The Department of Defense has issued a notice waiving the referral requirement for those enrolled in TRICARE Prime, except for active duty service members, so they can receive COVID-19 vaccines. This waiver allows them to get vaccinated at any TRICARE-authorized non-network provider without having to pay point-of-service charges. The waiver is in place to ensure wider access to vaccines during the COVID-19 national emergency. This was enacted because of the high demand for vaccines and possible limited supply.
Simple Explanation
The Department of Defense says that people who have a special type of health coverage called TRICARE Prime can get COVID-19 shots from more places, without having to pay extra or get special permission—this doesn't include soldiers who are on active duty. This rule helps more people get their vaccines easily and quickly, especially when the vaccines are really needed and might be hard to find.