Q. What is the TRICARE deductible?

A. An annual deductible only applies for the following TRICARE plans. The exact amount you pay depends on the type of care you receive, your sponsor’s status, and rank:

• TRICARE Standard and Extra
TRICARE Standard and Extra costs depend on your sponsor’s military status: active duty, Guard/Reserve, or retired.

Annual Outpatient Deductible
You must meet the annual outpatient deducible each fiscal year Oct. 1-Sept. 30 before TRICARE begins to pay. The fiscal year starts on Oct. 1.

Active Duty
• Rank E4 and below: $50 per individual, but no more than $100 per family
• Rank E5 and above: $150 per individual, but no more than $300 per family

Guard/Reserve *
• Rank E4 and below: $50 per individual, but no more than $100 per family
• Rank E5 and above: $150 per individual, but no more than $300 per family

Retired
• $150 per individual
• No more than $300 per family

* You won’t need to meet your annual outpatient deductible if the Guard/Reserve sponsor is activated Called or ordered to active duty service for more than 30 days in a row. for more than 30 days in support of a contingency operation. If activated for more than 30 days not in support of a contingency operation, the annual deductible must continue to be met within the fiscal year. Deductibles are paid annually within a fiscal year and are not reestablished during any change in status.

Send your questions to askthedoc@us.af.mil