1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated November 3, 2021Defense Primer: Military Health SystemThe Department of Defense (DOD) administers a statutory health entitlement (under Chapter 55 of Title 10, U.S. Code) through the Military Health System (MHS). The MHS offers health care benefits and service
2、s through its TRICARE program to approximately 9.62 million beneficiaries composed of servicemembers, military retirees, and family members. Health care services are available through DOD-operated hospitals and clinics, referred to collectively as military treatment facilities (MTFs), or through civ
3、ilian health care providers participating in the TRICARE program. Purpose The fundamental reason for an MHS is to support medical readiness. The medical readiness mission involves promoting “a healthy and fit fighting force that is medically prepared to provide the Military Departments with the maxi
4、mum ability to accomplish their deployment missions throughout the spectrum of military operations.” The MHS also serves to “create and maintain high morale in the uniformed services by providing an improved and uniform program of medical and dental care for members and certain former members of tho