TRICARE temporarily revises telemedicine benefit

June 17, 2020

As telemedicine continues to play an important role in healthcare, TRICARE has updated its policy on the coverage and expansion of services, costs and other benefits.

May 19, 2020 updated temporary benefits include:

  • Audio-only healthcare visits are now covered
  • No out-of-pocket costs for covered telemedicine services

TRICARE will now waive cost-shares, copayments and deductible (if applicable) for covered telemedicine services from a military provider or TRICARE network provider. This waiver applies to all covered in-network telemedicine services, not just the services related to COVID-19.

More providers able to offer covered telemedicine services

Prior to the stateside public health emergency, TRICARE policy required providers to have a license in the state where they practice and where the patient lives. TRICARE will now reimburse providers for interstate care to patients. The care must be permitted by federal or state licensing laws.