Make the Most of Open Enrollment: Understanding Your Military Health Coverage Options

Every fall, many Americans face an important decision: open enrollment season. For military families and retirees, this period is more than just paperwork—it’s the time to review your health coverage and ensure you have the protection you need for the year ahead.

Whether you’re currently using TRICARE or considering additional coverage, open enrollment is the perfect opportunity to explore how supplemental plans can provide peace of mind and financial protection.

Why Open Enrollment Matters for TRICARE Members

TRICARE provides essential health coverage for service members, retirees, and their families. But like most health insurance plans, there are gaps. Out-of-pocket expenses—like copayments, cost-shares, and deductibles—can add up quickly, especially if you or a family member need ongoing medical care or prescriptions.

During open enrollment, you have the chance to take a closer look at your current plan and ask these questions:

• Does TRICARE alone cover my family’s needs?
• Am I prepared for unexpected medical costs?
• Could a supplement help reduce our out-of-pocket expenses?

How a TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan Helps

A TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan works hand-in-hand with your existing TRICARE coverage. It helps pay for many of the out-of-pocket costs that TRICARE doesn’t fully cover, giving you more financial security.

For example:

• Doctor visits: If TRICARE covers part of the bill, the supplement may help with the rest.
• Hospital stays: Reduce or eliminate unexpected expenses during inpatient care.
• Prescriptions: For brand-name medications like Ozempic or Humira, your supplement may help offset copayments and recurring costs.

This added protection can give you confidence knowing that your family’s health care is backed by more than just the basics.

Tips for Reviewing Your Coverage This Season

1. Review your past year’s health care use. Look at what you spent on prescriptions, specialist visits, or emergency care.
2. Consider upcoming needs. Do you anticipate new prescriptions, surgeries, or ongoing therapy?
3. Evaluate your financial comfort. How would out-of-pocket costs impact your budget?
4. Compare your options. Explore how TRICARE alone stacks up against TRICARE plus a supplement.

Secure Your Family’s Health and Finances

Open enrollment is your yearly opportunity to take control of your coverage. For many military families, adding a TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan offers a strong safety net against rising health care costs.

As you make your decisions this season, consider how supplement coverage could protect both your health and your wallet in the year ahead.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Don’t wait until unexpected medical costs catch you off guard. A TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan can help bridge the gap between what TRICARE covers and what you pay out of pocket.

Learn more about GEA’s TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan and see how you can protect your family’s health and finances this open enrollment season.