The Defense Health Agency has announced cost changes for 2022
Copays will increase for the use of non-military, retail pharmacies and mail-order delivery. The increases will range from $1 to $8 in 2022. Survivors of active duty service members are exempt from these increases. Medically retired service members and their family members are also exempt.
Annual enrollment fees for TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select will also rise. By law, the Department of Defense is required to raise certain out-of-pocket cost shares. These increases are based on the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) for retirees. These increases are also due to changes in the cost of health care services and other factors.
For retirees, 2022 annual enrollment fees will be based on when the sponsor entered the military:
- Those who entered before 1/1/2018 — $323 per individual or $647 per family
- Those who entered on or after 1/1/2018 — $392 per individual or $784 per family
Beneficiaries whose sponsor has an initial service date before January 1, 2018 will not pay the increases as long as long as at least one family member remains enrolled in TRICARE Prime and they are:
- Survivors of active duty deceased sponsors OR
- Medically retired Uniformed Services members and their dependents
Also in 2022, retirees will see copay increases for health care services. These increases will range from $1 to $10.
Active duty family members do not make copays for health care services. They also do not pay enrollment fees. In the same way, retirees with Medicare Part B do not make copays for health care services and do not pay enrollment fees. However, Medicare Part B premiums are expected to increase based on the COLA.
If you are a retiree (or family member), watch for new membership cards in early January. You will also receive an updated Summary of Benefits.
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