Health Care

Naval Submarine Base New London, Medical Services

The primary care center provides comprehensive health care to all active-duty families. To establish a physician-patient relationship, registered families or individuals are assigned to health care teams identified by colors (green, gold, blue, purple, and white). These teams are comprised of nurses, nurse practitioners, general medical officers, internists, pediatricians, and family physicians.

The Naval Branch Health Clinic

• Address: 1 Wahoo Ave., Bldg. 449, Groton, CT 06349
• Main Phone: 860-694-4123
• DSN: 694-4123

To Make Appointments

• Medical: (888) 628-9633
• Dental: (860) 694-3736
• RX Refill: (877) 211-1126

Appointment Call Center - All medical appointments are now scheduled through the NMRTC NE by calling 888-628-9633. You may also use the Appointment Call Center to cancel or reschedule appointments or leave a message for your provider. Clinic Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Closed on Sunday and all Federal Holidays

• Mental Health
  • Phone: 860-694-4966 (Outpatient Mental Health)
  • Phone: 860-694-4837 (Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program)
  • Website: https://newengland.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Mental-Health-Substance-Misuse
• Specialty Care (Patient Advocate)
  • Phone: 401-841-3878
  • Website: https://newengland.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Specialty-Care
• Case Management - Coordinates care for deployment help for military personnel and their families
  • Phone: 860-694-2388 or 860-694-4026
  • Website: https://newengland.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Case-Management
• Military and Support Crisis Line
  • Call: 988 and press 1
  • Text: 838255
• Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) - Serves active-duty families with health & education needs
  • Phone: 860-694-4378 or 860-694-5093
  • Website: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Support-Services/Exceptional-Family-Member/
• Immunizations Clinic - Patients are seen on a walk-in basis.
  • Phone: 860-694-4811
  • Website: https://newengland.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Preventive-Care/Immunizations
• Laboratory - Walk-in for all Lab Services
  • Phone: 860-694-2426
  • Website: https://newengland.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Lab-Tests-Radiology
• Optometry - Call to schedule an appointment
  • Phone: 860 694- 4861
  • Website: https://newengland.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Vision/Optometry

Naval Health Clinic New England

• (Dental Care) https://newengland.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Dental

The dental clinic is in building 575, next to the NMRTU Groton building 449. Routine and specialty dental services are available for active-duty personnel. Overseas Suitability Screening appointments are also available for active-duty family members. Dental: 860-694-3736 for an appointment. In the event of a dental emergency after normal business hours, patients may reach the on-call dental staff by contacting the Chief of the Day, who can be reached by calling the NMRTU Groton quarter-deck at 860-694-4123.

Location: The Naval Branch Dental Clinic is located at 1 Wahoo Ave., Groton, CT 06349. Call 860-694-3738. The dental clinic is in building 575, next to the NMRTU Groton building 449. Routine and specialty dental services.

Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit - https://newengland.tricare.mil/Clinics/Naval-Branch-Health-Clinic-Groton

• Address: 1 Wahoo Drive, Groton, CT 06349
• Phone: Front Desk: 860-694-3736
• Hours: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Naval Dental Clinic, Newport, RI - https://newengland.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Dental

• Address: 1173 Whipple St., Naval Station Newport, RI 02841
• Phone Front Desk: 401-841-2541 After Hours Emergencies: 401-862-4088
• Hours: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Newport Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic - https://newengland.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Specialty-Care/Oral-Maxillofacial-Surgery-Clinic

• Address: 43 Smith Rd. Newport, RI 02841
• Phone Front Desk: 401-841-3180
• Hours: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Naval Branch Health Clinic, Portsmouth, NH

https://newengland.tricare.mil/Clinics/Naval-Branch-Health-Clinic-Portsmouth

• Address: 402 Goodrich Ave. Kittery, ME 03904
• Phone Front Desk: 207-438-1714
• Hours: Monday – Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Naval Branch Health Clinic, New York
https://newengland.tricare.mil/Clinics/Naval-Branch-Health-Clinic-Saratoga-Springs

• Address: 1 West Ave. Suite 230, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
• Phone Front Desk:  518-583-5300/5302 Appointments: 1-888-628-9633 RX Refills: 877-211-1126, Fax: 518-583-7990
• Clinic: Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pharmacy: Closed daily from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Laboratory: Closes at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday

TRICARE Nurse Advice Line

Connect with the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line for free 24/7 medical guidance, symptom assessments, and urgent care referrals.

• https://newengland.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Urgent-Emergency-Care
• Phone: 800-874-2273 (Option 1)

MHS Nurse Advice Line Beneficiary Portal

• https://tricare.mil/nal  for web chat and video chat, or dial 800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1.

TRICARE International: Contact your local facility or visit MHS Nurse Advice Line

• https://tricare.mil/About/Regions/Overseas

When you move, TRICARE moves with you. No matter where you go in the world, TRICARE is there before, during and when you get to your next duty station.

