TRICARE Prime

TRICARE Prime is one of the plans that TRICARE offers.  All active duty servicemen's families are eligible for this plan.  There is no enrollment fee; however, a form must be completed in order for Prime to be their coverage plan.

• TRICARE PRIME ENROLLMENT FORM

One thing that should not be confused is just because you have enrolled in TRICARE Prime and it is military affiliated, it does not mean that you will be assigned a doctor on base.  TRICARE has contracted with Civilian Medical Providers called Preferred Provider Network (PPN) that you could be assigned to. 

• Your Primary Care Manager (PCM) will always see you first with your health care 
• Your PCM will provide your care
• PCM will keep and maintain your health records
• Also, if necessary your PCM will refer you to a specialist

Point-of-Service (POS) Option allows people who are enrolled in TRICARE Prime the freedom to find and recieve health care services from any TRICARE authorized civilian provider, without requesting a referral from their PCM.

• More info on POS

Advantages to choosing TRICARE Prime:

• No enrollment fee for active duty and their family
• No fee for active duty members when seeing your civilian provider
• There is no balance billing
• You are guantareed appointments with your provider
• It is guaranteed that your PCM will coordinate and supervise your care
• There is an option to have away-from-home emergency care
• Point-of-Service option

Disadvantages to choosing TRICARE Prime:

• There is an enrollment fee for retirees and their families
• Your PCM is limited
• You are only allowed to have speciality care by referral
• Not universally available