Some travel costs can be covered by Tricare Prime Published July 31, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Natascha Jones 81st Medical Support Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- Under provisions of the 2001 National Defense Authorization Act, Tricare Prime beneficiaries referred by their primary care manager for services at a location more than 100 miles from their PCM may be eligible to have Tricare reimburse their "reasonable travel expenses." Once a PCM gives a valid medical referral letter to the beneficiary, the beneficiary goes to the Tricare travel representative at Keesler Medical Center to arrange for travel. Common access card holders make travel arrangements through the Defense Travel System. The medical travel representative inputs travel arrangements for non-CAC holders and non-medical attendees into DTS. The medical center provides official travel orders. Active-duty members use their government travel cards for travel expenses. Members without government travel cards receive partial payment before travel. Beneficiaries are asked to give the medical travel office advance notice to allow time for processing travel orders. Actual expenses for the patient, such as food, lodging, fuel and parking, are reimbursed after the appointment and trip are completed. Receipts are needed. The travel benefit representative will help process the travel voucher through DTS upon return. The Tricare travel benefit representative is located in Room 1A-230 in the medical center, directly behind the A-Tower information desk. For more information, call 376-4732 or 5202.