This Benefit Cost Catches Many Military Retirees Off Guard

For members on active duty, Tricare covers one basic eye exam every year for all beneficiaries. Tricare for retirees covers less, and how much less depends on which Tricare plan you choose. Retirees who want more vision benefits have to add another vision insurance plan.

Tricare Vision Coverage for Retirees

For military retirees and their family members enrolled in a Tricare Prime plan, Tricare covers one routine eye exam every two years. You can get that exam from any Tricare-authorized provider without a referral. You will need to pay a co-pay or cost-share, and your specific costs will depend on whether the provider is in-network or out-of-network. This is the most basic of eye exams and does not cover any portion of the examination billed for contact lenses.

Tricare Select offers no eye exam coverage for retirees or their family members.

All Tricare retired beneficiaries do have access to medically necessary ophthalmic services, for conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, eye injury, or diabetic eye disease, under their medical benefit, just as under other Tricare plans.

While no Tricare plan covers glasses or contact lenses except in certain medically necessary situations, active-duty service members may be accustomed to receiving their eyewear for free from the military. Retiring folks should plan ahead and be sure they have new glasses before leaving the service.

Other Vision Options for Retirees

Because Tricare’s built‑in vision coverage is limited, most retirees rely on other programs to fill the gap.

Usually the least expensive path is to purchase vision insurance through an employer, either the veteran’s or the spouse’s. In most cases, the cost of this insurance is subsidized by the employer, making it more affordable.

Another option is the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), which offers multiple vision carriers, each of whom may offer more than one plan within their program. Retirees enrolled in any Tricare health plan (Prime, Select or Tricare For Life) can generally purchase a FEDVIP vision plan during open season or after a qualifying life event.

Read More: FEDVIP Open Season for Military and Retiree Health Insurance

FEDVIP plans typically cover annual eye exams and provide an allowance or discounted copays for frames, lenses and contacts, often once per year or every other year depending on the plan. It’s important to note that FEDVIP plans do not extend coverage to family members using Tricare Young Adult, making it a less attractive choice if you have family members on TYA.

Some retirees may also qualify for vision services through the Department of Veterans Affairs if they are enrolled in VA health care. The VA may cover eye exams, glasses and low‑vision aids based on eligibility category and clinical need. This coverage does not extend to family members.

Retirees who live in a US Family Health Plan area and enroll in a USFHP may get some limited vision benefits as defined by that plan’s civilian network. Beneficiaries must check with the specific USFHP provider for details.

Some retirees choose standalone commercial vision insurance or membership discount programs, sometimes offered through their various military organizations.

The last option is to self-insure by placing a set amount aside each month to pay for vision care needs. This is a great choice for families who do not wear glasses or contacts or have stable prescriptions that are unlikely to need updating each year.

Read More: Military Spouses Can Save Money Long-Term Despite Challenges: Here’s How

While Tricare doesn’t offer extensive vision benefits even while on active duty, retiree coverage is even less. Having a plan for your vision costs can be an important part of your overall medical budget, especially for families with multiple people wearing glasses and/or contact lenses. Exploring your options can help you identify the most cost-effective path for your family’s unique vision needs.

Want to Learn More About Military Life?

Whether you’re thinking of joining the military, looking for fitness and basic training tips, or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to the Military.com newsletter to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox.