Priorities for Care

The following beneficiaries have priority for getting appointments at military hospitals and clinics:

  • Active duty service members
  • Beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Prime
  • Beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Young Adult-Prime 
  • Beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Plus

All others can get care at military hospitals and clinics only if space is available. 

Do you have TRICARE Prime? You may be referred to a military hospital or clinic for specialty careSpecialized medical/surgical diagnosis, treatment, or services a primary care provider isn’t qualified to provide., even if you have a civilian primary care manager.

Are you a dependent parent or parent-in-law? If you get care only at military hospitals and clinics, your ID card will say “direct careIt's care you get at military hospitals and clinics. To learn more visit the Military Hospitals and Clinics page. Some individuals may get direct care only when space is available. only” on the back.

What is Right of First Refusal?

This is when your regional contractor refers you to a military hospital or clinic first. The military facility has the right to take the referral or refuse it. If they refuse it, then you'll get a referral to a network provider.

Last Updated 11/21/2024