Put TRICARE on Your Pre-Deployment Checklist

  • Published
  • By Tyler Patterson
  • TriWest Healthcare Alliance
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  If there's one universal rule in the military, it's that pre-deployment days can be hectic.

There's a lot that needs taking care of, like getting finances and legal documents in order and making arrangements for family issues while away. If deploying from a reserve component, civilian employers must also be considered.

With so much going on, it can be easy to overlook TRICARE benefits. Making sure your healthcare coverage is available while deployed is as easy as it is important.

Know the "What"
 
First, make sure spouses have access to all necessary records. This includes a copy of orders at the bare minimum. If spouses will need access to medical records, an "authorization to disclose" form will be needed. The form is available at www.triwest.com, from the "Find a Form" page.

Next, make sure the records each family member are current in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. Additionally, show spouses how to make changes in DEERS at a nearby ID card-issuing office, by calling 1-800-538-9552 or logging on at http://www.tricare.osd.mil/deers.

After that, check family's identification cards. If any will expire while deployed, be sure to replace them before leaving. Current ID cards are required for accessing health care through TRICARE benefits.

Know the "How" 

Finally, make sure spouses knows the basics of TRICARE coverage.

  • Encourage spuses or child guardians to attend a mobilization briefing or Family Readiness Group meeting in their area. Benefit videos and information are also available at TriWest's "TRICARE 2 You Online Library," at www.triwest.com/t2u.
  • Make a list of contact numbers:

    • Primary care manager/family physician
    • A nearby emergency room
    • A beneficiary counseling and assistance coordinator
    • TriWest regional contractor

      • Online at www.triwest.com: Registered users can find answers, check status of claims, authorizations and referrals and track expenses.
      • 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378)

    • Review family's TRICARE plan so they know how to properly access care and fill prescriptions.
For more pre-deployment tips covering everything from automobile storage to legal resources, visit the "Force Health Protection and Readiness Pre-Deployment" page at http://fhp.osd.mil/preDeployment.jsp. Members of the reserve component can also visit www.triwest.com/ngr for additional pre- and post-deployment advice.