	Background

Military medical care is a congressionally authorized entitlement that has expanded in size and scope since the late 19 th century. Chapter 55 of Title 10 U.S. Code, entitles certain health benefits to military personnel, retirees, and their families. These health benefits are administered by a Military Health System (MHS). The primary objectives of the MHS, which includes the Defense Department's hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel, are (1) to maintain the health of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions and (2) to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. The MHS is one of the largest health systems in the United States and serves over 9.4 million beneficiaries. The primary mission of the MHS is to maintain the health and wellness of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions, and to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. Conduct "humanitarian and civic assistance activities in conjunction with authorized military operations…"
Health care within the MHS is delivered through either Department of Defense (DOD) medical facilities, known as military treatment facilities (MTFs) as space is available, or through civilian health care providers. The MHS operates 681 MTFs and employs nearly 63,000 civilians and 84,000 military personnel across the United States and in overseas locations. The MHS also covers dependents of active duty personnel, military retirees, and their dependents, including some members of the reserve components. Since 1966, civilian health care to millions of retirees, as well as dependents of active duty military personnel and retirees, has been provided through a program still known in law as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), but more commonly known as TRICARE. A Medicare wrap-around option (TRICARE for Life) for Medicare-eligible retirees was added in 2002. Other TRICARE plans include TRICARE Young Adult, TRICARE Reserve Select, and TRICARE Retired Reserve. TRICARE also includes a pharmacy program, optional dental plans, and a vision plan that are to be made available for certain beneficiaries in 2019. Options available to beneficiaries vary by the sponsor's duty status and geographic location. Questions and Answers

		1. How is the Military Health System Structured? Established in September 2013, the role of DHA is to:
manage the TRICARE program; manage and execute the Defense Health Program appropriation and the Medicare Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund (MERHCF); support coordinated management of the eMSMs to create and sustain a cost-effective, coordinated, and high-quality health care system; exercise management responsibility for shared services, functions, and activities of the MHS; exercise authority, direction, and control over MTFs within the National Capital Region; and support the effective execution of the DOD medical mission. How is the Military Health System Funded? Funding for military medical personnel (doctors, nurses, medics, technicians, and other health care providers) and TRICARE for Life accrual payments are generally provided in the defense appropriations bill under the Military Personnel (MILPERS) title. A standing authorization for transfers from the MERHCF to reimburse TRICARE for the cost of services provided to Medicare eligible retirees is provided by 10 U.S.C. Costs of war-related military health care are generally funded through supplemental appropriations bills. What is the Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund (MERHCF)? The Floyd D. Spence NDAA for FY2001 directed the establishment of the Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund to pay for Medicare-eligible retiree health care beginning on October 1, 2002, via a new program called TRICARE for Life. What is TRICARE? TRICARE has three main benefit plans: a health maintenance organization option (TRICARE Prime), a preferred provider option (TRICARE Select), and a Medicare wrap-around option (TRICARE for Life) for Medicare-eligible retirees. Other TRICARE plans include TRICARE Young Adult, TRICARE Reserve Select, and TRICARE Retired Reserve. TRICARE also includes a pharmacy program and optional dental or vision plans. Options available to beneficiaries vary by the beneficiary's relationship to a sponsor, sponsor's duty status, and geographic location. Since 1966, civilian care to millions of retirees and dependents of active duty military personnel and retirees has been provided through a program still known in law as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), but since 1994 more commonly known as TRICARE. TRICARE outside of the United States (including certain U.S. commonwealths and territories) is overseen by the TRICARE Overseas Program Office and administered by the health services support contractor, International SOS. 5. Who Is Eligible for TRICARE? What are the Different TRICARE Plans? TRICARE Prime

TRICARE Prime is a managed health care option similar to a health maintenance organization (HMO) program. This plan features a military or civilian primary care provider who manages a beneficiary's overall health care and facilitates referrals to specialists. TRICARE Select

