Preferred provider organization type of TRICARE option in which the individual does not have to enroll or pay an annual fee. On a visit-by-visit basis, the individual may seek care from an authorized network provider and receive a discount on services and reduced cost-share (copayment).

Health care program that offers additional TRICARE benefits as a supplementary payer to Medicare for uniformed service retirees, their spouses, survivors age 65 or older, and certain former spouses. TFL became effective October 1, 2001. Also known as TRICARE Senior Prime .

Organization that administers the TRICARE program; formerly known as the Office of Civilian Health and Medical Programs of the Uniformed Services (OCHAMPUS) .

Voluntary health maintenance organization–type option for TRICARE beneficiaries. TRICARE Prime works like a civilian health maintenance organization (HMO) to control costs. Beneficiaries are assigned a primary care manager (PCM) at a military treatment facility (MTF). (In some areas, PCMs are civilian network providers.) The PCM handles all routine health care. If the beneficiary needs care that the PCM does not offer, he or she will give the beneficiary a referral. Then the managed care support contractor (MCSC) finds the most appropriate provider and location for additional care. With TRICARE Prime, beneficiaries have expanded health care benefits in addition to the core benefits and freedom to choose civilian providers (at a higher cost) when they use the point-of-service (POS) option.

Program designed for active duty service members who work and live more than 50 miles or 1 hour from military treatment facilities (military hospitals and clinics).

Large geographical sections in the United States in which states are merged. Figure T-1 shows the locations of the states in these regions. Also see fiscal intermediary (FI) . Map of TRICARE West Region, North Region, and South Region, which shows states that have been merged into each of the regions.

Office staffed by TRICARE Health Care Finders and beneficiary service representatives that has information for beneficiaries about TRICARE Prime enrollment, Health Care Finder (HCF) services, and more.

Health care program offered to spouses and dependents of service personnel with uniform core health care benefits and fees implemented nationwide by the federal government; also known as “the old CHAMPUS program.” Standard allows beneficiaries to see any TRICARE-certified (authorized), non-network civilian providers. Beneficiaries pay an annual deductible and a 25% cost share of covered treatment and services.