November is Warrior Care Month

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS) -- TRICARE is a health care program for uniformed service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, survivors and their families around the world. We ensure our beneficiaries receive care that is proven both safe and effective. This month, make time to learn about all the health care benefits, programs and resources available to our service members and their families.

Active-duty service members mainly receive their primary care at military hospitals and clinics. If stationed in a remote location, active-duty service members may receive primary care with a civilian network provider. If you are injured on active duty, there are additional programs and resources as well as special benefits like respite care for primary caregivers of injured service members.

National Guard and Reserve members who are on active duty for more than 30 days receive the same benefits as an active-duty service member. While serving on active duty for 30 days or less for active-duty training, an annual tour, individual duty training or drill and you are injured or become severely ill in the line of duty, your unit must issue a Line of Duty determination (LOD) to authorize health care coverage under TRICARE related specifically to that injury or illness. This includes travel time to and from your place of duty. Keep in mind, you will not show as TRICARE eligible for care in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, so it is important to coordinate LOD care with your unit administrator.

Taking care of our warriors means ensuring their families also have the care they need. The Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) is a suite of benefits available to active-duty family members with qualifying mental or physical disabilities. ECHO benefits must be pre-authorized from a TRICARE-authorized provider.

TRICARE offers many programs and benefits to our warriors and their families. For details and specific information about your TRICARE coverage, visit the TRICARE website.