Whoohoo! I've just discovered that Tricare Overseas offers online claims lookup and direct deposit of claims payments. I have no idea how long this has been going on, but I am DE-lighted! There are two part to this: being able to follow claims online, and having reimbursement payments deposited directly to your bank account.
The process to set up an account was quick, and it will make my life a lot easier in the future. Under the current system, I send claims into the great Military Postal System (MPS), and then cross my fingers that I will eventually receive a reimbursement check. Under the new system, I can watch and see when the claim has been received, and then have the reimbursement put directly into my bank account. This makes me really happy - I was just yesterday wondering how to follow-up on some claims made last month. Now I know!
The associated bank account must be a U.S.- based account that has a valid 9-digit numeric ABA routing number and that operates in U.S. dollars. Foreign accounts of any kind are not eligible for direct deposit.
Tricare Overseas has put together a very good set of instructions on how to access this part of your account and set up your direct deposit. If you don't have a Department of Defense Self-Service login, I encourage you to create one. It is useful for a variety of things, including making online appointments at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). Creating an account is pretty fast and not complicated.
Setting up the direct deposit is also easy, with one warning: you must enter direct deposit account information for each eligible family member. There's no way to set up the entire family in just one step.
Signing up for direct deposit does require that you accept electronic delivery of your Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Yet another reason I'm thrilled - no one needs all that paper in their house!
While you're in this account, take one extra minute to click on the Personal Profile Update tab and ensure that it includes your current telephone number, mailing address, and email address. This way, you can be sure that you can be contacted if there is a problem with payment.
Direct deposit will decrease the reimbursement time, and online claims viewing will help you keep your brain straight. I hope you find super-helpful!
