Military Health, Tricare programs - Army Times

Supplemental insurance

Supplemental insurance plans are available to pick up expenses that remain after Tricare pays its share of covered benefits.

Usually offered by military associations through private insurance firms, these plans pay a specified amount of an individual’s share of Tricare costs. Normally, they do not pay for things Tricare does not cover.

Dozens of supplemental policies are available, and costs and coverage vary widely.

Military beneficiaries who are eligible for Medicare may buy supplemental insurance to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for office visits.

However, recent Tricare health care enhancements reduce or eliminate the need for Medicare supplemental insurance plans for many seniors. Tricare for Life supplements Medicare for care covered under both programs, while the Senior Pharmacy Program has few out-of-pocket cost for prescription drugs.