Telemedicine has become a popular form of treatment. However, some have found their telemedicine appointment was not covered by their TRICARE plan as they understood it would be. Here is the rest of the story.

When it comes to coverage, there is a difference between a telemedicine appointment with both video and audio, and an audio-only appointment. Coverage of video-audio appointments is standard for TRICARE plans.

However, the temporary audio-only appointment coverage was not approved until May 12. Due to the procedural restrictions on changing coverage policy midstream, the coverage is not retroactive. Any audio-only appointments prior to May 12 are not covered.

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Cost-shares and copayments are waived for all covered telemedicine services. As is always the case with health care coverage, the service must be medically necessary. Some points to remember:

• Active duty members need a referral.
• TRICARE for Life (TFL) members should check Medicare and your doctor to ensure your visit will be covered by Medicare; visit this link for details. If not, you will pay TRICARE deductibles and copays, as TFL will become the first payer.
• If overseas, the country where you live must allow telemedicine. The provider also must be licensed to practice where you live. Contact your TRICARE Overseas Program Regional Call Center for more information, including provider eligibility.

The service must be from a military or TRICARE network provider, or where Medicare is accepted for TFL.

This new audio-only coverage will last through the end of the declared national COVID-19 emergency. Get more details on the coverage at this link, and learn more about TRICARE’s overall telemedicine policies here.

Ask your TRICARE contractor and providers to ensure telemedicine participation and TRICARE acceptance. Do not assume anything.