There are steps you need to take to make sure changes to your TRICARE coverage go smoothly. Understand that when you move, you may have to use a different TRICARE option. Visit TRICARE Moving to learn more.

Before you move, you should take care of any routine medical needs, including immunizations, and fill your prescriptions so you have enough while traveling. If you need care during your move, visit TRICARE Getting Care When Traveling to learn what to do.

Filling prescriptions while traveling

You should refill prescriptions before traveling. But if you run out of a prescription drug while traveling, visit TRICARE Filling Prescriptions When Traveling.

Getting dental care while traveling

Getting dental care while traveling depends on your location and whether you are a service member or family member.

• If you are an active-duty service member within the United States or in U.S. territories, and near a military installation, you may be able to get emergency dental care at the dental treatment facility, or DTF, if available. If not, contact the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Care Program before you see a dentist and tell the contractor about your move. You will need to get an authorization before you see a dentist. The Active Duty Dental Care Program will work with you, so you can get care from a local network dentist.
• If you are an active-duty service member at an overseas location, call the TRICARE overseas regional call center to get authorization before you see a civilian dentist.
• If you are an active-duty family member within the United States, in U.S. territories or at an overseas location, you can find out if any nearby military dental treatment facility treats active-duty family members. If you're enrolled in the TRICARE dental program, call the TRICARE dental program contractor or visit their website to find a provider. You will need to get an authorization before you see the dentist.

Civilian Health Care Services

If you use TRICARE Standard/Extra (now primarily TRICARE Select) users at Navy SUBASE Groton, you can visit any authorized civilian provider without a referral. The Groton/New London area features multiple private hospitals and specialty clinics. Call 1-800-TRICARE (800-874-2273), Option 1 to speak with a nurse, locate a doctor, or schedule appointments. 

Getting Care: Find out how and where to get care. visit their website:

• TRICARE Network Providers (Cost-Effective): Always search for providers who accept the TRICARE network rate. They handle claims directly and your out-of-pocket costs will be lower. You can find local doctors using the TRICARE Provider Directory. https://tricare.mil/GettingCare/  [In Network] 
• Non-Network Providers: You can see non-network providers who are "participating," meaning they accept the TRICARE allowable charge as payment in full, but you may have to pay a higher deductible or cost-share. "Non-participating" providers do not accept this rate, meaning you will pay more out-of-pocket and may have to file your own claims. https://tricare.mil/GettingCare/  [Out Network]
• Emergencies: If you experience a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You do not need prior authorization but ensure you notify your primary care provider within 24 hours.
• On-Base Resources: For immediate on-base support, you can contact the Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator (BCAC) at the Naval Branch Health Clinic Groton Address
• 1 Wahoo Avenue Bldg. 449 Groton, CT 06349-5600 or by calling 1-860-694-1985
• Essential Phone Numbers 
• Health Net (Plan Information): 877-874-2273. https://tricare.mil/Plans/New
• TRICARE Nurse Advice Line: 800-TRICARE (800-874-2273), Option 1 
• TRICARE Health Plans: https//www.tricare.mil/Plans/HealthPlans
• Getting Care Find a doctor or Hospital: https://www.tricare.mil/finddoctor

TRICARE Dental Program

The TRICARE Dental Program is a voluntary dental plan. Sponsors can enroll through milConnect.

You can enroll if you’re a:

• Family member of an active duty service member
• Family member of a National Guard or Reserve member
• National Guard or Reserve Member who isn’t on active duty or covered by the TAMP. 

The Transitional Assistance Management Program provides 180 days of premium-free TRICARE healthcare benefits to eligible separating service members and their families. It is designed to bridge the gap in medical coverage as you transition from active-duty military. TAMP: https://tricare.mil/tamp 

TRICARE Dental Program: https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Dental/TDP 

• On military duty for less than 30 days
• Activated Called or ordered to active-duty service for more than 30 days in a row
• Deactivated after leaving active duty (for more than 30 consecutive days
• CONUS: 844-653-4061
• OCONUS (toll-free): 844-653-4060
• OCONUS (toll): +1-717-888-7400

NOTE: (If your sponsor is on active duty or in the Guard/Reserves) You may be eligible for dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. 

FEDVIP Programs: https://www.benefeds.gov/programs

TRICARE Vision: Coverage may include an eye exam or other services to diagnose or treat the medical condition of the eye. Eye exam coverage is different based on who you are, your health plan option, and your age. In some cases, you may need a referral and/or pre-authorization. LINK: https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Vision

FEDVIP Vision: You may be eligible for vision coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. LINK: https://www.benefeds.gov/lite-eligibility

Out-of-Pocket Costs: Your health care costs are based on your sponsor's status (active duty or retired) and which health plan option you are using. Children, whether Biological, adopted, or stepchildren, are covered by TRICARE. Tricare will begin paying after your other health plan in most cases. Compare TRICARE to your health plan and decide which best meets your needs.

