Are You Signed Up for Digital TRICARE Updates?

If you are new to TRICARE, enrolling means making a range of choices about how you receive your benefit notifications, updates, and bills. Do you need your bills and other information in paper or digital form?

Do you prefer to get them by postal mail? You have options that include both, but the DoD prioritizes digital communication, and those who rely on the U.S. mail system and the military’s APO/AP-type mailing operations will experience slower delivery times for TRICARE benefits information and updates. In some cases, a paper option may not be possible.

Are You Signed Up for Digital TRICARE Updates?

When people enroll in a TRICARE plan, the contractor establishes default delivery preferences, and the system default is “digital.”

If you need physical documents by mail, you’ll need to change this setting manually by calling your regional contractor or updating your communication preferences in your TRICARE online account. There is no one-size-fits-all solution in some cases as many enrollees have a primary care doctor, a dentist, and specialty care services. You may need to opt in to your preferred delivery system for each service type.

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Medical Claims and EOBs

Beneficiaries in the TRICARE East and West regions must access their region-specific online portal to view electronic information on TRICARE benefits. Filing a new medical claim often requires physical paperwork, printing forms, and sending them via mail or fax; yes, some still use faxes for medical paperwork.

Claim status can then be tracked digitally through the portal. Overseas beneficiaries use the International SOS Secure Claims Portal to change preferences and view digital statements.

TRICARE For Life

The automated opt-in for digital delivery does not apply to TRICARE For Life. Users must log in to the TRICARE For Life Benefits Administration Portal to manually switch their delivery preferences from paper to digital. Once configured, you can also link accounts to online bill pay services to manage Medicare premium payments.

Dental Benefits

Dental coverage is governed by a separate contract managed by United Concordia. New dental enrollees can establish accounts online or over the telephone. Registered users utilize the United Concordia portal to view dental explanations of benefits, check coverage limits, and submit payments. Dental claims for treatment received inside the United States cannot be submitted through the digital portal and must be sent via mail.

Overseas Claims

According to TRICARE.mil, to file overseas, consider the following;