New Tricare Benefits On Tap

Effective Oct. 1, the Tricare Reserve Select health plan will be offered for purchase by qualified National Guard and Reserve service members. Additional coverage also will begin for post-traumatic stress disorder and mental health conditions. In addition, extended coverage will be available under Tricare Prime for surviving children whose sponsor died while serving on active duty for a period of more than 30 days. Also the Tricare Dental Program (TDP) survivor benefit will include the surviving active duty spouse if both spouses are on active duty when one of the spouses dies, and the surviving spouse enrolls in the TDP after retirement or separation within three years of the death. ROTC cadets and midshipmen on orders, who have not yet reported for their initial period of active duty and are uninsured, will be covered for medical and dental care the same as active-duty service members. Visit www.tricare.osd.mil.