Tricare Help: Why isn’t in vitro fertilization covered?
Q. If Tricare covers all other kinds of treatments for infertility, why does its regulations forbid it to pay for in vitro fertilization? A. Years ago, before in vitro fertilization had been discovered, the same question was raised about artificial insemination. The answer then was that artificial insemination was not a treatment for infertility — it was technical assistance with conception. The same can be said about in vitro fertilization. Tricare covers the diagnosis and treatment of physical causes of infertility, but it does not cover services that address problems with conception. Q. My wife and I got Tricare for Life earlier this year. What arrangements do we have to make with Tricare and Medicare so we are covered when we are out of town? A. First, ask Tricare for a free Tricare for Life Handbook. You are now Medicare beneficiaries because Medicare is your primary coverage. Tricare for Life consists of full coverage by Medicare Parts A and B plus full coverage by Tricare Standa
