Tricare is one of the biggest perks of military life, but most people don’t realize how much better it works when you know the system inside and out. Spouses who get the best care aren’t just lucky. They know exactly how to navigate Tricare’s red tape, avoid common delays, and use benefits most people ignore.
If you’re only using Tricare at the bare minimum, you’re leaving benefits (and convenience) on the table.
Here’s how to use Tricare like an expert so you get the care you need, when you need it, without the usual headaches:
Keep your coverage active and up-to-date
Picture this: You’re at a pharmacy picking up a prescription, and suddenly, you’re told your Tricare isn’t active. Stressful, right? The problem usually comes down to outdated records in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)—the database that keeps your Tricare access running smoothly. If your information isn’t correct, you could find yourself without coverage at the worst possible time.
Log into MilConnect today and check your DEERS info. If anything looks off, fix it now. Don’t wait until you’re at the doctor’s office scrambling to correct an error. Moved recently? Had a baby? Got married? Every major life change means an update to DEERS. The sooner you do it, the fewer problems you’ll run into when you need care.
Choose the right Tricare plan for your needs
It’s important to remember this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The best plan for you depends on how much flexibility and control you want over your care.
If you want zero out-of-pocket costs and don’t mind going through a Primary Care Manager (PCM), Tricare Prime is your best bet. You’ll need referrals for specialists, but everything is covered, and there are no surprise medical bills. This is ideal for families who live near a military treatment facility and prefer a structured, managed approach to healthcare.
Prefer to choose your own doctors and avoid waiting on referrals? Tricare Select gives you full control. You’ll pay an annual deductible and co-pays per visit, but you can see any Tricare-authorized provider without permission from a PCM. This is a better option for those who need regular specialist care or live far from a military base.
If your spouse is in the Guard or Reserve and not on active orders, Tricare Reserve Select is the plan you need. It functions just like Tricare Select but must be purchased separately with monthly premiums. Many families assume they’re covered automatically—don’t make that mistake. If you’re in this category, make sure your enrollment is squared away before you need medical care.
For retirees, Tricare for Life is one of the best benefits you’ll ever have. It covers everything Medicare doesn’t, with no enrollment fees beyond signing up for Medicare Part B. Just make sure you enroll in Medicare on time to keep your Tricare benefits intact.
Use the benefits most people ignore
Most military spouses only use Tricare for routine doctor’s visits, but those who know the system well take advantage of benefits that make life easier.
Instead of rushing to the ER when a medical issue pops up in the middle of the night, call Nurse Advice Line. It’s open 24/7 and connects you with a registered nurse who can assess your symptoms and tell you whether you should go to urgent care, book an appointment, or treat symptoms at home.
Need regular prescriptions? Military treatment facilities offer 100% free prescriptions, but standing in long pharmacy lines isn’t ideal. Skip the wait by signing up for Tricare Express Scripts home delivery, which ships medications straight to your door for free.
If you need a specialist, don’t waste time calling around—use the Tricare Provider Directory to find in-network doctors. Some providers say they “take Tricare,” but that doesn’t mean they accept Tricare’s payment structure. Always double-check before scheduling an appointment to avoid unexpected bills.
Avoid common mistakes that cause delays
Even with great coverage, Tricare can be frustrating if you don’t know how to avoid common pitfalls.
Many spouses don’t realize that if you move and don’t update DEERS, your claims might get denied. Tricare ties coverage to your registered address, so failing to update it can result in problems when you seek care in a new location.
Tricare Prime users often get tripped up by booking a specialist without a referral. If you see a doctor without the proper authorization, Tricare won’t pay for it. Always go through your PCM first to avoid footing the bill yourself.
Another mistake? Assuming all civilian providers who “take Tricare” accept Tricare’s payment rates. Some doctors will accept Tricare but bill you extra because they don’t adhere to Tricare’s approved payment amounts. Use the Tricare Provider Directory to confirm that a provider is fully in-network before making an appointment.
It’s so easy to use Tricare to your advantage
Military spouses have access to some of the best healthcare coverage available, but those who get the most out of it know how to work the system to their advantage.
Stay on top of your DEERS updates. Choose the plan that best suits your needs. Use the lesser-known benefits that save time and hassle. And most importantly, avoid the common mistakes that slow everything down.
Tricare is here to take care of your family, wherever military life takes you. The key is knowing how to use it to its full potential.
For the latest updates and resources, visit Tricare.mil.