The health program for military personnel, retirees, and their dependents. TRICARE, which was formerly known as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), is administered by the Secretary of Defense (10 U.S.C. § 1073(a)).

TRICARE offers several health plan options, including:

(10 U.S.C. § 1072(7), (12)-(14).)

TRICARE prohibits financial incentives not to enroll in an employer-sponsored group health plan (10 U.S.C. § 1097c). TRICARE-eligible employees generally must be given an opportunity to elect to participate in a group health plan (and receive primary coverage for plan-covered services) in the same manner and to the same extent as non-TRICARE-eligible employees.

TRICARE coverage is considered minimum essential coverage (MEC) for purposes of the individual mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (see Practice Note, Employer Mandate Under the ACA: Overview).

For more information regarding TRICARE, including the types of benefits that may be covered under the program, see tricare.mil.