TRICARE, a health care program for military personnel and their families, is spelled as [traɪˈker], according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. The word is divided into two syllables: "tri" and "care." The first syllable "tri" is pronounced as "try," while the second syllable "care" is pronounced as "kair." The word is spelled as "TRICARE," not "TriCare" or "Tri-Care," as the capitalization and lack of hyphen are part of its official name and branding.
TRICARE is a comprehensive healthcare program established by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to provide medical and dental benefits to eligible military personnel, their families, and retirees. It serves as the military's healthcare plan, offering medical coverage both within the United States and in select overseas locations. Tricare is managed by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and encompasses a variety of health plans to suit the diverse needs of its beneficiaries.
Under TRICARE, active duty service members receive healthcare at military treatment facilities or through Tricare network providers. Family members and retirees can access care through either military treatment facilities, network providers, or non-network providers, depending on the specific plan they are enrolled in. Tricare offers different coverage options, including Tricare Prime, Tricare Select, Tricare for Life, and Tricare Reserve Select, each with its own set of benefits, cost-sharing arrangements, and provider networks.
TRICARE covers a wide range of healthcare services, including hospitalization, surgeries, preventive care, prescription medications, mental health services, and more. The program aims to ensure that military personnel and their families have access to quality healthcare that meets their specific medical needs. It facilitates affordable and convenient healthcare services while ensuring that healthcare providers comply with the program's standards and guidelines.
Overall, TRICARE seeks to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to eligible military members and their families, ensuring they have access to the necessary medical services for their well-being and peace of mind, both during active duty and in retirement.