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Medical
TRICARE Standard
TRICARE Standard is the new name for traditional CHAMPUS. Under this plan, you can see the authorized provider of your choice. (People who are happy with coverage from a current civilian provider often opt for this plan.) But having this flexibility means that care generally costs more.
Treatment may also be available at a military treatment facility, if space allows and after TRICARE Prime patients have been served. Furthermore, TRICARE Standard may be the only coverage available in some areas.
Who is eligible for TRICARE Standard?
Anyone who is CHAMPUS eligible may use TRICARE Standard. (Active duty personnel are not CHAMPUS eligible and are automatically enrolled in TRICARE Prime).
Advantages
- Broadest choice of providers
- Widely available
- No enrollment fee
- You may also use TRICARE Extra.
Disadvantages
- No Primary Care Manager
- Patient pays: Deductible, Copayment, and Balance if bill exceeds allowable charge and provider is non-participating (up to 15% additional)
- Nonavailability statement may be required for civilian inpatient care for areas surrounding MTFs
- Beneficiaries may have to do their own paperwork and file their own claims
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