Medical Services coordinator answers TRICARE questions

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Patrick R. Hyde
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  For many military members, medical care for them and their family members is a key benefit of service. While the ins and outs of TRICARE may sometimes be confusing, the 39th Medical Group has experts standing by to answer any questions beneficiaries may have, which is why the 39th MDG is always the first stop for healthcare.

One of the most frequently asked questions about military health coverage is the difference between TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Standard.

"TRICARE Prime is the only choice for active-duty members. The two plans dependants can choose from are Prime and Standard," said Stephanie McNamara, 39th MDG TRICARE medical services coordinator. "TRICARE Standard offers flexibility, but involves greater out of pocket expenses. For example, in the States if you choose Standard you pay an annual deductible and 20 percent of your bill. The difference here is that you pay the bill in full and may seek reimbursement of 80 percent which can take up to four to six weeks.

Another unique, Incirlik-specific medical benefit is delivering a child.

"The most important thing to know is that the 39th MDG does not deliver babies here on base," said Mrs. McNamara. "There is a program set up for all expectant mothers called Stork Nesting. Women planning on having children while stationed here should plan on getting in touch with the Women's Clinic to get all the information they will need about this valued program."

Another important aspect of TRICARE benefits, especially this time of year, is how family members arrange for medical care if they're traveling or are away from the base for an extended period of time.

If a family member will be away for 60 days or more, the following steps will have to be taken according to Mrs. McNamara: 
  • Stop by the TRICARE office on base and notify us of your plans for spending more than 60 days away from Incirlik. 
  • After arriving at your destination, contact the gaining TRICARE Service Center to transfer enrollment. A TRICARE representative will provide you with an information packet that includes where to send your claims, as well as, information on the local civilian provider network. 
  • Upon return to Incirlik, contact your TSC again to ensure your Prime enrollment is transferred back.
In the event emergency medical care is needed when traveling, beneficiaries are not required to seek authorization for care.

"Keep in mind that a true emergency is considered life, limb or eyesight," said Mrs. McNamara. "(If it is an emergency) go to your nearest military or civilian emergency room. If it is not an emergency, we recommend you wait until you return home to receive care."

If the situation is not an emergency, but medical care cannot wait until beneficiaries return to Incirlik, Mrs. McNamara said the first step is to report to the nearest Military Treatment Facility.

"If there is no local Military Treatment Facility, call one of the toll-free numbers (listed below) and they will direct you to a TRICARE network provider located near you," said Mrs. McNamara. "If there aren't any, make sure the civilian provider accepts the TRICARE/Champus allowable charges as payment in full, otherwise, you may be responsible for the charges above the allowable limit.

"If you find yourself in this situation, contact the nearest TRICARE office for assistance," added Mrs. McNamara. "If you are seen outside the MTF, the civilian provider may file the claim for you, or you may be expected to pay first and then file the claim yourself."

In either case, all claims for family member care in the U.S. should be mailed to:
TRICARE Europe
WPS - Foreign Claims
P.O. Box 8976
Madison, WI 53708-8976

Below are important phone numbers to have when traveling.
TRICARE North.....................1-877-TRICARE
Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

TRICARE South ...................1-800-444-5445
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and the eastern portion of Texas.

TRICARE West .....................1-888-TRIWEST
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, the western portion of Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

TRICARE Overseas.................1-888-777-8343
TRICARE Europe, TRICARE Pacific, TRICARE Latin America & Canada.

To find out more information on traveling with medical coverage visit www.europe.tricare.osd.mil. Then go to FACT sheets and select "Traveling With Prime."