Mon - Fri 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
What is Tricare?
Tricare is a government-managed program that provides healthcare for many members of the U.S. military community. Tricare is managed by the Defense Health Agency (DHA).
The following individuals are eligible for Tricare benefits:
- Active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps
- Spouses and children of active duty service members
- Members of the National Guard and Reserve, along with certain family members
- Military retirees and their spouses
Most Tricare members are eligible to receive treatment in hospitals and clinics that are operated by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). When covered individuals cannot get the services they need through the DoD, Tricare may fund their care at approved non-military treatment facilities.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health in the Military
Substance abuse, addiction, and mental health disorders can affect people from all walks of life. This includes military members, retirees, and their families. In fact, due in part to the unique stresses and pressures that are characteristic of military life, service members and their loved ones may have an increased risk for certain mental and behavioral health concerns.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has reported that about 10% of U.S. military veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder. NIDA notes that this rate is slightly higher than the prevalence of addiction among the general public in the United States.
A January 2022 study that was led by Catarina Inoue of the Army’s 1st Special Operations Medical Group reported the following about mental health in the U.S. military:
- Research indicates that 14%-16% of service members who have deployed to either Iraq or Afghanistan have either posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression.
- Depression is related to about 9% of ambulatory appointments in the military health network.
- More than 6,000 U.S. military veterans die by suicide each year.
- Substance abuse was a factor in about 30% of suicide deaths among military personnel.
Does Tricare Pay for Full Rehab Coverage?
The amount that Tricare will pay for rehab will vary depending on the specifics of your policy. In some cases, Tricare may pay for full rehab coverage, while in other cases there may be out-of-pocket expenses associated with your treatment.
As we noted in the previous section, a member of our team can (with your permission) work directly with a Tricare representative to get the answer to this and any other questions you have about the scope of your policy.
