TRICARE Glossary Index: Definitions & Terms Explained | TRICARE.com

The TRICARE program is full of complex military acronyms and insurance jargon. This glossary index provides quick access to clear, plain-English definitions of the terms you need to understand your coverage, your costs, and your healthcare rights.

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or the official TRICARE.mil program.*

## What you'll find here This index organizes alphabetical definitions, plan-specific terminology, and administrative acronyms used across the TRICARE East and West regions. Whether you are looking for a definition of "Catastrophic Cap" or trying to understand "DEERS," you can find the specific guide below.

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### Core Insurance Terms - [Active Duty Service Member (ADSM)](/glossary/active-duty-service-member) - [Allowable Charge](/glossary/allowable-charge) - [Catastrophic Cap](/glossary/catastrophic-cap) - [Coinsurance](/glossary/coinsurance) - [Copayment](/glossary/copayment) - [Cost-Share](/glossary/cost-share) - [Deductible](/glossary/deductible) - [Explanation of Benefits (EOB)](/glossary/explanation-of-benefits) - [Network Provider](/glossary/network-provider) - [Out-of-Pocket Costs](/glossary/out-of-pocket-costs) - [Point-of-Service (POS) Option](/glossary/point-of-service) - [Premium](/glossary/premium)

### Enrollment & Administration - [Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE)](/glossary/beneficiary-web-enrollment) - [Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)](/glossary/deers-explained) - [East Region (Humana Military)](/glossary/east-region) - [Eligibility](/glossary/eligibility) - [Enrollment Freeze](/glossary/enrollment-freeze) - [Open Season](/glossary/open-season) - [Qualifying Life Event (QLE)](/glossary/qualifying-life-event) - [Split Enrollment](/glossary/split-enrollment) - [Sponsor](/glossary/sponsor) - [T-5 Contract](/glossary/t5-contract) - [TRICARE For Life (TFL)](/glossary/tricare-for-life-term) - [West Region (TriWest)](/glossary/west-region)

### Medical & Pharmacy Terms - [Authorization](/glossary/authorization) - [Express Scripts (Pharmacy Manager)](/glossary/express-scripts) - [Formulary](/glossary/formulary) - [Medically Necessary](/glossary/medically-necessary) - [Military Medical Support Office (MMSO)](/glossary/mmso) - [Non-Formulary Drugs](/glossary/non-formulary) - [Other Health Insurance (OHI)](/glossary/other-health-insurance) - [Primary Care Manager (PCM)](/glossary/primary-care-manager) - [Prior Authorization](/glossary/prior-authorization) - [Referral](/glossary/referral) - [Specialty Care](/glossary/specialty-care) - [Urgent Care](/glossary/urgent-care)

### Plan Types - [TRICARE Prime](/glossary/tricare-prime-definition) - [TRICARE Select](/glossary/tricare-select-definition) - [TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)](/glossary/tricare-reserve-select-term) - [TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)](/glossary/tricare-retired-reserve-term) - [TRICARE Young Adult (TYA)](/glossary/tricare-young-adult-term) - [US Family Health Plan (USFHP)](/glossary/us-family-health-plan-term)

## Tips for finding what you need * **Search First:** Use the search bar at the top of the page for specific acronyms (like "PCA" or "MTF") to find their definition and related articles. * **Check Your Region:** Some terms and processes differ between the East (Humana Military) and West (TriWest) regions; ensure you are looking at the definition applicable to your location. * **Verify with DEERS:** Many glossary terms related to eligibility depend entirely on your status in the DEERS database. Always keep your DEERS record updated. * **Official Sources:** While we strive for absolute accuracy, always verify official policy and 2026 rates at [TRICARE.mil](https://www.tricare.mil).