I have Tricare Prime.  We are in NC.  When I was having all my test done, the only thing that I had to pay for out of pocket was for the nutritionist.  Everything else was covered.  I am not saying that is what will happen with you, but that was how mine went.  The best advice I can offer is to call Tricare and ask them all the questions you have.  They can tell you better than anyone else. 

Good luck to you.  The journey will be worth it. 

Thanks for the question and answer to this. I was wondering the same thing. thx

Thank all of you for giving me insight into the Tricare process for approval. I was approved within 24 hours from submission and my surgery date is Dec 9th. i'm on week 2 of the liquid diet and am slowly going mad cooking for my family. I can't wait to be on the loser's bench!

I have been exercising since 3 weeks out. I do tons of stretches and small lifting and I still have some arm skin. For the most part it is gone though. Take a little at a time and keep at it. That is the best thing you can do! Good luck!

First off I have to say what a small world. I just left Jacksonville FL I worked there now I am at FT Campbell waiting for my husband to come back from his 15 month deployment. My parents just sold their house in Green Cove, now they live off Argyle.

Any way back to your question:

You need to ensure you go through all the test and make sure your proper hieght and weight are taken are you at the Hospital on base or out in town? If you are on base it should go through with no issue but the civilian hospitals seem to have issues with filing out the paper work correctly get copies and call tri care and find out why it was denied it could be something as small as a incomplete request.

This is your journey get it out of their hands and you take control.

Joint pain is not enough to get you approved. Check the Tri care hand book its 100 LBS or 40+% BMI or Sleep Apnea or Diabeties pre or post doesnt matter. Like I said tell your PCM to get  all the test.

If this is posted too late sorry but if you are still trying get on them they will eventually approve it.