Frequently Asked Questions Regarding TRICARE Supplemental Coverage

Why can I no longer get my TRICARE supplemental coverage through the State Health Plan?
This change has been made in response to the John Warner National Defense Appropriation Act for Fiscal Year 2007.  Effective January 1, 2008, the State Health Plan will no longer offer the TRICARE supplemental coverage in lieu of the State Health Plan.  This Act is a provision that was enacted by Congress in 2006.

Will the State still cover the cost of my supplemental coverage if I choose not to participate in the State Health Plan?
No.  The John Warner National Defense Appropriation Act prohibits public and private employers with 20 or more employees from providing a financial incentive to TRICARE-eligible retirees.  You will not be able to use TRICARE as your primary payer for health care in lieu of the State Health Plan coverage.

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Will I be able to get the supplemental coverage on my own?
Yes.  Employees and Retirees are welcome to continue supplemental TRICARE coverage but you will be responsible for the supplemental premiums on an individual post-tax basis.  If you choose to obtain the supplemental coverage, you will pay for this coverage on a direct bill basis instead of payroll deductions.

How much will it cost if I want to continue coverage on the TRICARE supplement?
For individual employee/retiree-only coverage the monthly premium for the TRICARE supplement is $60.50.

If I am currently covered by the TRICARE supplemental coverage, will I need to fill out a new enrollment form for State Health Plan coverage when the supplemental coverage ends on January 1, 2008?
Yes.  Employees and retirees, who have TRICARE coverage and are currently receiving the TRICARE supplement through the State Health Plan, will need to complete an enrollment form and submit it to their HBR no later than December 1, 2007 to be effective on the State Health Plan on January 1, 2008.

Would I be better off keeping my TRICARE supplemental coverage?
Employees currently on the TRICARE supplement should evaluate their personal and / or family health care needs to determine the best coverage for them and their family.

I would like to keep my TRICARE supplemental coverage.  Who may I speak with to continue that coverage?
Questions regarding TRICARE supplemental coverage should be directed to TRICARE Customer Service at 1-800-638-2610 x 256.

I would like to learn more about my coverage options if I choose one of the State Health Plan options.  Whom may I contact to get more information?
Questions regarding the North Carolina State Health Plan coverage should be directed by plan type as follows:
    • PPO Customer Service at 1-888-234-2416
What health care coverage options are available to state employees and retirees who currently have the supplemental TRICARE coverage?
State employees and retirees who currently have supplemental TRICARE coverage have two options:
  • Continuation of TRICARE supplement: You may continue your TRICARE supplemental coverage on an individual basis by paying the $60.50 per month for retiree-only coverage. Please note that this option will only be available on a direct bill basis through TRICARE supplemental coverage and will not be available through pension deductions as it has been in the past. If you are interested in continuing your TRICARE supplemental coverage, the applications and forms are available on the State Health Plan Web site.

  • North Carolina State Health Plan participation: You may elect to participate in the State Health Plan. If you choose this option, please complete the enclosed HM Form and return it to the State Retirement System. The State Retirement System address is on the bottom of the third page of the HM Form. The HM Form should be received by the State Retirement System no later than December 10, 2007, in order for you to have a January 1, 2008 effective date of coverage. To ensure that a preexisting conditions waiting period does not apply, please write TRICARE in the comments section of the HM Form. The HM Form is available on the State Retirement Web site.

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