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TRICARE's Value Remains Strong (Article 12)
Health Costs Rising Faster Than Incomes, Study Says
USA Today, Sept. 28, 2004

Higher Costs, Less Care
The Washington Post, Sept. 28, 2004

A quick look at recent headlines tells the story of American health care today. Civilian health insurance premiums are
rising, and in some cases, individuals are losing their coverage altogether.

In the wake of these challenges now facing the civilian sector, TRICARE has strengthened its resolve to make sure this
does not happen to our beneficiaries. TRICARE continues to provide you and your family with comprehensive, dependable
health care coverage that fits your unique needs—at a cost you can afford.

You can see the value of TRICARE simply by comparing the cost of TRICARE’s managed care program (TRICARE
Prime) to the average cost of civilian health maintenance organizations (HMOs):

Cost Comparison for Active Duty
Service Members and Their Families

TRICARE Prime

Civilian HMO
Annual
(Enrollment/Premium) Fees		 $0 Individual - $1,332
Families - $3,864
Copayments $0 $10 (in network)

Cost Comparison for Retired
Service Members and Their Families

TRICARE Prime

Civilian HMO
Annual
(Enrollment/Premium) Fees		 Individual - $230
Families - $460		 Individual - $1,332
Families - $3,864
Copayments $0 (MTF)* $10 (in network)
Source: Major Medical Plan, as quoted by Kaiser Permanente’s Web site, www.kaiserpermanente.org
* A $12 copayment applies for non-MTF care.

To compare the value of TRICARE against civilian plans, visit www.tricare.osd.mil/TRICAREcomparisons/admin/index.cfm.
Contacts (Article 13)
Humana Military
1-800-444-5445
www.humana-military.com

PGBA (claims)
1-800-403-3950

Pharmacy Customer Service
1-866-DoD-TRRx (retail)
1-866-DoD-TMOP (mail order)
www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE		 Update DEERS
1-800-538-9552


ValueOptions (behavioral health)
1-800-700-8646

National TRICARE Web Sites
www.tricare.mil
www.tricareonline.com

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Last Reviewed:  December 4, 2007