History of the USFHP

US Family Health Plan has a long history of service to retirees and family members of the seven uniformed services. We trace our roots back to 1981 when Congress designated ten Uniformed Services Treatment Facilities (USTFs) across the country to provide health care to military beneficiaries residing in those areas. In 1993, Congress converted those USTFs into a managed care system called the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan. A few years later, it was renamed the US Family Health Plan and became a Department of Defense-designated provider of the TRICARE Prime uniform benefit.

The US Family Health Plan is proud of its heritage, its long history of service to the military, and its continued commitment to medical excellence.

Timeline

1981—Ten Public Health Hospitals become Uniform Services Treatment Facilities

Congress passed the Omnibus Reconciliation Act. This act transferred ten Public Health Service Hospitals to non-profit corporations and were designated as Uniform Services Treatment Facilities (USTFs). They continued to serve military beneficiaries under a special program called the Uniformed Services Treatment Plan.

1982—Department of Defense (DoD) assumes responsibility

The DoD took over responsibility for operations and oversight of the Uniformed Services Treatment Facilities.

1993—Uniformed Services Family Health Plan is born

The Uniformed Services Treatment Plan was renamed Uniformed Services Family Health Plan.

1997—Plan offers TRICARE® benefit

Congress renamed the seven health plans providing care to military beneficiaries as “Designated Providers” within the Military Health System. In 1998, each of the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan designated provider organizations begins to offer the TRICARE Prime benefit.

2001—Plan name shortened and costs lowered

The name was shortened to US Family Health Plan. Copayments were eliminated for active duty dependents and were cut for members age 65 and over with Medicare Part B.