This guide supplements the TRICARE Handbook and covers common issues. Using it will help streamline your TRICARE claims process. Please do not submit this guide with your claim.

1. DD Form 2642 – TRICARE Medical Claim. Pick one up at JUSMAG, or download/ a copy from the internet here:

http//www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/Download/forms/dd2642.pdf 

1. Ensure your Name, Address and SSAN entered on the DD form 2642 matches the information in DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System), and that your address is in the overseas region.  Otherwise, WPS will not process your claim, and there’s no guarantee WPS will forward your claim to the correct TRICARE regional contractor. If you wish to have reimbursement mailed to somewhere other than your DEERS address, make a note in the margin: “Please send reimbursement to …” Lastly, submit original signature DD Form 2642, not a copy.

2. All submitted documents must be legible and be in “English.” Claims are often delayed, denied, or misplaced, when claims processors cannot read your handwriting, especially your Name and SSAN. Using a computer to complete the DD Form 2642 may be your best option.

3. You must indicate if you want payment in US$ or Thai baht. If desiring reimbursement in Thai baht (THB), check “Yes” in Block 13 and write “Thai Baht”. THB is reimbursed by check through Citibank Thailand. Ensure you are able to cash it before requesting THB! Checks are cut in the signer’s name (Block 12a if spouse, attach copy of marriage certificate. For all other read, Block 12 instructions.

4. Don’t forget to read Sign & Date! Date must be after date(s) of medical service, not before.

2. Medical Documents. Outpatient claims require a Medical Certificate or OPD Report. Inpatient claims require a detailed Medical Report.

Documents must state all medical care provided.
a. Patient’s Name and Date.               d. Prescribed Medical Report.
b. Inpatient or Outpatient.                  e. Doctor’s Name and Signature.
c. Complaint and Diagnosis.               f. Name, Address & Telephone Number    
   of the Hospital.  

3. Itemized Bills. These are sometimes called Statement Detail Report, Patient Detail Report, etc. Be sure to get one from your care provider. If inpatient; must state “Inpatient”. If outpatient; not required to state “Outpatient”, it’s ok. Intemized Bills must include: Hospital Name, Address, Telephone #. Doctor’s Names. Medication, Lab Work, X-Rays, CT Scans, MRIs and other tests. 

4. DD Form 2527 – Possible Third Party Liability. See DD Form 2642, Block 7 Instructions. Pick one up at JUSMAG, or download/print a copy here: http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/Download/Forms/Dd_2527.pdf.

5. Medical Care Summary Worksheet. Optional. This worksheet is only supplemental information that may be included with the above required claims documentation. Use at your discretion.

6. While you must submit an original signature DD Form 2642, we highly recommend you mail photocopies of all other documents to WPS, and keep originals for your files. Either way, a copy is vital in order to compare your claim with your Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Also, if it becomes necessary to submit what is called a “Second Submission” or “Tracer” claim, a copy (and postal receipt) helps prove you submitted your original claim within the one – year time period of services received (outpatient); or for impatient care, one year from the date of discharge. Yes, claims sometimes do go missing! Please allow up to 45 days for reimbursement.

7. Familiarize yourself with the applicable TRICARE Handbook You can view or download a copy here: http://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmart/

Below is a link to the Tricare information center at JUSMAG.

http://www.jusmagthai.com/medical.html

You may also contact the Nurses direct at their e-mail address:

nursetida.ctr.th@san.osd.mil
nursepranee.ctr.th@san.osd.mil

Source: RAO office, JUSMAGTHAI, Bangkok