Military Medical Care Services: Questions and Answers
Abstract
The primary mission of the Military Health Services System (MHSS), which encompasses the Defense Department's hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel, is to maintain the health of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions, and to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. The military medical system also provides, where space is available, health care services in Department of Defense (DOD) medical facilities to dependents of active duty service members and to retirees and their dependents. The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) was established in 1966 legislation as the military equivalent of a health insurance plan, run by DOD, for active duty dependents, military retirees, and the dependents of retirees, survivors of deceased members, and certain former spouses. CHAMPUS reimburses beneficiaries for portions of the costs of health care received from civilian providers. As a follow-on to CHAMPUS, DOD established Tricare to coordinate the efforts of the services medical facilities. Tricare also provides beneficiaries with the opportunity to receive their care through a DOD-managed health maintenance organization, a preferred provider organization, or to continue to use regular CHAMPUS (now known as Tricare Standard).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 05, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA465432
Entities
People
- Richard A.. Best Jr.
Organizations
- Library of Congress