Tricare inpatient costs increase for fiscal 2010

American Forces Press Service

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Every year the costs for TRICARE-covered inpatient services are reviewed and are subject to change. For the coming fiscal 2010, which runs Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2010, there is an increase for some out-of-pocket costs paid by TRICARE Standard beneficiaries at civilian hospitals for inpatient care and inpatient behavioral health services.

The daily cost share for retirees, their families and other eligible beneficiaries using TRICARE Standard for inpatient admissions at civilian hospitals has increased from $535 to $645 per day or 25 percent of the total charge, whichever is less. Additionally, these beneficiaries pay 25 percent of the TRICARE-allowable charge for separately billed professional services.

The out-of-pocket costs for retirees, their families and other eligible beneficiaries for inpatient behavioral health services at low-volume civilian hospitals has increased from $193 to $197 per day or 25 percent of the billed charge, whichever is less.

For additional information about copayments and cost-shares for TRICARE-covered services, visit the TRICARE Web site at http://www.tricare.mil/costs.