Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS)
What is the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS)?
CHAMPUS is a government-funded healthcare program for active duty and retired members of the military and their dependents. CHAMPUS is more commonly known as TRICARE.
Like Medicare, the government administers CHAMPUS by contracting with private entities. CHAMPUS is divided into two geographic regions—TRICARE East and TRICARE West—with each region having its own contractor.
How does CHAMPUS benefit healthcare?
As a healthcare program for active duty and retired members of the uniformed services, CHAMPUS plays a significant role in the healthcare its beneficiaries receive.
Through CHAMPUS, active duty and retired military members are provided with several health plan options that offer affordable and comprehensive health coverage. Additionally, CHAMPUS offers dental options and significant pharmacy benefits to its beneficiaries.
The healthcare professionals, pharmacies, institutions, and suppliers that work with CHAMPUS help to protect, maintain, and restore health in beneficiaries.