This month, the Military Health System is emphasizing preventive care. TRICARE wants you to know about your preventive care benefits and how to use them so you and your family can stay ready and resilient.
Preventive care starts with vaccines. Starting at a young age children are immunized against harmful illnesses and diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines are the best way to make children and adults immune to a disease without them getting sick first. Antigens in vaccines are dead or weakened. This means that they are not strong enough to make you sick, but their presence causes you to produce the antibodies you need to fight the disease.
Screenings are another important part of preventive care. Children experience a number of screenings or exams to ensure they are healthy as they grow and develop. Their height, weight, vision and hearing are checked regularly. Well-child care is covered for all TRICARE beneficiaries from birth to five years old. If you have TRICARE Standard, and get care from a TRICARE-authorized provider, there are no out of pocket costs. Prime beneficiaries can get well-child care from their primary care manager or other network provider. There are no costs for well-child care when you are seen by a network provider.
As we get older, we develop a higher risk for certain diseases like high blood pressure, prostate or breast cancer. There are additional screenings available for these types of illnesses. Your TRICARE plan determines how you are covered for these screens. Certain screenings are exempt from cost-shares and others are covered only when received in conjunction with an immunization or vaccine. You can see what’s covered on the TRICARE website.
Don’t forget about dental care as part of TRICARE’s preventive services. Although dental coverage is separate from medical coverage, they are equally important. The American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Association of Pediatrics all recommend children have their first dental appointment before their first birthday and every six months after. TRICARE has three dental plans available and the plan you get depends on your eligibility.
Everyone should see their doctor from time to time, even if they are healthy. Preventive care is essential to health care.
