How to Request a TRICARE Fee Waiver for COVID-19 Tests, Related Office Visits

How to Request a TRICARE Fee Waiver for COVID-19 Tests, Related Office Visits
Tech. Sgt. Jonisha Gibson prepares a sample for novel coronavirus testing at Sheppard AFB, Texas, on April 9. (Photo by Senior Airman Pedro Tenorio/Air Force)

Note from MOAA: Have you been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, or the response? Share your story to help MOAA understand the needs of the uniformed services community in this challenging time.

 

Some TRICARE beneficiaries who’ve made copayments related to receiving a COVID-19 test, or to an office visit connected to that test, can request their money back under new program guidance.

 

The refunds apply to tests and visits on or after March 18, according to an April 15 TRICARE benefit update. If you’ve made a copayment connected to a test or a test-related visit, click here for details on filing a reimbursement claim.

 

"Due to the claims billing process and modifications, TRICARE can't immediately waive all copayments and cost-shares related to COVID-19 testing," according to a frequently asked questions page on TRICARE's website. "Beneficiaries may have to pay up front and file a claim for reimbursement until the contractors can modify their systems."

 

MOAA is asking Congress to waive all TRICARE mail-order pharmacy copays during the COVID-19 crisis as a way to encourage beneficiaries to avoid in-person visits as well as unexpected medication costs. Click here to send a message to your lawmaker.

 

[LATEST NEWS AND GUIDANCE: MOAA.org/Coronavirus]

 

More details on TRICARE policies related to COVID-19 are available here. TRICARE posts its latest benefit updates here and maintains its FAQ page to address testing, treatment, quarantine, prescription limitations, and other medical issues related to COVID-19, as well as how plans to combat the virus affect the availability of other medical procedures, such as elective surgeries.

 

Join MOAA Today 

Not a member of MOAA? Join today and help us preserve the military health care benefit for servicemembers and retirees, and their families.

 

Already a MOAA member? MOAA has more than 400 chapters around the country. Get involved in your community by finding the one closest to you and joining today! 

 

Join Today Join a Chapter

Related Content

About the Author

Kevin Lilley
Kevin Lilley

Lilley serves as MOAA's digital content manager. His duties include producing, editing, and managing content for a variety of platforms, with a concentration on The MOAA Newsletter and MOAA.org. Follow him on Twitter: @KRLilley