Final answer:
The patient is eligible for TRICARE if they are related to an active duty, retired, or deceased United States service person. TRICARE is provided to military personnel, retirees, and their dependents, and eligibility is based on the service person's status with the Department of Defense.
Step-by-step explanation:
The service person whose relationship to the patient makes them eligible for TRICARE is typically an active duty, retired, or deceased member of the United States armed forces. TRICARE is a healthcare program serving Uniformed Service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. As a health program, TRICARE provides a range of coverage, including health plans, prescriptions, and dental plans. It is important to know that the eligibility for TRICARE is determined by the service person's status with the Department of Defense and not the Department of Veterans Affairs, which primarily oversees the services provided to U.S. veterans, including health care services and benefits programs. Nevertheless, the connection between the individual seeking care and the service member is the key factor in determining access to TRICARE benefits.