You’re likely familiar with TRICARE, but if you aren’t or want to brush up on the basics, this article is for you. For eligible active duty and retired service members, and their families, TRICARE provides robust coverage for substance abuse treatment, encompassing everything from outpatient therapy to residential care.
The key to accessing these benefits successfully is understanding your specific plan’s rules, using in-network providers, and ensuring you obtain the necessary prior authorizations for higher levels of care. The first step is always to reach out for an assessment and use the support systems like Military OneSource. Read on to learn more.
TRICARE Supports Active Duty Military and Their Families
TRICARE is primarily a military healthcare program for active duty service members, retirees, their families, and some survivors.
Veterans typically receive healthcare through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) via the VA system. Veterans’ families (spouses, children) are generally not eligible for TRICARE unless the Veteran is also a retired service member (after 20+ years of service) or the Veteran died while on active duty or as a retiree.
So, when we talk about “TRICARE for Veterans’ Families,” we are specifically referring to the families of:
– Active Duty Service Members
– Retired Service Members (including Medically Retired)
– Certain Survivors
If a family member of a non-retired Veteran needs substance abuse treatment, they would look to other insurance options, like private insurance, Medicaid, or programs through the VA’s Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA) if the Veteran is permanently disabled due to a service-connected condition.
TRICARE-Covered Mental Health and Addiction Services at Miramar Health
We are a 24/7 withdrawal management (detox) and residential treatment program based in Southern California. We treat veterans and active-duty military struggling with:
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Military sexual trauma
- Addiction
- Co-occurring mental health disorders such as (among others):
- Depression
- Anxiety
- OCD
- Suicidality
- Bipolar Disorder
Our compassionate, comprehensive, and trauma-informed care counseling focuses solely on veterans and active-duty military personnel on the path to recovery from substance abuse and mental health challenges.
Our evidence-based programs and services include:
– 24/7 Withdrawal Management (Detox)
– Residential Treatment Program
– Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
– Relapse Prevention
– The Social Model
– Intensive Outpatient Program
– Partial Hospitalization Program
– Sober Living Program
– Alumni assistance in locating aftercare and transition services
– We understand military culture and that no healing journey is the same. We aim to tailor each treatment to our clients’ unique needs and experiences.
What’s Included and What May Require Approval
Understanding your insurance coverage can be confusing. Depending on your insurance plan and varying from case to case, some services may need prior authorization, or there may be some limits on the length of stay or program type.
Contact Miramar Admissions to discuss the details of your specific case.
Refer to these TRICARE resources for more information:
– Check Out Your 2025 TRICARE Health Plan Costs
– Substance Use Disorders
– Mental Health Care
For a family member or caregiver of a Veteran, see:
Health and disability benefits for family and caregivers
Why Choose Miramar Health for TRICARE-Covered Care
Serving those who have served our nation, and their families. Veteran-owned and managed.
As a veteran-owned treatment facility focused exclusively on support for active-duty military and veterans, Miramar Health offers years of experience helping military members recover from substance abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions.
We know and understand military culture. We use the trauma-informed therapy approaches referred to above and customize treatment to each member’s needs. We also provide related support to military family members.
At Miramar Health, we believe financial concerns should not be a barrier to recovery. We’re committed to making our comprehensive treatment services accessible to all active-duty personnel, veterans, and their spouses.
If you’re a veteran, active-duty military, or family member wondering about insurance, the answer is yes. Miramar Health is a veteran-owned and operated treatment center and an in-network provider through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Community Care Network (CCN) via TriWest Healthcare Alliance.
We are authorized to provide Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment to eligible veterans nationwide, with access granted through referral by VA case managers. We also accept Tricare for active-duty members and their families.
Our dedicated admission specialists are here to assist you in understanding the details of your coverage and will help you navigate the insurance process.
Getting Started With TRICARE at Miramar Health
Getting started is straightforward.
If you have Triwest insurance coverage, you must be referred through the VA. If you have TRICARE insurance coverage, you can work directly with us.
With a short phone call, one of Miramar Health’s treatment specialists can guide you or a loved one through the brief and confidential admission process. Reach out directly for guidance on how to go through the process.
After we vet your application, we will carry out a clinical and medical assessment by phone.
Get Started With Admission
Once these steps are completed, in a phone call with the admissions team, we:
- Schedule your arrival
- Discuss your insurance options and we’ll guide you. If you’re covered under Triwest you need a referral from the VA. If you’re covered under TRICARE, you can work with us directly. We will provide specifics to help you.
- Provide you with a list of recommended items to bring to treatment
- Make ourselves available to you for any additional information and support.
Congratulations on making the first brave step to recovery. You are not alone.
Resources
Primary TRICARE Policy and Information Sources
1. TRICARE Official Website: Substance Use Disorders
URL: https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Mental/Substance
What it is: The definitive source for current coverage details, policy changes, and official requirements for SUD treatment under TRICARE.
2. Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
URL: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/ (Accessed via the MilConnect website)
What it is: The portal for beneficiaries to verify and update their eligibility information, which is required for TRICARE coverage.
TRICARE Regional Contractors (For Provider Directories & Authorization)
1. Humana Military (TRICARE East Region)
Main Website: https://www.humanamilitary.com/
Provider Directory: https://www.humanamilitary.com/find-provider
2. Health Net Federal Services (TRICARE West Region)
Main Website: https://www.tricare-west.com/
Provider Directory: https://www.tricare-west.com/content/hnfs/portal/west/bene/find-a-provider.html
Related Programs and Support Resources
1. Military OneSource
URL: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
What it is: A confidential, free resource for non-medical counseling, benefits information, and support for military families. Available 24/7 at 1-800-342-9647.
2. VA CHAMPVA (For Families of Disabled Veterans)
URL: https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/champva/
What it is: The official information page for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is the correct health program for many Veterans’ families (as opposed to TRICARE)
Help Is Available at Miramar Health, California
As a veteran-owned treatment facility focused exclusively on support for active-duty military and veterans, Miramar Health offers years of experience helping military members recover from substance abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions. We know and understand military culture. We use the trauma-informed therapy approaches referred to above and customize treatment to each member’s needs. We also provide related support to military family members.