US Navy Health Care

As private health insurance has become ever more expensive over the last 15 years, a major selling point for Navy recruiters are the US Navy's health care benefits. Sailors and officers in the Navy enjoy full access to TRICARE, the HMO-style program of the Department of Defense. TRICARE offers very generous terms to US Navy sailors and officers, as well as their dependents. This is the same program of military health care that is available to the Army, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.

Access to US Navy health care is available to its active duty sailors and officers; activated reservists and the dependents of activated reservists who remain activated for 30 days or longer; the dependents of either active duty sailors and officers or activated reservists who die on active service; and Navy retirees and their dependents. Sailors and officers who win the Medal of Honor are also eligible for US Navy health care, as are their dependents. Finally, children who are in the custody of an active duty sailor or officer are also available for US Navy health care.

TRICARE comes in three different levels. US Navy health care for active duty sailors and officers is handled under Prime coverage. Standard coverage is the norm for retirees and dependents, such as spouses and children. A better program called Extra coverage is available to retirees and dependents on a limited basis. For an example of how these varying degrees of coverage work, let's say you suffered an injury and were seeking treatment at an authorized civilian health care provider (i.e. you were not on base, but urgently needed treatment). Under Prime, you would pay none of the costs. Under Extra, you would be liable for 15% and under Standard you would be liable for 20%.

Required prescription drugs that are filled out at a base pharmacy are free. Drugs that are purchased off-base are assessed to the patient at a flat rate: $3 for generic drugs, $9 for formula brand-name drugs, and $22 for non-formula brand-name drugs.

US Navy health care also includes dental coverage. TRICARE offers a program that is available to anyone who is also eligible for at least Standard coverage, but this is not automatic. Even sailors with Prime coverage must enroll in and pay for TRICARE Dental separately. It provides all costs for diagnostic, preventative and emergency dental services, excepting sealants (i.e. cavities, root canals, etc.). The patient must pay 20% of the cost for sealant work, with US Navy health care paying up to $1,200 per year for such work. After TRICARE has paid its maximum of $1,200 in benefits, the patient is liable for the rest.

Source: TRICARE