TRICARE South Carolina: MCAS Beaufort Guide | TRICARE.com

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## TRICARE in South Carolina South Carolina is part of the **TRICARE East Region**. Under the current T-5 contract, the regional contractor is **Humana Military**. Beneficiaries in South Carolina, including those at MCAS Beaufort, coordinate their care, authorizations, and enrollment through Humana Military’s network of providers.

## Major military installations South Carolina is home to a significant military presence across several branches. Major installations include:

* **MCAS Beaufort** (Marine Corps) – Beaufort * **MCRD Parris Island** (Marine Corps) – Port Royal * **Joint Base Charleston** (Air Force/Navy) – Charleston / North Charleston * **Fort Jackson** (Army) – Columbia * **Shaw Air Force Base** (Air Force) – Sumter * **USCG Sector Charleston** (Coast Guard) – Charleston

## Plans available in South Carolina Beneficiaries residing near MCAS Beaufort and throughout South Carolina have access to several plan types depending on their status.

| Plan Type | Eligibility/Description | | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Managed care option for active duty and retirees near military hospitals. | | **TRICARE Select** | PPO-style plan with more flexibility for out-of-network providers (requires annual deductible). | | **TRICARE Reserve Select** | Premium-based plan for qualified Selected Reserve members. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve** | Premium-based plan for retired Reserve members under age 60. | | **TRICARE For Life** | Medicare-wraparound coverage for those entitled to Medicare Part A and B. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | Option for adult children up to age 26 who are not otherwise eligible. |

*Note: The US Family Health Plan (USFHP) is generally not available in South Carolina as it is outside the designated service areas for that specific program.*

## Finding care in South Carolina Navigating care in the Beaufort and Lowcountry area requires understanding the difference between Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) and civilian network providers.

* **MCAS Beaufort Health Clinic:** Active duty personnel are typically assigned to the Naval Research Laboratory or the Branch Medical Clinic at MCAS Beaufort. * **Humana Military Provider Directory:** To find civilian specialists or primary care managers in Beaufort, Bluffton, or Hilton Head, use the [Humana Military South Carolina directory](https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/find-care). * **Network vs. Non-Network:** Using a "Network" provider in South Carolina ensures you pay the 2026 negotiated rates and lower out-of-pocket costs. Non-network providers may charge up to 15% above the TRICARE allowable charge. * **Telehealth:** Humana Military offers robust telehealth options for South Carolina residents, allowing beneficiaries to connect with doctors via smartphone or computer for non-emergency issues.

Common questions for South Carolina beneficiaries

### How do I transition care when PCSing to MCAS Beaufort? When moving to MCAS Beaufort, do not cancel your current TRICARE coverage. Once you have arrived and updated your address in DEERS, contact Humana Military to transfer your enrollment to the East Region. Active duty members must coordinate with the base Primary Care Manager (PCM) upon arrival.

### What is the closest military hospital for specialty care? While the MCAS Beaufort clinic provides primary care, major specialty care or inpatient services are often referred to the **Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune** or local civilian networks in Beaufort and Savannah, GA.

### Does South Carolina Medicaid work with TRICARE? Yes. If you are eligible for both TRICARE and South Carolina Healthy Connections (Medicaid), TRICARE always pays first. Medicaid is the payer of last resort.

## Sources * Humana Military (East Region Contractor): [humanamilitary.com](https://www.humanamilitary.com) * TRICARE.mil Official Site: [tricare.mil](https://www.tricare.mil) * Defense Health Agency: [health.mil](https://www.health.mil) * Express Scripts Pharmacy: [militaryrx.express-scripts.com](https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com)