In honor of World Health Day, we wanted to highlight some health insurance resources you might not be aware of. Tricare is the designated health insurance for military members and their dependents, and everyone’s experience is different. Whether you love it or hate it, try to familarize yourself with the resources and processes to avoid headaches down the road… especially if you’re about to PCS.
For starters, there are two main plans: Tricare Prime and Tricare Select. The biggest difference is Select allows you to choose your own provider, while Prime assigns providers to you. To compare plans in more detail, click here. You may only change plans if you have a qualifying life event (i.e. birth of a child), otherwise you can only do so during “open season” in the fall.
Whether you’re brand new to Tricare or you’ve been around the block before, there are many resources you may not be aware of. Here are six that caught our attention:
Doula Coverage
New this year! The Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) covers the following support services: certified non-medical labor doulas, certified lactation consultants and certified lactation counselors. Tricare will cover up to six visits by a certified labor doula, a trained, non-medical professional who provides support for the birthing parent before, during, and a short time after labor. If eligible, you’re automatically enrolled when you submit claims covered under the CBSD. Check with your TRICARE regional contractor to see if you qualify.
Case Management
Did you know if you’re being treated for chronic, high-risk, high-cost, catastrophic or terminal illnesses, you can get case management services at no extra cost? Neither did I. Case managers are usually nurses or social workers who can help patients and families figure out complex health care and support systems. To locate a case manager, contact your regional/program contractor, military hospital or clinic, or a Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator.
ECHO
The Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) provides financial assistance to beneficiaries with special needs for an integrated set of services and supplies. ECHO is for people who need extra benefits for example, you or your child requires nursing care 24/7 for a complex medical condition. This a supplemental program for Exceptional Family Member Program enrollees.
Telemyn
We’ve heard from so many of you struggling to find therapists and mental health professionals at your duty station. Have you heard of Telemynd? The organization is a nationally-recognized partner of Tricare. They handle Humana Military insurance validation and match patients with a provider who is uniquely qualified to their personal situation. The program has zero copays or cost-shares for telemedicine, no predetermined maximum sessions, and no authorization required for Tricare Prime active duty family members and retirees.
Doctor on Demand
Doctor on Demand is another great program offered through Humana Military. With 24/7 access to doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and other medical experts, care is always available, anytime and anywhere. Select and see your favorite providers again and again, right from your smartphone, tablet or computer. They cover urgent care, mental health, preventative health and chronic care.
Cigna Help Line
Not related to Tricare, but Cigna has a free Military Support Line for veterans, active duty service members and their families (both Cigna and non-Cigna customers). Their health resources can help you or a family member cope with military deployment and find assistance and support post-deployment. Call 1 (855) 244-6211, 24/7/365.
Did you learn anything new? What Tricare resources should we add to the list? For more information on mental health services, click here.