Military Medical Care: Questions and Answers
Abstract
The primary mission of the military health system, which includes 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 health system also provides health care services through either Department of Defense (DOD) medical facilities, known as "military treatment facilities" or "MTFs" as space is available, or, through private health care providers. Known as "Tricare," this system of military and private health care offers benefits to active duty personnel and other beneficiaries, including dependents of active duty personnel, military retirees, and dependents of retirees. Tricare beneficiaries can obtain prescription drugs through a pharmacy system that includes MTF pharmacies, network retail pharmacies, non-network retail pharmacies, and the Tricare Mail Order Program (TMOP). Dependents of active duty personnel and retirees and dependents under age 65 can choose to enroll in Tricare Prime (a managed care option), or if they choose not to enroll, they can obtain care through Tricare Standard (a fee-forservice option) or Tricare Extra (preferred-provider option). Retirees who are eligible for Medicare can enroll in Tricare For Life (TFL).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 14, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA501244
Entities
People
- Don J. Jansen
Organizations
- Library of Congress