Changes to Prime Service Areas (PSAs)
On October 1, 2013, some PSAs—areas where TRICARE Prime is offered in the United States—are being eliminated. This will affect about 3% of current 5.25 million TRICARE Prime enrollees. Go to the ZIP Code Look-up Tool to see if you live in an area that is affected by the PSA changes. All beneficiaries remain eligible for TRICARE Standard, and the PSA changes do not affect any other TRICARE benefits, such as pharmacy or dental coverage.
Note: Beneficiaries who use the Prime Travel Benefit will be affected if they are no longer enrolled in Prime.
What this Means for Beneficiaries Living in an Affected PSA
Beneficiaries Not Affected by the PSA Changes:
- Active duty service members and family enrolled in TRICARE Prime*
- Activated Guard/Reserve members and family enrolled in TRICARE Prime*
- Surviving spouses of deceased active duty service members enrolled in TRICARE Prime* (for the first three years after the sponsor's death)
- Surviving children of deceased active duty service members enrolled in TRICARE Prime*
- Children of active duty service members using TRICARE Young Adult-Prime
- Beneficiaries who already use TRICARE Standard and Extra
- Beneficiaries using TRICARE Retired Reserve, TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Young Adult-Standard or TRICARE For Life
*While your TRICARE Prime coverage is not affected by the PSA changes, if you move from your current location, you may be required to transfer your Prime coverage or find a new primary care manager. >>Learn More about Moving
Retired Service Members and Family enrolled in TRICARE Prime:
You will be disenrolled from TRICARE Prime on September 30, 2013. You will remain enrolled until September 30, 2013 as long as your enrollment fees are paid, you do not disenroll early or otherwise lose eligibility.
- Once disenrolled from TRICARE Prime, you'll begin to use TRICARE Standard and Extra, or you can enroll in the US Family Health Plan if it's offered where you live.
- In some cases, you may be able to re-enroll in TRICARE Prime by waiving your drive-time standards. By waiving your drive-time standards, you will have to drive long distances for primary and specialty care so you should carefully consider this option.
Note: This is also true for others who are covered like retired service members (i.e. former spouses, surviving spouses of deceased active duty service members after three years, Medal of Honor recipients, etc.)
Children of Retired Service Members using TRICARE Young Adult-Prime:
You will be required to switch to TRICARE Young Adult-Standard effective October 1, 2013.
For More Information