They are two separate systems
Plenty of families near Fort Bragg deal with both at once. A retiree or a separating service member may have VA eligibility, while a spouse or child is on TRICARE, and some people have both. The key idea is that VA health care and TRICARE are run separately, with different enrollment and different rules.
VA health care is generally for the veteran, based on their own service and eligibility. TRICARE generally covers active-duty and retired service members and their eligible family members. Because they are separate, you enroll in and use each one on its own terms.
Which side to handle where
This guide and the rest of our VA section cover the VA side: how to apply for VA health care, priority groups, community care, and finding a VA facility near Fayetteville.
For the TRICARE side, including how TRICARE Prime and Select work, referrals, and finding a TRICARE provider near Fort Bragg, use our TRICARE guide. Keeping each question on its own track is the fastest way to avoid mixing up two sets of rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have both VA health care and TRICARE?
Some people are eligible for both. They are separate programs with separate enrollment and rules, so you manage and use each one on its own. Confirm your own eligibility for each on va.gov and through TRICARE.
Who does VA health care cover?
Generally the veteran, based on their service and eligibility. See our how-to-apply and eligibility guidance, and confirm your situation on va.gov.
Where do I handle the TRICARE side?
On the TRICARE side. See our TRICARE guide for plans, referrals, and finding a TRICARE provider near Fort Bragg.
Sources
- Eligibility for VA health care (VA.gov)· reviewed 2026-06-14
- VA health benefits overview (VA.gov)· reviewed 2026-06-14
About our medical review process
This page was reviewed by Myra A. Jones BSN, RN, CCM, a registered nurse, for medical accuracy and adherence to current clinical standards as of June 14, 2026. ProviderQuoHealth’s health content is reviewed by licensed healthcare professionals before publication and re-checked when the content materially changes.
Important: Not Medical Advice
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you have about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of something you have read on ProviderQuoHealth. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
ProviderQuoHealth is an independent directory and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the U.S. Department of Defense. This page provides general information about navigating benefits only and is not medical, legal, or VA-benefits advice. Always confirm details on va.gov and with an accredited representative.