There are several identification (ID) and enrollment cards providers should be familiar with in order to verify a patient's eligibility for TRICARE. Providers should ensure patients have a valid uniformed services ID card, Common Access Card (CAC), or authorization letter of eligibility. Be sure to check the expiration date and make a copy of both sides of the ID card for your files.

Providers can verify the actual eligibility of the card bearer by accessing TriWest's secure provider portal at TriWest.com/provider, once registered; or by calling TriWest at 1-888-TRIWEST (1-888-874-9378). When verifying eligibility, be sure to use the sponsor's Social Security Number (SSN). If you are verifying online, retain a printout of the eligibility verification screen for your files.

Starting June 1, 2011, the DoD no longer issued military ID cards with an individual's Social Security Number (SSN) as an identifier. The SSN is still a valid identifier and will not be removed from the government systems. As such, providers can still use their existing processes and forms to collect information from the beneficiaries including the sponsor's SSN. The SSNs will be replaced by the DoD ID and the DBN.

Uniformed Services ID Cards
Common Access Card (CAC)

Most active duty service members (ADSMs) and drilling National Guard and Reserve members now carry the CAC. The CAC is replacing the uniformed services ID card. Although CACs are valid uniformed services ID cards, they do not, on their own, prove TRICARE eligibility. The card bearer's eligibility must be verified.

Uniformed Services ID Card

The Department of Defense (DoD) began issuing the automated ID card in 1994. The uniformed services ID card is credit-card sized and incorporates a digital photographic image of the bearer, barcodes containing pertinent machine-readable data, and printed identification and entitlement information. The beneficiary category determines the ID card's color.

Note: Eligibility may also be verified by a photo ID of the dependent when accompanied by a copy of the sponsor's activation orders for more than 30 consecutive days.

Copying ID Cards

Military personnel and their family members may express concern about having their uniformed services ID cards photocopied, perhaps because they have always been instructed never to lose or allow someone to use their card. It is in fact legal to copy them for authorized purposes.* Per DoD instruction, it is both allowable and advisable for providers to copy a beneficiary's ID card to facilitate eligibility verification and for the purpose of rendering needed services. DoD recommends that providers copy both sides of the ID cards and retain copies for future reference.

* Title 18, United States Code, Section 701 prohibits photographing or possessing uniformed services ID cards in an unauthorized manner. Unauthorized use would exist only if the bearer uses the card in a manner that would enable him or her to obtain benefits, privileges, or access to which he or she is not entitled.