Medical Insurance for Veteran Dependents

“To sum it up…”

There are several types of health insurance options for veteran dependent including CHAMPVA, the veterans health care program, and the Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program
For active duty and reserve military members, there is TRICARE
There are several different TRICARE options including TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Standard, and TRICARE Extra

The VA Civilian Health and Medical Program, also known as the CHAMPVA program, is a healthcare plan sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It covers most medically necessary healthcare services including psychological services.

Not all veterans’ dependents are eligible for the CHAMPVA program. Military members and dependents who qualify for TRICARE typically cannot enroll in a CHAMPVA plan.

In order to be eligible for this program, you must be either the spouse or child of a veteran who was disabled or died in the line of duty.

You can find private health insurance for your dependents if you need something more affordable than TRICARE. Enter your zip code above and compare free quotes today!

What is the Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits program?

The Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program helps pay for the medical needs of veteran dependents who were diagnosed with spina bifida. In order to be eligible for this program, you need to be the biological child of a veteran who served in Vietnam or Korea.

These veterans may have been exposed to Agent Orange during their time of service which can be the cause of the child’s spina bifida diagnosis.

Spina bifida is a disorder that occurs when an infant’s spine does not develop properly during pregnancy. There are different types of spina bifida and the symptoms and severity can vary depending on the person. Surgery is often necessary for the treatment of spina bifida.

What is TRICARE?

TRICARE is the military healthcare program for active duty and reserve soldiers and their dependents. Active duty military members must enroll in a TRICARE plan, but dependents and reserve members have other healthcare options.

What is TRICARE Prime?

TRICARE Prime is one option that offers cheaper co-payments, but you must use an approved provider. You will choose a primary care provider who will coordinate many of your healthcare needs. You typically will need a referral from your primary care provider prior to seeing a specialist.

Most of the care you receive will take place at a military medical facility, but some civilian offices will be considered acceptable depending on the specific circumstances.

If you do not live in an area that is serviced by TRICARE prime, there are other options including TRICARE prime remote, TRICARE prime overseas, and TRICARE prime remote overseas. Active duty members, reserve members, survivors, and retired service members and their dependents are all eligible for TRICARE Prime.

After a retired member becomes eligible for TRICARE for life, it is no longer possible for them or their family members to enroll in TRICARE Prime.

What is TRICARE Extra?

TRICARE Extra is not available for active duty service members, but dependents and non-activated reserve members are available. It is slightly different than TRICARE prime because it is a fee-for-service program that allows recipients to see a wider range of providers.

TRICARE Extra meets the minimum essential coverage guidelines according to the Affordable Care Act and is only available for use in the United States.

You do not have to apply for this program if you are already listed as a military dependent, you can just schedule an appointment with a provider that is registered in the network.

One major difference between TRICARE extra and TRICARE prime is that you don’t need a referral to see a specialist when you use TRICARE Extra. However, you will most likely need prior authorization for certain services and your out of pocket costs may be slightly more.

What is TRICARE Standard?

TRICARE Standard is very similar to TRICARE extra but offers beneficiaries a few more options. When you see providers that are not in the TRICARE network, you are using the TRICARE Standard option as opposed to TRICARE Extra.

The provider still has to be authorized by TRICARE even if it is not listed within the network. It is also a fee for service program.

Medical insurance for Veteran Dependents

There are several medical insurance options available for dependents of veterans and active duty military members. The CHAMPVA program is available for those who are a dependent of a veteran who was disabled or passed away in the line of duty.

In addition to the various forms of TRICARE, including TRICARE Standard, Extra, Prime and Young Adult.

For active duty, retired, and reserve members and dependents, there is the Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program and the veterans health care program.

TRICARE has many options and benefits available, but you may still want to explore other options for your family. Enter your zip code below to compare free private health insurance quotes today!