TRICARE Supplement FAQs | Government Employees Association
Serving Veterans and Government Employees Since 1965

TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan FAQs


GEA is here to help answer our most frequently asked questions about TRICARE Supplement Insurance, from specific services to cost and everything in between.  

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Understanding the TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan

Q: What is the TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan, and how does it work?

A: The TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan helps cover out-of-pocket expenses that TRICARE doesn’t pay, such as copayments, deductibles, and cost-shares. This plan ensures you save money and enjoy comprehensive coverage when paired with your TRICARE benefits.

Q: Who is eligible for this Supplement Insurance Plan?

A: The plan is available to TRICARE-eligible military retirees, reservists, and their dependents enrolled in TRICARE Prime, Select, Retired Reserve, or Reserve Select.

Q: Can the TRICARE and CHAMPVA Supplement Insurance Plans be used together?

A: No, these plans are specific to their respective primary coverage and cannot be combined.

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Prescription Coverage

Q: What drugs does the TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan cover? Does it include drugs like Ozempic or anxiety medications?

A: The TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan complements TRICARE's prescription drug coverage. TRICARE covers most FDA-approved medications, including drugs like Ozempic for diabetes and certain anxiety medications. If TRICARE does not cover a prescription, the TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan will not cover it either.

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Coverage for Specific Services

Q: Does TRICARE or the TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan cover hearing aids?

A: TRICARE does not generally cover hearing aids for retirees or their families, but it does cover diagnostic hearing exams if deemed medically necessary. Active-duty service members may have some coverage through specific programs. The TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan only helps with costs TRICARE covers, so it would not apply to non-covered hearing aids.

Q: Does TRICARE or the TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan cover LASIK eye surgery?

A: TRICARE does not typically cover LASIK surgery as it is considered an elective procedure. The TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan will not cover LASIK if it is not a TRICARE-covered service. However, TRICARE may cover certain corrective surgeries for active-duty members if deemed medically necessary.

Q: Does TRICARE or the TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan cover dental care?

A: TRICARE does not include routine dental care for most beneficiaries, but it offers separate dental plans, like the TRICARE Dental Program, for eligible individuals. The TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan does not cover dental care unless it is part of a service covered by TRICARE.

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Filling Gaps in Coverage

Q: What gaps in coverage does the TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan fill?

A: It covers TRICARE cost-shares, deductibles, and excess charges for non-network providers.

Q: Are dental and vision services covered by this Supplement Insurance Plan?

A: No, these plans do not include routine dental or vision care. Separate dental and vision plans can be purchased to complement your healthcare coverage. However, we do offer GEA Members Dental and Vision Insurance through our partnership with Guardian®. If interested, Life Insurance is also available for GEA Members. Click here for a quote!

Q: Does this Supplement Insurance Plan help with catastrophic caps?

A: Yes, this plan helps reduce out-of-pocket costs, ensuring you stay within the catastrophic cap limits set by TRICARE.

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Costs and Enrollment

Q: How much does the TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan cost?

A: Premiums vary based on factors like your age and plan type. This plan is designed to save you money by minimizing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

Q: How do I enroll in a TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan?

A: Enroll through GEA’s website or by contacting your benefits administrator. Visit this page for more information: TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan.

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General Information

Q: What services are covered by TRICARE?

A: TRICARE covers preventive care, hospital stays, outpatient care, mental health services, and prescriptions. Visit TRICARE Covered Services for more details.

Q: What are the contact numbers for TRICARE?

A:

  • TRICARE East Region: 1-800-444-5445
  • TRICARE West Region: 1-844-866-9378

If you’re not sure which region you’re in, visit TRICARE’s website for region maps.

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Claims Processing

Q: How do I file a claim with the TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan?

A: After your primary plan processes a claim, submit your TRICARE Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to SelmanCo. Reimbursement for eligible expenses will follow. Instructions for how to submit a claim can be found here.

Important Documents: All benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Policies underwritten by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company detail exclusions, limitations and terms under which the policies may be continued in force or discontinued. Read details for your type of supplement insurance plan: TRICARE Prime | TRICARE Select | TRICARE Active Duty

The TRICARE/CHAMPVA Supplement Insurance Plans are administered by SelmanCo. Underwritten by: Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. TRICARE Form Series includes GBD-3000, GBD-3100, or state equivalent. Policy Numbers: AGP-5925, AGP-5926. Not available in all states. The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries under the brand name, The Hartford, and is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. For additional details, please read The Hartford’s legal notice at www.thehartford.com.

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