If you are new to TRICARE, you are likely also new to some of its jargon. What two important things will you learn right away? TRICARE-allowable charges and TRICARE balance billing. These help determine how much money you’ll pay after a doctor’s visit.
The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act was passed in December 2025, and the passage of that bill marked essential changes in basic military benefits. Some of the changes take the form of benefit increases, while others involve adjusted benefit caps and reporting requirements. Learn more.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 included many changes to military benefits, including the Family Separation Allowance (FSA), which was increased from $250 to $300 per month. That change took effect on January 1, 2026, and was said to be the first payment increase in over 20 years. The 2024 defense bill… Read more »
Military families have expanded access to mental health care thanks to TRICARE virtual mental health services, which began offering help in late 2025 to connect patients with therapists through secure video or phone calls. This program assists with outpatient therapy, substance use issues, and emergency psychiatric needs. Virtual visits eliminate common problems like finding child… Read more »
In mid December the President of the United States announced a one-time military bonus payment of $ 1,776 to millions of currently serving military members.Who receives this bonus? All active-duty members and certain reservists in pay grades O-6 and below. According to some sources, the Department of Defense plans to provide this bonus to “most recipients” by the end of 2025.
The United States Senate passed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act on December 17, 2025. The NDAA includes $900.6 billion for national defense and military operations. Learn more.
There are approximately 120,000 military families at overseas military bases, with some 170,000 servicemembers assigned to overseas duty. The quality of their healthcare is as mission-essential as that of stateside troops and families, but according to an Inspector General report, that overseas care is lacking.
The DoD approves a BAH increase of 4.2% for 2026, impacting one million service members with updated housing allowances. Learn more.
Congress finalized the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), with a 3.8% increase in basic military pay for service members, effective January 1.At press time, the 2026 NDAA has not signed into law; it must pass both the House and Senate before being sent to the President’s desk for signature. The House of Representatives voted to pass the 2026 NDAA on December 10, with the Senate to vote (ideally) before the December 19 recess.
An assessment published in 2025 by the RAND Corporation reveals a staffing crisis within the Department of Defense Child Development Program (CDP). A shortage of childcare staff can quickly translate into a shortage in childcare overall, and it’s a problem that potentially threatens military retention and readiness. According to Congress.gov, “The Department of Defense (DOD)… Read more »