TRICARE Beneficiaries Have the Right to ...

Get Information: Beneficiaries have the right to receive accurate, easy-to-understand information through written materials, presentations, and TRICARE representatives to help them make informed decisions about TRICARE programs, medical professionals, and facilities.

Choose Providers and Plans: Beneficiaries have the right to a choice of health care providers that is sufficient to ensure access to appropriate high-quality health care.

Emergency Care: Beneficiaries have the right to access emergency health care services when and where the need arises. They are not required to obtain prior authorization for care if they have reason to believe their life is in danger or if they would be seriously injured or disabled without immediate care.

Participate in Treatment: Beneficiaries have the right to receive and review information about the diagnosis, treatment, and progress of their condition and to fully participate in all decisions related to their health care. If a beneficiary is unable to fully participate in treatment decisions, he or she has the right to be represented by family members, conservators, or other duly appointed representatives.

Respect and Nondiscrimination: Beneficiaries have the right to considerate, respectful care from all members of the health care system at all times and under all circumstances. An environment of mutual respect is essential to maintain a quality health care system.

If a beneficiary is eligible for coverage under the terms and conditions of TRICARE or as required by law, he or she must not be discriminated against in marketing and enrollment practices based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or source of payment.

Confidentiality of Health Information: Beneficiaries have the right to communicate with health care providers in confidence and to have the confidentiality of their individually identifiable health care information protected. They also have the right to review and copy their own medical records and request amendments to their records.

Complaints and Appeals: Beneficiaries have the right to a fair and efficient process for resolving differences with their health plan, health care providers, and the institutions that serve them, including a rigorous system of review.

Visit TRICARE's web site for more information about beneficiary rights, or refer to the paper, Safeguarding Beneficiaries’ Information, also available on the Web site.