TRICARE is the health care program for active duty and retirees of the uniformed services, their families and survivors. TRICARE’s primary objectives are to optimize the delivery of health care services in the military’s direct care system for all military health system (MHS) beneficiaries and attain the highest level of patient satisfaction through the delivery of a world-class health care benefit.
TRICARE coverage is completely portable so it moves with you when you relocate. The TRICARE Prime options include TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Prime Remote in the United States, and TRICARE Prime Overseas and TRICARE Global Remote Overseas in regions outside of the United States.
Follow these simple steps to ensure you have no break in coverage when you move:
- Do not cancel your TRICARE Prime enrollment option before you move.
- Update your personal information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) immediately when you arrive at your new location.
- Select a new primary care manager (PCM), when moving within the same region or submit a new Prime enrollment form within 30 days if you’re moving to a new region.
- Where you are moving will determine which Prime option you will enroll in. If you move to a new Prime service area, transfer your enrollment by submitting a TRICARE Prime Enrollment and PCM Change Form to your regional contractor. Be sure to include all family members who wish to use Prime on the form.
TRICARE Standard and Extra are available to family members only. Active-duty service members are required to enroll in one of the Prime options described above. TRICARE Standard and Extra are available throughout the United States, and enrollment is not required. Any active-duty family member who is registered in DEERS may use these programs by seeing any network or non-network provider that is authorized by TRICARE.
If you’re already using TRICARE Standard and Extra, moving is easy. When you arrive at your new location, update your personal information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) immediately. Then find TRICARE-authorized providers in your new area.
Here are a few things to remember about using TRICARE Standard and Extra in a new region:
- In the U.S., visit your new regional contractor’s website for a list of providers. Remember, if you see network providers, you’ll be using the Extra option and pay lower copayments.
- If you move to a new region, you’ll have a new claims address for submitting your TRICARE claims.
- Learn your new region’s prior authorization requirements as these requirements may differ by region.
- For a complete description of the different types of coverage programs and regions, please visit www.tricare.mil.
The 7th Medical Group is an outpatient clinic that is the designated primary place of care for Dyess’ active-duty members and all dependents enrolled in TRICARE Prime. Priority for medical appointments is given to active-duty military personnel and TRICARE Prime enrollees. Dental care is available to active-duty military. Family members seeking dental appointments may be seen on a space available basis but are usually referred off base.
The 7th Medical Group does not have an emergency room. Emergency conditions are those that require immediate medical treatment (potential loss of life, limb or sight). For emergency care, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
Emergency care is available at the Hendrick Medical Center and Abilene Regional Medical Center.
If you need health care advice after hours, contact the Healthcare Information Line (HCIL) at 800-611-2875. The Healthcare Information Line offers guidance on personal health and wellness matters and is a benefit under the TRICARE contract. Registered nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to discuss treatments, symptoms, illness prevention and education.
The Primary Care Clinic provides limited service on the weekends, holidays, down days and monthly training afternoons. If you require care during these times, contact the Medical Information Center at 325-696-2334 for further instructions.
If you are active duty and have a spouse or child with a special need (mental, emotional, educational or physical) enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program-Medical (EFMP-M) is mandatory. This program can minimize hardships by providing referral to appropriate resources on and off base, assistance in reassignment or deferment considerations, information on community programs and support groups.
Obstetrical/Gynecological Services are provided in the local community. Pregnancy tests are accomplished by the primary care managers (PCM); either family practice providers or flight surgeons.