Editor’s Note: This article is part of MOAA’s 2025-26 TRICARE Guide, brought to you by MOAA Insurance Plans, administered by Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA). A version of the guide appeared in the November 2025 issue of Military Officer magazine. 

MOAA members with questions about their health care often say they have “called TRICARE” to try resolving an issue. But there is not one single number to call. Finding the right support depends on the particular issue.

Here are resources for a range of health care concerns:

Prescriptions: TRICARE beneficiaries all use the same pharmacy benefit administrator, Express Scripts, (877) 363-1303. 

Network providers: The U.S. is divided into two regions: East, administered by Humana Military, (800) 444-5445, and West, administered by TriWest, (888) 874-9378. Network providers are different for each TRICARE region. TRICARE For Life can visit any Medicare provider; find one by calling Medicare at (800) 633-4227 or using the Medicare provider directory.

Dental coverage: United Concordia is the contractor for civilian dental care for active duty servicemembers, activated Guard and Reserve members and their families, personnel in the Transitional Assistance Management Program, wounded warriors, and certain survivors. Call the customer service line at (866) 984-2337, or visit them online.

[RELATED: TRICARE to Increase Pharmacy Copayments, Add New Benefits in 2026]

Dental and vision coverage for retirees: Retirees of any age can enroll in a Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) plan. Call (877) 888-3337, or see the BENEFEDS website.

Medical questions: The Military Health System Nurse Advice Line is open 24/7 via web chat, video chat, or phone. Call (800) 874-2273 and select Option 1. The line offers evidence-based health care advice from a registered nurse, support in locating an urgent care or emergency care facility, recommendations for the most appropriate level of care, and the ability to schedule same-day or next-day appointments (when an appointment is recommended by a registered nurse and the caller is enrolled with a military hospital or clinic).

Overseas care: Beneficiaries should get routine care before traveling, as it may not be authorized overseas for some TRICARE plans. Rules for getting care depend on the plan; the Nurse Advice Line (above) offers support via web chat or video chat, including help finding country-specific numbers.

Travelers should take note of the phone numbers for emergency services wherever they travel and locate emergency rooms. Keep all receipts; TRICARE claims should be filed to the beneficiary’s regional contractor. For TRICARE For Life beneficiaries, International SOS serves as the regional contractor, as Medicare will not cover the care. 

[RELATED: MOAA-Backed Bill Offers More Options for Moms-to-Be Under TRICARE]

Address changes: An accurate Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) record is critical for receiving TRICARE benefits. Sponsors can change their contact information by calling DEERS at (800) 538-9552 or by logging into milConnect.

To add a family member to DEERS, the sponsor must visit an ID card office with the required documents.

Other questions: Find contact information for all TRICARE-related contractors, partners, and Military Health System resources on the TRICARE website.