Know What’s Covered: TRICARE and Your Sexual Health Sexual health is an essential part of overall wellness, and taking proactive steps to protect it is key. As a service member, you are probably familiar with TRICARE, the military’s healthcare program. TRICARE provides health services to Warfighters and their families through a network of military hospitals and clinics, as well as civilian providers. It is important to know what is included in your health care coverage, including services related to your sexual and reproductive wellness. Check out the sections below to learn how TRICARE can help you protect your sexual health. Impact on Your Baby’s Health Birth control methods prescribed by a TRICARE-authorized health care provider are covered. TRICARE also covers counseling for natural family planning, where you can learn how to track fertility. Check out this TRICARE Contraception Chart for more information on birth control coverage. To find a clinic near you that offers walk-in contraception services, click here. Testing If you are at high risk or when medically necessary, TRICARE covers sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening. This includes tests for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea, as well as Hepatitis B and C. It also includes HIV screening for those 15-65 years of age. These services are typically offered during Health Promotion and Disease Prevention exams, which occur once a year. During these appointments, you can also receive education on safe sex practices to prevent STIs in the future. Vaccination Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI in the United States. The HPV vaccine is covered by TRICARE for those between 9 and 45 years old, depending on individual needs.Medication TRICARE covers HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the medication that reduces the risk of contracting HIV, for those at high risk. To ensure PrEP use is effective, routine follow-up visits and lab tests are also covered by TRICARE. For women, TRICARE covers annual appointments called well-woman exams. These screen for women-specific health conditions and can include a breast exam, pelvic exam and Pap test. HPV DNA testing is included if done with a Pap test for women 30 years and older. Mammograms for all women over the age of 40 and those over the age of 30 at higher risk of developing breast cancer are also covered. TRICARE will cover treatment and resulting care for those diagnosed with an STI or other sexual health condition. This can include medication, follow-up testing and counseling services. How Can I Get Care?TRICARE offers health care services at a variety of locations, including military clinics and authorized civilian providers. Your health care plan will determine where you can seek care. For more information, check out this webpage. Additional ResourcesTRICARE 101 TRICARE - “What Is NOT Covered by TRICARE?”ReferencesTRICARE - “Birth Control”TRICARE - “Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Examinations”TRICARE - “Labor & Delivery”TRICARE - “Maternity (Pregnancy) Care”TRICARE - “Reproductive Health”
