Put TRICARE on Your Pre-Deployment Checklist

  • Published
  • By Tyler Patterson
  • TriWest Healthcare Alliance
TRICARE --  Getting your family's affairs in order during your pre-deployment days can be hectic, to say the least. With so much going on, it can be easy to overlook your TRICARE benefit--but don't worry! Making sure your family has healthcare coverage while you're deployed is as easy as it is important. Just follow these steps and you're good to go.

 Make sure your spouse has access to all necessary records, including a copy of your orders. If your spouse will need access to your medical records, you will need to prepare an Authorization to Disclose form.

 Make sure that your family's DEERS records are current, and show your spouse how to make changes in DEERS.

 Check your family's identification cards and replace any that will expire while you're deployed before you leave. Your family cannot access your TRICARE benefit without current ID cards.

- Make sure your spouse knows the basics of your TRICARE coverage.

- Encourage your spouse or child's guardian to attend a mobilization briefing or Family Readiness Group meeting in their area.

- Make a list of your healthcare contact numbers:
  o Your primary care manager/family physician
  o A nearby emergency room
  o A beneficiary counseling and assistance coordinator
  o TriWest, your regional contractor:
            - Online at www.triwest.com: Registered users can find answers, check status of claims, authorizations and referrals and track expenses. 
            - 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378)

- Review your family's TRICARE plan so they know how to properly access care and fill prescriptions.

For more pre-deployment tips covering everything from automobile storage to legal resources, visit the Force Health Protection and Readiness pre-deployment page.