Life Events

Learn more about Qualifying Life Events.
They can trigger a change in your TRICARE benefit.

TRICARE and VA Benefit Comparison

You can compare health care benefits available through TRICARE and Veterans' Affairs (VA) below.

TRICARE Benefits	VA Benefits
Your services may vary depending on your health plan.	Your eligibility and copayment depend on: Discharge, Service-connection, or Income
Your TRICARE health plan's rules and costs will apply.

Type of Care	TRICARE Benefits	VA Benefits
Outpatient Services	Ambulance services Ancillary services, like laboratory, X-ray Emergency care in military or civilian facilities Eye exams and glasses Home health care Maternity and obstetric services Medical or surgical care, like individual provider services Mental and behavioral health Pediatric services	Ancillary services like laboratory, X-ray Bereavement counseling Chiropractic care Eye exams Home health care Maternity and obstetric services Medical or surgical care Mental and behavioral health Substance misuse Surgical, like reconstructive and plastic surgery as a result of disease or trauma Transportation services
Inpatient Services	Emergency care in military or civilian facilities Hospitalization Mental and behavioral health Skilled nursing facility care Substance misuse Surgical care	Centers of excellence, like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, blind rehabilitation, mental health Emergency care Hospitalization Nursing home Medical care Mental and behavioral health Polytrauma centers Surgical, like reconstructive and plastic surgery as a result of disease or trauma Substance misuse
Preventive Services	Health education and counseling Hearing screening Immunizations Physical exams Screening tests, like mammograms, pap smears, cardiac screenings, prostate exams, colorectal exams, cholesterol, blood pressure, skin cancer Vision screening	Health care assessments Health education programs Immunizations Physical exams Screening tests
Prescriptions	The TRICARE pharmacy program covers prescriptions. They’re available via military pharmacies, network pharmacies, and home delivery.	A VA provider must write the prescription. They’re generally only available under VA's national formulary.
Supplies	Durable medical equipment Medical supplies Prosthetic devices	Durable medical equipment Medical and surgical supplies Over-the-counter medications Prosthetic devices Sensory-neural aids (i.e. eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids)
Dental Care	While on active duty, you get your care at military dental clinics or through the Active Duty Dental Program. Family members and members of the National Guard or Reserve are eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program.	VA dental care rules differ a lot from the medical care rules. Visit www.va.gov for a list. Note: If you’re a recently discharged veteran, you must apply to VA within 90 days of discharge. You may be able to get a one time correction of dental conditions. Some exceptions apply.

Have you deployed to Southwest Asia, Afghanistan, or Djibouti?

Do you have concerns about exposure to burn pits or other airborne hazards? You can find information about the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry at health.mil. >>Learn More

Last Updated 4/11/2023