TRICARE Young Adult: Addiction Treatment
Using TRICARE Young Adult to Get a Child Proven Support Options
If you have TRICARE Young Adult, you may know that family members of active-duty or retired service members have the benefit of enrollment in programs that can help offset the cost of care. For young adults who have aged out of their TRICARE coverage, there are several other options to enroll in a new plan with the same providers.
What does TRICARE young adult addiction treatment cover?
A child who ages out of care can enroll in TYA-Prime (more expensive but most comprehensive care) or TYA-Select (less expensive but with more out-of-pocket costs). Both are solid options that can help with the cost of pre-authorized residential treatment. More costs are common with out-of-network providers.
TricareRehabs.com can help you find a placement in a facility that meets your needs, even for young adults. We want to honor those who give to our country in the uniformed services. Keep reading to learn more about where you can turn for proven support for young adults with addiction.
Does TRICARE Cover Qualified Adult Children with Substance Use Disorder?
If you have a young adult in your family who no longer qualifies for coverage under active-duty service members due to age, you may want to consider encouraging them to enroll in TRICARE Young Adult. It can cover a multitude of treatment options, which can save thousands in the long run.
Under the Affordable Care Act, all insurance companies are mandated to cover both substance use issues and mental health concerns the same way they treat medical issues. These core issues are considered one of the ten essential health benefits that cannot be denied.
That being said, active duty family members who have aged out may still have to cover some costs with TRICARE-authorized providers. But you can get help managing prescription drugs, residential treatment plans, and more.
Intensive Care Options for Eligible Young Adults
The best thing you can do to get more information about the next steps for care is to consult with your doctor. While you don’t necessarily need a referral to get into treatment, you do need pre-authorization that demonstrates that inpatient care is medically necessary.
And for many young adults, detox and inpatient care are the first steps toward recovery. You may need these services if you’re stepping down from emergency hospitalizations and you still need a structured environment with 24/7 oversight to ensure that you don’t use again.
The costs vary depending on the type of facility you enroll in, the services they provide, and the plan you are on.
When you’re ready, they may also cover intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs.
What to Know About TRICARE Coverage for Young Adults
TRICARE covers some of life’s hardest times when it comes to your health and mental health. Having a solid health insurance plan is key to mitigating the unforeseen complications that can come in the early days of adulthood. Does it cover addiction treatment centers?
While TRICARE coverage extends to substance use disorders and mental health concerns, the cost of your care ultimately depends on which plan you select. There are two main options for TRICARE young adult health insurance: TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select.
TRICARE Prime for Maximum Coverage (Not for TRICARE Retired Reserve or TRICARE Reserve Select Sponsors)
The first option for TYA-Prime is best if you know that you’ll be accessing expensive healthcare services over the course of the year. It has copayments (the amount that you’ll be responsible for when it comes to services rendered or days treated) that are reasonable, but the premium is high.
Expect to pay about $700 in monthly premiums for TRICARE Prime but only $38 per day in a residential treatment facility.
TRICARE Select for Lower Monthly Premiums
The other option that you’ll have is TYA-Prime. TRICARE Prime offers a lower monthly premium but may require more out-of-pocket spending for intensive services. Outpatient services range from $30 to $50 per visit, with no clear-cut guidelines on what you will spend for residential treatment centers.
However, you do save some money on the month-to-month expense of premiums. It’s just over $300 to keep your coverage active each month.
US Family Health Plans are also available if you live in a USFHP service area only. These are far more limited programs, but more information is available if you think you may qualify.
Managing Out-of-Pocket Costs with Your TRICARE Plan
You want the best treatment centers for a young adult: ones that are knowledgeable about the unique needs and experiences of those who are underage or just past the cusp of adulthood. The problem for many families is that they must figure out how to manage out-of-pocket costs.
What will you be responsible for when it comes to residential treatment options and TRICARE coverage?
If you choose a TRICARE network provider, it’s possible that the cost of your young adult’s treatment may be covered in full. While they require a pre-authorization for many hospitalization services, family members can rest easier knowing that an approved facility is safe and financially feasible.
On the other hand, you may choose an out-of-network provider for a lot of different reasons. If this is the case, then you may have more cost-sharing responsibilities in the form of copayments for care or money paid toward your deductible.
Payment options may be available at the treatment centers you select, so be sure to ask about any of the anticipated costs during your placement.
Get Help for a Young Adult with TricareRehabs.com Today
Do you need help to see what TRICARE Select or TRICARE Prime health insurance may cover for your young adult? Both active duty and retired service members have access to rich benefits in the form of this health insurance coverage. Managing care for young adults is only part of what we do.
TricareRehabs.com can help you find providers on your family health plan and coordinate the necessary care. Give us a confidential call now to learn how we support our service members during these delicate times.
References
- Does TRICARE Reserve Select Cover Addiction Treatment? - August 12, 2025
- Navy SARP Program Guidance - August 5, 2025
- Does the Military Check Your Mental Health Records? - May 8, 2025
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