JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Have you wondered how the changes to civilian health plans will affect the TRICARE coverage as it pertains to the age 26 changes?
The TRICARE Management Activity has issued the following information to clarify the status of these changes. Please be aware, this is not currently a TRICARE covered benefit even though it was implemented Sept. 23, 2010 in the civilian sector.
The recent Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) requires civilian health plans that provide medical coverage to children to make that coverage available until the child turns 26 years of age. The act did not give the Department of Defense the authority to offer this benefit through TRICARE.
There are provisions in the pending National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2011 that would extend dependent medical coverage up to age 26 via a premium-based program. If enacted into law, the Department of Defense will make every effort to implement its provisions as soon as possible.
We at TRICARE are proud to serve our nation's military heroes and their families and are committed to providing them the best possible health care.
Please check the TRICARE website at www.tricare.mil for more information as it becomes available.