As the temperatures drop and holiday gatherings fill the calendar, it’s important to take a moment to focus on your health. Cold and flu season can easily derail your plans — but the good news is that preventive care can help you stay well.
For TRICARE and CHAMPVA beneficiaries, most preventive services are covered at little or no cost when you visit a network provider. And with a TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan, you can gain extra financial protection if you need follow-up care, prescriptions, or additional services not fully covered by TRICARE.
Here are five smart ways to use preventive care this winter — and why now is the perfect time to do it.
1. Get Your Flu Shot (and Stay Up to Date on Other Vaccines)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), annual flu vaccination is the best way to reduce your risk of getting sick or spreading illness to others — especially older adults, young children, and those with chronic health conditions.
TRICARE covers the flu shot at no cost when received at a TRICARE network pharmacy or provider.
Bonus tip: Ask your doctor if you’re due for other recommended vaccines, such as COVID-19 or Tdap boosters.
2. Schedule a Preventive Checkup Before the Year Ends
If you haven’t had your annual physical yet, now’s the time. Preventive visits can help identify health concerns early — before they become serious or costly. TRICARE covers one routine physical exam per year for adults, plus additional screenings depending on age and risk factors.
Your TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan can help cover out-of-pocket expenses from additional lab work, diagnostic tests, or follow-up care your provider recommends.
3. Take Advantage of Covered Screenings
Preventive screenings — like blood pressure checks, cholesterol panels, and cancer screenings — can save lives. TRICARE covers many of these services at no cost when provided by a network doctor.
Common covered screenings include:
These services are designed to keep you informed and proactive about your health.
4. Manage Stress and Mental Well-Being
The holidays can be joyful but also stressful. TRICARE covers mental health services such as counseling, therapy, and stress management programs. Talking with a professional can help you maintain emotional balance through the busy winter season.
If you need ongoing visits or specialist care, a TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan can help reduce your costs for copayments and cost-shares.
5. Review Your Prescription Coverage
Winter often means an uptick in prescription needs — from antibiotics for seasonal illnesses to medications that help manage chronic conditions. TRICARE’s prescription coverage includes a variety of options, but copayments can vary based on the pharmacy type and medication tier.
A TRICARE Supplement Plan can help cover your share of prescription costs, including high-cost medications like Ozempic for those managing diabetes or weight-related conditions.
Good health is something to be thankful for — and preventive care is one of the best ways to protect it. By scheduling your annual checkups, staying current on vaccines, and reviewing your benefits, you can enter the holiday season confident and well-prepared.
If you’d like to learn more about how a TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan can help fill the gaps in your coverage, visit GEA’s TRICARE Supplement Insurance page to explore your options.