Back to Main
Beneficiaries Carry New ID and Enrollment Cards (Article 8)
What TRICARE Providers Need to Know
          

As you may have already noticed, many TRICARE beneficiaries— especially active duty service members—are presenting new, dramatically different looking identification cards.

Although the card itself does not bear a title, it is called the Common Access Card (CAC). It
will be replacing the Uniformed Services Identification (ID) card, which has been in existence
since 1994.

The Department of Defense, in conjunction with the seven uniformed services, began issuing the
CAC in 2003. The transition to the CAC is being phased in over several years. Until the
transition is completed, both the CAC and ID card serve as evidence of TRICARE eligibility.
Card validity can be confirmed by matching the card with the patient and by checking the card’s expiration date. With the exception of children under the age of 10, beneficiaries should be in possession of their own card. Since children are not
routinely issued their own card until age 10, use their parent’s card to verify eligibility.

Also new on the scene is a universal TRICARE Prime Enrollment Card, which is issued to beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Remote and TRICARE Prime Remote for Active Duty Family Members.

At check-in, some patients may present their enrollment card. While the enrollment card provides important contact
information, it does not confirm eligibility and should not be used as a replacement for either the CAC or ID card.

Only the Uniformed Services ID card or the new CAC may be used to verify eligibility. For that reason, you should make a photocopy of each beneficiary’s card (both sides) and retain copies for future reference.