The Department of Defense announced today military retirees enrolling in TRICARE Prime after Oct. 1, 2011, will pay an additional $2.50 per month for individual members and $5 per month for members and family. The increase takes the annual premium rate from $230 (individual) and $460 (family) to $260 and $520 respectively.
This increase only affects those who enroll after October 1 of this year. It will not affect currently enrolled retirees until October 1, 2012.
According to the DoD press release, the change was authorized by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in February 2011 as part of his effort to responsibly manage military healthcare costs.
Information about TRICARE Prime enrollment fees can be found at www.tricare.mil/costs.
