wounded warriors, and certain survivors. Call their customer service line at 1 (866) 984-2337.
Dental and Vision Coverage for Retirees
Retirees of any age can enroll in a Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) plan on the BENEFEDS website. Call 1 (877) 888-3337 with questions.
[RELATED: MOAA’s TRICARE Guide]
Medical Questions
The Military Health System Nurse Advice Line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via webchat, video chat, or phone. Call 1 (800) 874-2273 and select Option 1.
The line offers evidence-based health care advice from a registered nurse, support in locating an urgent care or emergency care facility, recommendations for the most appropriate level of care, and the ability to schedule same- or next-day appointments (when an appointment is recommended by a registered nurse and the caller is enrolled with a military hospital or clinic).
This service is open to all beneficiaries except those using the USFHP.
Overseas Care
Beneficiaries should get routine care before traveling, as it may not be authorized overseas for some TRICARE plans. Rules for getting care depend on the plan; the Nurse Advice Line (see above) offers support via web chat or video chat, including help finding country-specific numbers.
Travelers who need emergency care should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Keep all receipts: TRICARE claims should be filed to the beneficiary's regional contractor; for TRICARE For Life beneficiaries, International SOS serves as the regional contractor, as Medicare will not cover the care.
[MOAA’S TRICARE TOOLKIT: Going Overseas]
Address Changes
An accurate Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) record is critical to receive TRICARE benefits. Sponsors can change their contact information by logging into milConnect or by calling DEERS at 1 (800) 538-9552.
To add a family member to DEERS, the sponsor must visit an ID card office with the required documents.
Other Questions
Find contact information for all TRICARE-related contractors, partners, and Military Health System resources on the TRICARE website.
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