The Ultimate Guide to TRICARE is a thoroughly researched, easy-to-follow guide on eligibility, enrollment, costs, benefits, finding providers, and filing claims, with extensive references to official sources.

Eligibility & Enrollment:

Covers active duty, retirees, reservists, surviving spouses, stepchildren, dependent parents, ex-spouses, adult children, and more.

Coverage & Benefits:

Detailed coverage descriptions, programs for special needs children, dental and vision, air ambulance services, hearing aids, CPAPs and more.

Provider Network:

Find doctors worldwide, understand network vs. non-network providers, and reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare & Tricare for Life:

When & how to sign up; getting that all-important INDEF ID card; comparing Medicare Advantage plans vs plain Medicare; using your benefits world-wide.

Prescription Refills:

Manage prescriptions while traveling using five strategies.

Philippines-Specific Guidance:

Use Provider Finder tool, submit claims, claiming doctor fees, and tips for payments in the Philippines.

Claim Submission:

Our exclusive One-Stop Claim Checklist for fast approval.

Tricare and VA:

How to coordinate VA health care with your Tricare benefits; using VA worldwide with the Foreign Medical Program (FMP).

Support Resources:

Access MHS Nurse Advice Line, Retired Affairs Offices, VFW Service Officers, and VA's Foreign Medical Program for overseas care.

Book Reviews

  • I've been a military spouse for 12 years and just recently bought and read this book. I wish I had sooner. Instead I've spent hours researching to find the answers I could have gotten just by reading this great book! I didn't have health issues until recently and unfortunately, the military never lays out your options for you. I didn't know there was supplement plans or vision plans available. The book is easy to understand and I will recommend to all military members!

  • Well laid out Tricare primer. Good explanation of plans. Excellent information for filing claims. The contact numbers, fax numbers and additional contact info are invaluable.

  • As a recently retired US Army Reservist Family Practice physician, I have been asked by patients how to best use Tricare and, as a beneficiary, used Tricare myself. This book serves to demystify the process of using Tricare to the patient's greatest advantage. The detailed instructions on how Tricare works, the claims submission process, and potential pitfalls make this book worth its price many times over. The author has spent considerable effort in making Tricare understandable for those new to using Tricare. Using this book as your guide will help you avoid the frustrations of delayed claims processing. For retired military members, this book is a must. We have earned our benefits and Mr. Letaw helps his fellow beneficiaries become experts in using Tricare. Thank you, Sir!