Military Health, Tricare programs - Army Times

Tricare Extra

Extra is a preferred-provider option. It is a variation of Tricare Standard that allows Standard/non-Prime enrollees to lower their costs by using a contracted Prime provider in the Tricare network.

Extra does not require enrollment or charge premiums, but users must meet deductibles before insurance benefits begin. 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 and Tricare-covered service provided. For civilian doctor visits, 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.