The Military Health System (MHS) is one of America’s largest and most complex health care institutions, and the world’s preeminent military health care delivery operation. Our MHS saves lives on the battlefield, combats infectious disease around the world, and cares for 9.5 million beneficiaries in one of the nation’s largest health benefit plans.
The missions of the MHS are complex and interrelated:
- To ensure America’s 1.4 million active duty and 331,000 reserve-component personnel are healthy so they can complete their national security missions.
- To ensure that all active and reserve medical personnel in uniform are trained and ready to provide medical care in support of operational forces around the world.
- To provide a medical benefit commensurate with the service and sacrifice of more than 9.5 million active duty personnel, military retirees and their families.
The elements of the MHS
Learn about the organizations that make up the MHS
MHS initiatives and areas of impact
Learn about current MHS initiatives and areas where MHS is a world leader in Healthcare
Commonly requested information
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General Topics |
DoD/MHS Leadership Biographies About The Military Health System About The Defense Health Agency |
About The TRICARE Health Plan About TRICARE Eligibility |
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Statistical Information |
Patients by Beneficiary Category Patients by TRICARE Plans Patient Numbers by State |
A Week in the Life of MHS Nurse Advice Line Day at-a-Glance |
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MHS Facilities |
MHS Health Care Facilities Statistics Locate a Military hospital or Clinic |
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FOIA Information |
Freedom of Information Act Program Submit a FOIA Request |
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Congressional Information |
Congressional Information | |
Health care coverage options for military veterans
If you’re enrolled in TRICARE or the Veterans health care program, you’re considered covered under the health care law. You don’t have to make any changes.
If you don’t have veterans or other health coverage, you can use the Marketplace to enroll in a plan.
Veterans programs that meet coverage requirements
If you’re enrolled in (or are a beneficiary of) any of the programs listed below, you’re considered to have qualifying health coverage under the health care law. This means you don’t need to get additional coverage.
- Veterans health care program
- VA Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA)
- Spina bifida health care benefits program
- TRICARE
If you’re a veteran without VA health care, visit the VA health care website. You may learn that you qualify for VA coverage.
For more important information on veterans and the Affordable Care Act, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
If you don’t have veterans coverage
If you’re a veteran who isn’t enrolled in VA benefits or other veterans health coverage, you can get coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Depending on your household size and income, you may be able to get lower costs on monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs on private insurance. Or you may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
If your dependents aren’t covered
If you’re a veteran enrolled in (or are a beneficiary of) a VA health care program, you may have dependents who aren’t eligible for a VA health care program. They can get coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Depending on household size and income, they may get lower costs on monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs. Or they could be eligible for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).