For you to be eligible for any TRICARE benefits, your sponsor must register you in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.

1. Register in DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System)

You must be registered in DEERS to get a Uniformed Services Identification card, which grants you access to base facilities and TRICARE. 

• Where to go: Visit a RAPIDS (Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System) office. Find and book an appointment online using the RAPIDS ID Card Office Locator.
• What to bring: Bring your marriage certificate, birth certificate, Social Security card, and a valid photo ID (e.g., a driver's license or passport).

2. Enroll in TRICARE

Your TRICARE plan and enrollment process depend on your sponsor's status and where you live. You have exactly 90 days from the date of your marriage to take action. 

• If your spouse is Active Duty: You will typically be enrolled automatically, but you have 90 days to change your plan. Spouses are usually placed in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select depending on your ZIP code.
• If your spouse is a Retiree: You are not enrolled automatically. You must proactively choose and apply for a plan within the 90-day window, or wait until the next open season.
• Plan Explorer Tool: Use the TRICARE Plan Finder to see exactly which health plans you qualify for based on your location and sponsor. 

3. Additional Spousal Benefits

Beyond healthcare, your new dependent ID card opens the door to several other valuable resources: 

• Base Privileges: Access to Commissary (grocery) and Exchange (department store) shopping, military lodging (e.g., Navy Lodges or Army Inns), and installation Morale, Welfare, and Recreation facilities like gyms and golf courses.
• Education: You may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which allows your active-duty spouse to transfer their unused education benefits to you.
• Employment Support: Access to the MySECO (Military Spouse Employment Partnership) and the MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account) program, which provides up to ($4,000) in financial assistance for licenses, certificates, or associate degrees. 

Your Health Plan Options

Sponsor on Military Duty for Less than 30 Days: TRICARE Reserve Select (when your sponsor is qualified and purchases the plan)

NOTE: Some of these health plan options require you to enroll by submitting an enrollment application.

Sponsor is deactivated: When your sponsor leaves active duty, he or she may qualify for transitional coverage through the Transitional Assistance Management Program, followed by TRICARE Reserve Select (if he or she requalifies).

Biological, adopted, and stepchildren are covered by TRICARE.

• Eligibility for children Unmarried biological, stepchildren, and adopted children are eligible for TRICARE until age 21 (or 23 if in college, see "College Students" below).
• Eligibility may extend beyond these age limits if he or she is severely disabled.
• At age 21 or 23, he or she may qualify to purchase TRICARE Young Adult.

Giving birth or adopting

• Stateside: You have 90 days from your child's birth, adoption, or court appointment to register the child in DEERS and enroll the child or make any eligible enrollment changes.
• Overseas: You must first register your child in DEERS within 120 days from your child's birth date or the date of adoption. Once you register him or her in DEERS, you then have 90 days to enroll in or change a health plan.

Coverage for college students

• If your child moves for college, you have 90 days to change your TRICARE Health Plan. See Moving for more details.
• While enrolled in college, children may be eligible for regular TRICARE benefits until their 23rd birthday or graduation, whichever comes first.

When children become adults

• You have 90 days after your child turns 21 to make changes to your TRICARE health plan (Additional conditions below).
• Biological and adopted children can get TRICARE until their 21st birthday in most cases. There are some exceptions to the age limit.

TRICARE Young Adult is a plan that qualified adult children can purchase after eligibility for regular TRICARE coverage ends at age 21 (or 23 if enrolled in college). TYA is an option for unmarried adult children who have aged out of regular TRICARE coverage.

TYA provides comprehensive medical and pharmacy benefits. How you get your care will depend on the option you choose: TYA-Prime or TYA-Select. You may qualify to purchase TYA if you’re: An unmarried, adult child of an eligible sponsor.

Eligible sponsors for TRICARE Young Adult include:

• Active-duty service members
• Retired service members
• Activated Guard and Reserve members
• Non-activated Guard and Reserve members using TRICARE Reserve Select
• Retired Guard and Reserve members using TRICARE Retired Reserve
• Un-remarried former spouses registered in DEERS under their own Social Security number
• At least age 21 but not yet 26 years old
  • If you're enrolled in a full course of study at an approved institution of higher learning and your sponsor provides more than 50% of your financial support, your eligibility may not begin until age 23 or upon graduation, whichever comes first.

At 21, your child may qualify for TRICARE Young Adult if they:

• Are age 21-26
• Remain unmarried
• Are adult dependent children

There are premiums for TRICARE Young Adult. If your child doesn't qualify to purchase TRICARE Young Adult, they can purchase the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.