TRICARE H1N1 Immunization Policy

TRICARE Announces H1N1 Immunization Policy

October 30, 2009TRICARE Press Release

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Immunizations against the H1N1 virus will soon be available, and people are eager to take precautions. Tricare Prime, Standard and Extra beneficiaries can get their shots from network and non-network providers without paying a deductible or making a co-payment. A temporary waiver allows retired Tricare Prime enrollees to get the H1N1 immunization from non-network providers without a referral or authorization, eliminating point-of-service charges. Prime enrollees will not be charged a co-payment or cost share. Tricare for Life beneficiaries must follow Medicare rules regarding H1N1 vaccine. Medicare will pay for administering the H1N1 vaccine, but not the H1N1 vaccine itself if it is supplied to providers free of charge. Payment will be subject to normal billing and payment rules that apply to influenza vaccine. Preventive medicine is a very important part of Tricare’s goal of keeping retirees and families healthy, said Rear Adm. Christine Hunter, deputy director of the Tricare Management Activity. “To that end, we make getting vaccinated as convenient and affordable as possible,” she said. “Beneficiaries should talk to their primary care manager if they have any questions about the H1N1 vaccine or other vaccines.”