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If you are new to the European theater or have recently had a change in your family – such as a move or a new baby – take the time to make sure your military health benefit is up-to-date. Here are four simple steps you can take right now to ensure easy access to health care when you need it. In the coming weeks, we’ll provide more in-depth information about the topics below.
***image1***Verify eligibility
The first thing to do is make sure the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, better known as DEERS, has complete and current information about you and your family. DEERS is used to determine your eligibility for TRICARE, so it is essential to keep this information up-to-date. For details about how and when to update DEERS, visit www.tricare.osd.mil/DEERS/ or contact your local TRICARE Service Center at 486-6374/8234 or 06371-86-6374/8234.
Check your coverage
Your TRICARE Service Center can also verify that you and your family members are enrolled in the TRICARE program that best meets your needs. For most active-duty families, TRICARE Prime is the best option, since it provides priority access to the military treatment facility at low costs. However, if you are willing to pay extra for the freedom to choose your host-nation provider, TRICARE Standard may be for you.
You should also check to see that you have the dental coverage you need. Military dental facilities provide care to family members on a space-available basis, so for many families, the TRICARE Dental Program is an excellent option. For a small monthly premium of $10.51 for one family member and $26.27 for multiple family members, the program offers coverage for a wide variety of dental care, including limited coverage for orthodontics and dental implants. For details, visit www.tricaredentalprogram.com.
Know how to get care
It’s important that you and your family members know what to do when you need care. Post the following numbers on or near your telephones at home:
• On-base emergency: Air Force DSN-
112, Army DSN-116
• Off-base emergency: 112
• Nearest 24/7 emergency room: Land-
stuhl Regional Medical Center
• Routine care appointments: 486-5762 or
06371-86-5762
• Nurse Advice Line (talk to a registered
nurse, 24/7): 00800-4759-2330
If you are planning to travel in Europe or to the States, you should contact your local TRICARE Service Center first for important information about getting care while traveling.
Get help when you need it
The first stop for most questions about your military health benefit is your local TRICARE Service Center. The staff can help you update your enrollment, file claims for host-nation care and more. If you or a family member is admitted to a host-nation hospital, they can also connect you with a patient liaison, who can help bridge the language and culture barriers you may encounter.
For general information about your local military treatment facility, call 486-6374/8234 or 06371-86-6374/8234.
For information about TRICARE in Europe, visit www.europe.tricare.osd.mil.
For general TRICARE information, such as what is and is not covered, visit www.tricare.osd.mil.
(Courtesy of TRICARE Area Office – Europe Public Affairs)
