TRICARE Supplement Insurance is extra coverage for military families. It helps manage costs with TRICARE, the health care for service members and their families. TRICARE covers a lot, but not everything. Costs like co-pays and excess charges can add up.
This insurance covers these extra costs. It offers 100% coverage for eligible expenses, including prescriptions and excess charges. It ensures military families don’t face unexpected medical costs, giving them peace of mind.
Key Benefits of TRICARE Supplement Insurance:
- 100% coverage of TRICARE co-pays and cost-shares
- 100% coverage of excess charges above TRICARE’s allowed limits
- 100% coverage for covered prescriptions
- Affordable premiums starting at just $11.78 per month for certain age groups
TRICARE: Core Coverage vs. Supplement Insurance
What Does TRICARE Cover?
TRICARE offers medical benefits to military families. It includes active duty, retirees, and their families. TRICARE has plans like TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select, covering doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions.
But, TRICARE has out-of-pocket costs. These include cost-shares, co-pays, and excess charges. For families on a tight budget, these costs can be overwhelming.
What Does TRICARE Supplement Insurance Cover?
TRICARE Supplement Insurance covers costs TRICARE doesn’t. It’s a good choice for those who want to limit their expenses. Here’s what it covers:
- Cost-shares for inpatient benefits starting from the first day of hospital stay
- Cost-shares for outpatient benefits
- Excess charges above TRICARE’s allowable amounts, subject to legal limits
- Cost-shares for ambulatory surgery services
- Cost-shares for prescription drugs
- 100% coverage for Prime Point of Service cost-shares and covered excess charges
This coverage is available for as little as $11.78 per month for members under 46. It’s a budget-friendly option for military families.
Who Can Enroll in TRICARE Supplement Insurance?
TRICARE Supplement Insurance offers guaranteed acceptance for:
- Active and retired service members and their spouses under the age of 65
- Unmarried dependent children from birth to age 21 (or up to 23 if enrolled in school as full-time students)
- Children under 26 who are enrolled in the TRICARE Young Adult program
With no claim forms needed and easy claims management, it’s hassle-free. Pharmacy claims need to be submitted manually. But, you can manage other claims online or over the phone.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be under 65 years of age
- Must use TRICARE for medical coverage
- For dependent children, age limits apply: coverage extends to age 21 (23 for full-time students) and age 26 for TRICARE Young Adult enrollees
Why TRICARE Supplement Insurance is Essential for Military Families
Out-of-Pocket Costs: A Hidden Burden
TRICARE provides great coverage, but it can leave a big hole in your wallet. Without extra insurance, even simple doctor visits can cost a lot. A single hospital stay or surgery can lead to bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars.
TRICARE Supplement Insurance helps by covering these costs. This way, your family won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for important medical services.
Peace of Mind for Unexpected Medical Needs
TRICARE Supplement Insurance is key because it covers excess charges. Without it, families might face huge medical bills unexpectedly. With this insurance, you won’t worry about extra charges that TRICARE doesn’t cover.
Types of TRICARE Supplement Plans
There are many TRICARE Supplement Insurance plans to choose from. Whether you need a low-deductible plan or something more, there’s an option for you.
| Plan Type | Coverage | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Deductible Plan | Covers 100% of inpatient and outpatient cost-shares and excess charges | Starts at $23.45 |
| High-Deductible Plan | Lower monthly cost, higher deductible, but full coverage after deductible | Starts at $11.78 |
These plans offer flexibility based on your budget and health care needs.
Choosing the Right Plan for Your Family
When picking a TRICARE Supplement Insurance plan, think about:
- Your family’s health care needs: If you see doctors often, a low-deductible plan could save you money.
- Your budget: Lower-deductible plans cost more each month but cover more costs, saving you money overall.
- Your family size: Larger families might prefer the full coverage of low-deductible plans.
How Does TRICARE Supplement Insurance Work with Other Plans?
If you already have TRICARE, adding a supplement plan is easy. Here’s how it works:
- Receive medical services: You get care from a doctor under your TRICARE plan.
- TRICARE processes the claim: TRICARE pays its share of the cost.
- Supplement insurance pays the rest: Your TRICARE Supplement Insurance covers any remaining costs, like co-pays and excess charges.
This way, you don’t have to worry about unexpected medical costs.
TRICARE Supplement Insurance vs. TRICARE for Life
Many people are curious about the difference between TRICARE Supplement Insurance and TRICARE for Life. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | TRICARE Supplement Insurance | TRICARE for Life |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Under 65 | For retirees over 65 |
| Coverage | Pays cost-shares and excess charges not covered by TRICARE | Medicare is the primary payer, and TRICARE covers remaining costs |
| Best For | Families under 65 who want to minimize out-of-pocket expenses | Retirees using Medicare and TRICARE together |
TRICARE Supplement Insurance is for those under 65 who need extra coverage. TRICARE for Life is for retirees over 65, working with Medicare to lower costs.
Why Choose MBA’s TRICARE Supplement Insurance?
Military Benefit Association (MBA) offers a TRICARE Supplement Insurance plan that’s unique. Here’s why:
- Affordable premiums: Starting at just $11.78 per month, MBA offers one of the most cost-effective options for military families.
- Comprehensive coverage: MBA’s plan pays 100% of eligible expenses, including inpatient, outpatient, and prescription costs.
- Guaranteed acceptance: There are no health questions or physical exams required for enrollment.
- Ease of use: No claim forms are needed for most claims, and you can check the status of your claims online or by phone.
With MBA’s TRICARE Supplement Insurance, your family is protected from unexpected medical expenses. This lets you focus on your health and well-being.
Final Thoughts: Is TRICARE Supplement Insurance Right for You?
If you’re a military family looking to protect yourself from out-of-pocket costs, supplement insurance is a great choice. It covers 100% of co-pays, cost-shares, and excess charges. The low premiums and guaranteed acceptance make it accessible for most families. Plus, it’s easy to use, with no paperwork or complicated claims processes.
To learn more about enrolling in TRICARE Supplement Insurance or to get a personalized rate quote, visit Military Benefit Association’s website or call their customer service line at 888-MBA-8511.
Protect your family today with TRICARE Supplement Insurance. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered.
Disclaimer: TRICARE Supplement Insurance plans may not be available in all states. Please refer to the policy issued by MBA for detailed terms, conditions, and exclusions. The above information is provided for general guidance and may vary depending on individual circumstances.
