GEA – What is the Difference Between TRICARE & CHAMPVA?

Navigating healthcare can be challenging, especially for military families and veterans. With different programs catering to the unique needs of military personnel, understanding the differences is essential in making informed decisions. In this blog, GEA breaks down the two key healthcare programs. 

What is TRICARE? 

TRICARE is a healthcare program for active-duty service members (ADSMs), active-duty family members (ADFMs), National Guard and Reserve members and their families, retirees and their family members, survivors, and certain former spouses.  

TRICARE combines Military Health System resources with a network of civilian healthcare professionals to offer comprehensive healthcare coverage. This includes medical, dental, and mental health services. 

TRICARE Plans 

There are many TRICARE plans tailored to different needs, and eligibility for each plan depends on who you and your sponsor are. To learn more about each plan, visit TRICARE’s website. 

Benefits of TRICARE 

With TRICARE, you have access to a network of providers and high-quality healthcare services. Other benefits include lower out-of-pocket costs, worldwide coverage, and free preventive care.  

What is CHAMPVA? 

The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is not an insurance policy, but a health benefits program that helps pay for certain healthcare services and supplies.  

You are eligible for CHAMPVA if you are a spouse or widow(er), or the children of a veteran who has experienced one of the following circumstances: 

• Died from a service-connected disability that was rated as permanent and total by the VA 

• Is rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability 

• Died on active duty and the dependents are not eligible for TRICARE 

Benefits of CHAMPVA 

Like TRICARE, CHAMPVA covers a range of medical services, including mental health services and prescription medications. Since CHAMPVA coordinates with other health insurance plans, another benefit could be the possibility of lower overall healthcare costs. 

For more information, check out the Department of Veterans Affairs’ website where they answer CHAMPVA FAQs.  

The Difference Between TRICARE and CHAMPVA 

While the two programs have similar benefits, they are administered by different departments and serve different groups. To clearly show the differences, we’ve broken down both programs in the chart below: 

Individuals eligible for TRICARE are not eligible for CHAMPVA – and vice versa.  

Cost Considerations 

Depending on the chosen plan, TRICARE requires enrollment fees, co-pays, and deductibles. However, compared to civilian health insurance plans, these out-of-pocket expenses are generally lower. CHAMPVA, while covering many of the same services, often acts as a secondary payer, helping minimize costs.  

Enhance Your Coverage with a Supplemental Plan 

While TRICARE and CHAMPVA offer robust coverage, you still may be on the hook for expenses like co-pays, deductibles, and other medical services. A supplemental plan can help bridge these gaps, offering additional financial protection.  

Supplemental Plans with GEA 

At GEA, our TRICARE and CHAMPVA Supplemental Insurance Plans are designed to help cover out-of-pocket expenses not included in your primary plan. By investing in a supplemental plan, you can help ensure your family’s healthcare needs are met. 

Contact us today to learn more about our TRICARE and CHAMPVA Supplemental Insurance Plans and let us help you take care of your family’s healthcare needs.