Does my wife need an military ID to use Tricare?

Question

I am leaving for basic in September, I have a wife and 9 month old daughter. I have heard she might need an ID to be able to use Tricare, is this true?

Answer 1

yes its all she needs to get care but only after you have enrolled her in DEERS

Answer 2

Yes she will.  When you are in Basic you must have a copy of the marriage certificate, any children's birth certificates and their SSN as well.  Once they are entered into DEERS then they are automatically enrolled into Tricare Standard.  For Standard no ID is needed but there is a yearly deductible and co-pay for each visit.  You will also put together a package of papers that are mailed to her, including the copies you took.  In there will be an authorize form allowing her to go to the closest military facility (reserve center or base) where she can get a Military ID card.  Your daughter will not get one until she turns 10.   Once she has the ID card she cna then change herself and your daughter to Tricare Prime.  If she is by a Military Hospital/Clinic she can go to the Tricare Office there and do it.  If not she does it online.  Once registered it can take up to 1 1/2 months to process depending on the date she changed.  If she changes it before the 20th then the Prime coverage starts the next month (ie september 10 it starts October 1).  but if she doesn't register until after the 20th then it starts the following month (ie September 23rd, doesn't start until November 1st).  During this time she can use the ER if necessary and she is still covered by Tricare Standard.

Answer 3

Yes.  The best way to do this is to get her a Power of Attorney.  This way, she can get it herself.  I recommend speaking with your recruiter to find the nearest location and when she should go get it done.

You won't need one for your daughter.  Her mom's ID card will be her insurance card.

Good luck to you,

~ArmyKim

Answer 4

yes, you should be able to take care of that before you go. talk to your recruiter and he should be able to tell you all the info you need to take care of everything.  

Answer 5

Yes, she will need an ID for any benefits. Tricare, PX, commissary, and even to get on base.

Once you get set up, get her an ID as soon as possible.

Answer 6

Call THIS number ...1 800 827 1000

This is the VA regional office in your area ..Just call them and ask what you need to do to cover your family ....

God Bless, and thanks for joing the service .....

Answer 7

Yes, you have to enroll her in tricare. This is something you will do when you get to your first duty station.  If an emergency arrises while your in training, speak to your DS and explain. He will help you resolve the problem.  Otherwise it will be taken care of when your wife gets to your duty station.

Answer 8

this is true. but before you enroll her in tricare you have to get her into the system first if she isnt already. she is in the system if you have already enrolled her and your daughter in DEERS. DEERS is the system they use to keep track of you, your benefits (like insurance, use of base and so on).

To get your family into DEERS you need to have your marriage cert, your wives and childs birth cert, and their ss cards. Your wife will need to go with you because she will end up getting an photo id. your child will not need one until she is 10. but she will be in the system.

After you get them enrolled in DEERS then you can enroll them in tricare. You also need to decide if you want tricare standard or tricare prime.

tricare prime, you have no out of pocket expensive, but you can not pick your doctor. you are assigned a PCM (primary care manager). tricare standard, you pay a % of out of pocket but you do get to chose your PCM. if your child or wife have health issues you might want go go prime. even children's shots can add up. a lot of people choose standard because they are weary of military doctors. so they want to be in control of their care.

your wife will need the id for EVERYTHING. it is her insurance card, lets her get on base to use the facilities and much more. it is the most important id she will ever have.  

Answer 9

Yes, your wife will need an ID.  The military ID is her Tricare card.  Without the ID she can not use Tricare.  You will need to see which bases near you are able to make ID's. I have found that not all military bases can make the ID's.  Good Luck.  Thanks for your service.

Answer 10

yes, she needs it to go to the doctor, get on the base wherever you will be PCS to, she needs to shop at the commissary, BX, use the base facilities, everything

Answer 11

yes.  the first or second week you are at Basic, you will  get a packet of paperwork for her.  you must fill out a certain form giving her permission to get an ID card without you being present.  Once she gets that she can go to any base and get an ID card( and I highly recommend she enrolls in Tricare Prime the same day.  there will be an office at the base hospital/clinic.  

she will not be eligible for Tricare until she is entered into DEERS.. usually done during In processing.  

Answer 12

yes, you need to enroll your wife and daughter in tricare....that's the only way tricare will accept it...