What Is A TRICARE Non-Availability Statement (NAS)? | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer A Non-Availability Statement (NAS) is a formal certification stating that specific medical or dental care cannot be provided at a Military Hospital or Clinic (MTF). It serves as a digital "green light" that allows TRICARE beneficiaries to receive that care from a civilian provider in the private sector.

## Details In the past, Non-Availability Statements were common for many types of outpatient care. Today, their use is much more restricted, as TRICARE has streamlined how patients move between military and civilian systems.

### When is an NAS required in 2026? Currently, the NAS is primarily required for **non-emergency inpatient mental health care** for beneficiaries who live within the catchment area (typically a 40-mile radius) of a Military Hospital or Clinic. Without an approved NAS, TRICARE may deny the claim or pay at a significantly lower rate.

### How the process works 1. **Review of Capability:** When a provider recommends inpatient mental health services, the MTF staff checks if they have an available bed and the necessary specialist. 2. **Issuance:** If the MTF cannot provide the care, they issue an electronic NAS via the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). 3. **Referral:** Once the NAS is in the system, your regional contractor (Humana Military in the East or TriWest Healthcare Alliance in the West) can process the authorization for civilian care.

### Key Exceptions * **Emergency Care:** You never need an NAS for true emergency medical or psychiatric admissions. * **TRICARE For Life:** Since Medicare is the primary payer, an NAS is generally not required for those using TFL. * **Point of Service (POS) Option:** If you are on TRICARE Prime and choose to see a civilian provider without an NAS or referral, you will likely trigger "Point of Service" charges. In 2026, these include a $300 individual deductible and 50% cost-sharing, which can be thousands of dollars for inpatient stays.

### NAS for Dental Care For Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) stationed in remote areas, a Statement of Non-Availability may be required through the Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP) to ensure the member can receive care from a civilian dentist when a military dental clinic is unavailable.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Especially those requiring specialized or dental care. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Primarily those enrolled in TRICARE Prime living near a military installation. * **Retirees and their families:** If enrolled in a Prime plan and seeking specific inpatient mental health services. * **Guard/Reserve:** Members on active duty orders for more than 30 days.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Mental Health Care Coverage](https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/InpatientMentalHealth) * **TRICARE West (TriWest):** [Authorizations and Referrals](https://www.triwest.com) * **Humana Military:** [Provider NAS Requirements](https://www.humanamilitary.com) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [TRICARE Policy Manual](https://manuals.health.mil)