CareSource, a mission-driven, nonprofit managed care organization serving those enrolled in government-sponsored health care programs, will launch a TRICARE Prime option in Georgia and Florida to help veterans and military families access the care they’re eligible for under TRICARE Prime®.
By removing referrals, expanding access to community providers, waiving enrollment fees, and adding benefits tailored to the needs of the military community, the TRICARE Prime® Demo by CareSource Military & Veterans™ offers another option for eligible families in Tampa and Atlanta.
These updates are designed to support access to care for military families and veterans enrolled in TRICARE Prime®.
Eligible groups include:
- Active-duty family members
- Retirees and their family members
- Survivors
- Families of mobilized Reserve and Guard members
- Beneficiaries in the Transitional Compensation Program
- Exceptional Family Members not enrolled in ECHO
- If your sponsor is TRICARE for Life (over age 65), and you’re eligible for TRICARE Prime or Select, you are also eligible for the TRICARE Prime® Demo
CareSource Military & Veterans™ currently supports the TRICARE Prime® Demonstration in Atlanta, Georgia, and Tampa, Florida—two cities with strong military communities. Insights from this effort are helping shape future approaches to care coordination and access. In 2026, CSMV will deepen its presence in both markets, continuing its mission to support military families through every transition.
“From a national security perspective, health care is a key piece of readiness,” said CSMV President and proud military spouse Holly Joers. “Family readiness is military readiness. Ultimately, I’d like to see health care options like this available nationwide.”
CSMV is built on understanding, from a first person perspective, the unique needs of the military community; veterans carry many health conditions directly connected to their service, while military families bear the burden of losing healthcare continuity from continuous moves. CareSource, a nonprofit health insurance company, brings decades of experience supporting those enrolled in government-sponsored programs.
“I’m the proud spouse of a retired Air Force officer and daughter of an Army veteran,” Joers said. “I began my career at Eglin Air Force Base as a young military spouse. This is more than a job; it’s a calling. Because I’m part of this community, I understand the complexities of military life. I’m proud to serve those who serve our country.”
Pamela Drake, an Army veteran, military spouse, and CSMV military affairs representative in Tampa, Florida, added, “I felt a call to serve at 17. Now, I serve by helping others navigate a system that can be complex to navigate, especially during transitions. Choice, innovation, and competition drive excellence. I’m ready to live the difference.”
CSMV is focused on removing common barriers like requiring referrals for in-network specialists, which is often a time-consuming process that leaves many families frustrated.
“We’re building health care that works with military life,” said Elisa Henry, an Air Force veteran spouse and CSMV military affairs representative in Atlanta, Georgia. She added that CSMV also provides virtual care, flexible options and “real support from people who speak your language.”
Drake highlighted the organization’s focus and emphasis on both cultural competency and education.
“We engage in training, research, and direct outreach. As one of the subject matter experts, I actively educate others on military life to ensure our teams are well-positioned to serve this community,” she said.
Lakesha Cole, a retired Marine Corps spouse of 23 years and mother of three, including a child with complex medical needs, understands the unique challenges of health care better than most. Cole has weathered eight deployments, six PCS moves and a complex diagnosis journey with her daughter, Kirby.
“Every move meant starting over, re-explaining everything and hoping we didn’t lose ground. What helped most wasn’t just good doctors; it was people who listened,” Cole said. “What gives me hope about CSMV is their effort to understand military families’ different health care needs.”
CSMV is also active throughout the community through deep-rooted partnerships with organizations like Blue Star Families, Hiring Our Heroes and other military-focused nonprofits.
“Our goal is to serve across every stage of life,” Joers said. “Whether you’re active duty, retired, a caregiver, or a survivor, we’re here to support families through every stage of service.”
Cole’s hope for the future of military health care is simple but powerful. “We don’t need perfection. We need support that works with us, not against us. Supportive care makes all the difference when families are carrying so much already.”
Henry wants to ensure that military spouses feel seen.
“I would like to speak to military spouses: you’re serving, too. Your sacrifice matters and you deserve health care that recognizes that. We’re here as people who understand your life because we’ve lived it, too,” she said. “We want to be partners in keeping your family healthy so you can focus on everything else you’re managing. Thank you for your service and for trusting us with your health care.”
“You are heard by us,” Drake added. “Use your voice. Tell us what you need. This is your care.”
Joers echoed that sentiment. “We’re listening. We’re building something better, together.”
Veterans and military families in Atlanta and Tampa can go to CareSource Military & Veterans to learn more.
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