TRICARE Assistive Technology Coverage & Costs (2026) | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer TRICARE covers assistive technology when it is classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) that is medically necessary, ordered by a physician, and improves the function of a malformed or absent body part. Coverage generally includes items like prosthetic limbs, communication devices for specific neurological conditions, and mobility aids, but excludes "convenience" items such as smart home systems or general-purpose computers.

Details

### What Qualifies as Assistive Technology? Under TRICARE policy, assistive technology is viewed through the lens of **Durable Medical Equipment (DME)**. To be covered, the device must be able to withstand repeated use, primarily serve a medical purpose, and be appropriate for use in the home.

* **Prosthetics and Orthotics:** TRICARE covers prosthetic devices to replace a limb or a missing part of the body. This includes computerized or "smart" limbs if a physician documents that a standard prosthesis is insufficient for the patient's functional needs. * **Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices:** These are covered for beneficiaries with severe expressive communication disabilities (e.g., ALS, severe cerebral palsy) when the device is the primary means of communication. * **Mobility Items:** Manual and electric wheelchairs, walkers, and specialized canes are covered. However, luxury features or "all-terrain" upgrades that are not medically necessary for basic mobility are usually out-of-pocket expenses.

### Hearing and Vision Technology * **Hearing Aids:** For Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) and their families, hearing aids are covered. For retirees and their families, hearing aids are generally **not** covered, though they may be available for purchase through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or at military hospitals on a space-available basis. * **Low Vision Devices:** TRICARE covers some low-vision optical devices (like specialized magnifiers) if they are part of a medical treatment plan for specific eye conditions, but standard eyeglasses or contact lenses are usually only covered for specific diagnoses like infantile glaucoma or keratoconus.

### Costs and Plan Years (2026) As of 2026, costs depend on the beneficiary's category and plan: * **Active Duty:** $0 out-of-pocket for medically necessary assistive technology. * **TRICARE Prime (Retirees):** 20% cost-share for DME/assistive technology after the annual deductible is met. * **TRICARE Select (Group A):** 20% cost-share of the TRICARE-allowable amount. * **Point of Service (POS):** If you see a non-network provider for your equipment without a referral, you may face a 50% cost-share.

### What is Excluded? TRICARE excludes "assistive" items that are considered exercise equipment, environmental improvements (like ramps or elevators), or general-purpose technology. For example, an iPad might serve as a communication tool, but TRICARE typically will not cover it because it is a "dual-use" electronic device rather than a dedicated medical instrument.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** Highest level of coverage; includes specialized high-tech prosthetics. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Covered for DME and AAC devices with a physician’s referral. * **Retirees and their Families:** Covered for DME, but often excluded from hearing aid benefits. * **TRICARE For Life (TFL) Beneficiaries:** Coverage follows Medicare guidelines; if Medicare covers the technology, TRICARE acts as the second payer.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil - Durable Medical Equipment:** [https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/DME](https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/DME) * **TRICARE.mil - Assistive Services:** [https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/AssistiveServices](https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/AssistiveServices) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region):** [https://www.triwest.com/](https://www.triwest.com/) * **Humana Military (East Region):** [https://www.humanamilitary.com/](https://www.humanamilitary.com/)