Tricare Prime offers travel reimbursements
FROM STAFF REPORTS Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

Tricare Prime beneficiaries referred by their primary care manager for specialty services at a location more than 100 miles from their provider's location may be eligible to have their reasonable travel expenses reimbursed by Tricare.

Beneficiaries must have a valid referral and travel orders prior to traveling, and file a travel claim upon their return. This can be requested at the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) or from the Tricare Regional Offices (TRO) if the doctor is a Tricare network provider. Beneficiaries will receive a briefing on the entitlement process, coverage, and their responsibilities at the MTF or from the TRO point of contact.

"Prime enrollees should not have to pay out of pocket for travel expenses to receive approved care at a distant location," said Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, Deputy Director, Tricare Management Activity. "Programs are available to cover these costs and representatives are standing by to help."

Reasonable travel expenses are the actual costs incurred by the beneficiary when traveling to their specialty provider. Costs include meals, gas, tolls, parking, and tickets for public transportation (i.e., airplane, train, bus, etc.). Beneficiaries must submit receipts for expenses above $75. The MTF or TRO will provide the beneficiary with specific instructions on how and where to submit his or her travel entitlement claim. Government rates are used to estimate the reasonable cost. Beneficiaries are expected to use the least costly mode of transportation. Costs of lodging and meals may be reimbursed up to the government per diem rate.

This benefit does not apply to travel expense for specialty care experienced by active duty uniformed service members, or active duty family members residing with their sponsors overseas, which are reimbursed by other travel entitlements.

Tricare Management Activity is the Defense Department agency that administers the health care plan for the uniformed services, retirees and their families, serves more than 9.1 million eligible beneficiaries worldwide. For more information on the Tricare Prime Travel Reimbursement, refer to www.tricare.mil/factsheets.