TRICARE Select is a self-managed, preferred provider option (PPO) available worldwide for eligible beneficiaries. , The program established under this authority is known as TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR). The option established under this authority is known as TRICARE Young Adult (TYA). How Does the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Affect TRICARE? When can beneficiaries enroll in or change their TRICARE plan? What is the DOD Pharmacy Benefits Program? This is known as the Uniform Formulary . What is the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) Program? How Are Priorities for Care in Military Treatment Facilities Assigned? Have Military Personnel Been Promised Free Medical Care for Life? What are DOD's Access to Care Standards? How Does the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Affect TRICARE? In general, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) does not directly affect TRICARE administration, health care benefits, eligibility, or cost to beneficiaries. What Health Benefits are Available to Reservists? Some military personnel and retirees maintain that they and their dependents were promised "free medical care for life" at the time of their enlistment. What is the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program?
Military medical care is a congressionally authorized entitlement that has expanded in size and scope since the late 19th century. Chapter 55 of Title 10 U.S. Code, entitles certain health benefits to military personnel, retirees, and their families. These health benefits are administered by a Military Health System (MHS). The primary objectives of the MHS, which includes the Defense Department's hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel, are (1) to maintain the health of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions and (2) to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. Health care services are delivered through either Department of Defense (DOD) medical facilities, known as military treatment facilities (MTFs) as space is available, or through civilian health care providers. As of 2017, the MHS operates 681 MTFs, employs nearly 63,000 civilians and 84,000 military personnel, and serves 9.4 million beneficiaries across the United States and in overseas locations.
Since 1966, civilian care for millions of retirees, as well as dependents of active duty military personnel and retirees, has been provided through a program still known in law as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), more commonly known as TRICARE. TRICARE has three main benefit plans: a health maintenance organization option (TRICARE Prime), a preferred provider option (TRICARE Select), and a Medicare supplement option (TRICARE for Life) for Medicare-eligible retirees. Other TRICARE plans include TRICARE Young Adult, TRICARE Reserve Select, and TRICARE Retired Reserve. TRICARE also includes a pharmacy program and optional dental and vision plans. Options available to beneficiaries vary by the sponsor's duty status and geographic location.
This report answers selected frequently asked questions about military health care, including
How is the Military Health System structured? What is TRICARE? What are the different TRICARE plans and who is eligible? What are the costs of military health care to beneficiaries? What is the relationship of TRICARE to Medicare? How does the Affordable Care Act affect TRICARE? When can beneficiaries change their TRICARE plan? What is the Medicare Eligible Retiree Health Care fund, which funds TRICARE for Life?
This report does not address issues specific to battlefield medicine, veterans, or the Veterans Health Administration. Veterans' health issues are addressed in CRS Report R42747, Health Care for Veterans: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions, by [author name scrubbed].
Military medical care is a congressionally authorized entitlement that has expanded in size and scope since the late 19th century. Chapter 55 of Title 10 U.S. Code, entitles certain health benefits to military personnel, retirees, and their families. These health benefits are administered by a Military Health System (MHS). The primary objectives of the MHS, which includes the Defense Department's hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel, are (1) to maintain the health of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions and (2) to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. Health care services are delivered through either Department of Defense (DOD) medical facilities, known as military treatment facilities (MTFs) as space is available, or through civilian health care providers. As of 2017, the MHS operates 681 MTFs, employs nearly 63,000 civilians and 84,000 military personnel, and serves 9.4 million beneficiaries across the United States and in overseas locations.
Since 1966, civilian care for millions of retirees, as well as dependents of active duty military personnel and retirees, has been provided through a program still known in law as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), more commonly known as TRICARE. TRICARE has three main benefit plans: a health maintenance organization option (TRICARE Prime), a preferred provider option (TRICARE Select), and a Medicare supplement option (TRICARE for Life) for Medicare-eligible retirees. Other TRICARE plans include TRICARE Young Adult, TRICARE Reserve Select, and TRICARE Retired Reserve. TRICARE also includes a pharmacy program and optional dental and vision plans. Options available to beneficiaries vary by the sponsor's duty status and geographic location.
This report answers selected frequently asked questions about military health care, including
How is the Military Health System structured? What is TRICARE? What are the different TRICARE plans and who is eligible? What are the costs of military health care to beneficiaries? What is the relationship of TRICARE to Medicare? How does the Affordable Care Act affect TRICARE? When can beneficiaries change their TRICARE plan? What is the Medicare Eligible Retiree Health Care fund, which funds TRICARE for Life?
This report does not address issues specific to battlefield medicine, veterans, or the Veterans Health Administration. Veterans' health issues are addressed in CRS Report R42747, Health Care for Veterans: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions, by [author name scrubbed].
Military medical care is a congressionally authorized entitlement that has expanded in size and scope since the late 19th century. Chapter 55 of Title 10 U.S. Code, entitles certain health benefits to military personnel, retirees, and their families. These health benefits are administered by a Military Health System (MHS). The primary objectives of the MHS, which includes the Defense Department's hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel, are (1) to maintain the health of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions and (2) to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. Health care services are delivered through either Department of Defense (DOD) medical facilities, known as military treatment facilities (MTFs) as space is available, or through civilian health care providers. As of 2017, the MHS operates 681 MTFs, employs nearly 63,000 civilians and 84,000 military personnel, and serves 9.4 million beneficiaries across the United States and in overseas locations.
Since 1966, civilian care for millions of retirees, as well as dependents of active duty military personnel and retirees, has been provided through a program still known in law as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), more commonly known as TRICARE. TRICARE has three main benefit plans: a health maintenance organization option (TRICARE Prime), a preferred provider option (TRICARE Select), and a Medicare supplement option (TRICARE for Life) for Medicare-eligible retirees. Other TRICARE plans include TRICARE Young Adult, TRICARE Reserve Select, and TRICARE Retired Reserve. TRICARE also includes a pharmacy program and optional dental and vision plans. Options available to beneficiaries vary by the sponsor's duty status and geographic location.
This report answers selected frequently asked questions about military health care, including
How is the Military Health System structured? What is TRICARE? What are the different TRICARE plans and who is eligible? What are the costs of military health care to beneficiaries? What is the relationship of TRICARE to Medicare? How does the Affordable Care Act affect TRICARE? When can beneficiaries change their TRICARE plan? What is the Medicare Eligible Retiree Health Care fund, which funds TRICARE for Life?
This report does not address issues specific to battlefield medicine, veterans, or the Veterans Health Administration. Veterans' health issues are addressed in CRS Report R42747, Health Care for Veterans: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions, by [author name scrubbed].