Tricare Help: Some who are eligible for Tricare may not know it - Getting out, military health issues - Navy Times

Tricare Help: Some who are eligible for Tricare may not know it

The 9.7 million Tricare beneficiaries make up about 3 percent of the U.S. population. Today, more than 50 million Americans are uninsured.

Take 3 percent of that 50 million, and it’s a statistical probability that 1.5 million people out there are eligible for Tricare — and don’t know it.

Could one of them be at your dinner table this holiday season? Spread the word to those who may be eligible for Tricare and don’t know it, including those in some often overlooked categories:

• Unmarried children, under age 21, of active-duty, retired or deceased members. That also includes children born out of wedlock, even overseas.

• Children who become physically or mentally disabled and unable to work before turning 21. Regardless of their current age, they may still be eligible — now and for the rest of their lives.

• Anyone who retired before 1966, or their widows.

• National Guard or reserve retirees age 60 or older.

Along with those mentioned above, many shelter workers, nursing home workers, elder care volunteers, day care workers, recreation center directors, religious leaders and even social workers likely don’t know about Tricare, or know that some of their clients may be eligible.

And don’t forget to tell any police officers you know. They probably see more of the basic human condition than everyone else combined.

Note to readers

A Tricare-eligible beneficiary with multiple sclerosis and a Veterans Affairs Department disability rating for the condition recently wrote in to inquire about his options for long-term care insurance.

Another reader subsequently noted that the beneficiary may be, or may become, eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits under VA’s pension program. More information is available at www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/pension/vetpen.htm.

Write to Tricare Help, Times News Service, 6883 Commercial Drive, Springfield, VA 22159; or tricarehelp@militarytimes.com. In email, include the word “Tricare” in the subject line and do not attach files. Get Tricare advice any time at www.militarytimes.com/tricarehelp.