Healthcare for Baby

TRICARE’s 60-day rule for new parents.

By CiCi Moore, TriWest Healthcare Alliance

If you are enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Prime Remote (TPR), your child is automatically covered by TRICARE Prime or TPR for 60 days beginning from the date of birth or effective date of adoption.  However, if you forget to enroll your son or daughter in TRICARE Prime or TPR within 60 days of birth or adoption, your child will automatically be covered by TRICARE Standard on the 61^st day, resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs for care, including routine check-ups.

How to enroll your child

Baby Step #1

Register your child in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility System (DEERS).

Baby Step #2

Baby Step #3

Enroll your child in TRICARE Prime or TPR with your regional TRICARE contractor.

Remember, all three steps need to be complete within 60 days of birth or adoption. 

If you are eligible for TRICARE Standard or Extra and plan to keep your child in the same plan, you must register your child in DEERS within one year of birth or adoption.  All claims will then be paid under Standard or Extra.  Your child will lose TRICARE eligibility if he or she is not registered in DEERS within one year.

TRICARE for ’lil babies, teensy tots and super heroes

The following health care services are covered for TRICARE-eligible children up to age six:

• Routine newborn care, routine immunizations and comprehensive health promotion and disease prevention exams
• Developmental and behavioral appraisal
• Hearing screenings
• Eye and vision screenings at birth and six months in addition to:

Don’t forget to schedule your first well-child appointment before you leave the hospital or as soon as possible once you are home.