TRICARE is a health care program of the United States Department of Defense Military Health System. It provides civilian health benefits for U.S Armed Forces military personnel, military retirees, and their dependents, including some members of the Reserve Component. TRICARE is the civilian care component of the Military Health System, although historically it also included health care delivered in military medical treatment facilities. TRICARE functions similar to a single-payer healthcare system. The program is managed by the Defense Health Agency.

TRICARE provides comprehensive coverage to all beneficiaries, including most TRICARE health plans that meet the requirements for minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act. There are different plan options depending on who you are, such as new active duty service members, new spouse, National Guard and Reserve Members, family members of National Guard or Reserve Members, and foreign force members and families. Depending on your plan, you’ll get care from either a military hospital or clinic, or a civilian provider. TRICARE covers a wide range of services, including medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage.

In summary, TRICARE is the uniformed services health care program for active duty service members, retirees, and their families around the world. It provides comprehensive coverage to all beneficiaries, including medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage.