Question

Discuss key legislative events in military health care that resulted in the implementation of the current TRICARE program.

Answer 1

Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) a healthcare  programme of United States Department of Defense Military Health System is now called as TRICARE. The programme provides healthcare benefits to US armed forces military personnel ,retirees of military and their dependents .

During world war 2 , severe restrictions were faced by retirees in military medical care facilities . It affected the retirees than active duty members. Adoption of dependents medical Care act in 1956 established the availability of health care services to active duty members, retirees and their dependents at military treatment facilities. Military health system started to transform since 1956.

The legislative events are

1. In 1956, authorization of the offering of civilian health care coverage to active duty dependents.
2. In 1960, requirement of non availability statement for non emergent inpatient care was provided and set coverage limits on care from civilian providers.
3. Military medical benefit amendments CHAMPUS was established in 1966 which provided coverage for retirees, their dependents and military treatment facilities we're expanded with civilian provider coverage.
4. In 1976, 40 mile radius catchment area rule was made and excluded services in CHAMPUS was defined.
5. In 1983, CHAMPUS was made secondary payer
6. In 1986, dependent's dental programme was started
7. In 1987 changes were made in provider reimbursement methods , implementation of CHAMPUS diagnosis related groups, military treatment facility billing crre for third party was authorised.
8. In 1988-89 catastrophic cap was established
9. CHAMPUS was named TRICARE IN 1996.

There are two missions in military health care

• provide care for US forces who become sick or sustain injury during military engagements
• Peace time mission which maintains health of US military person and supporting provision of military health care benefits to active members ,retirees ,their dependents and survivors.

Thus TRICARE is a benefit program for the military personnel active , retired and their dependents.

Ref:

Michelle Dolfini Reed, Jennifer Jebo, 2000 Evolution of the military health Care system. Changes in public law and DOD regulations.