Military Health, Tricare programs - Army Times

Tricare Extra

Extra is a preferred-provider option, a system that contracts with health care providers to supply services at discounted fees. Doctors and other providers agree to join a network and see Tricare patients.

Extra is basically a variation of Tricare Standard that allows patients to lower their costs by using a provider in the Tricare network.

Extra does not require enrollment or charge premiums, but users must meet deductibles before insurance benefits begin. The deductible is the same as for Standard, varying by rank and family status. For paygrades E-4 and below, deductibles are $50 for an individual and $100 for a family; other active-duty members and retirees pay $150 for an individual and $300 for a family.

Users also must pay a portion of the costs associated with receiving care. The cost share varies according to status. For civilian doctor visits and prescription drugs, all active-duty families pay 15 percent of the allowable cost, while retirees pay 20 percent. The annual out-of-pocket cost for covered benefits is $1,000 for active-duty families and $3,000 for all others.

Extra users pay the same cost shares as Standard patients for other services, including ambulance transport and outpatient surgery.