Tricare and Marriage
Newly married to a service member and wondering what you need to do to establish health care? Read on.
by Lynda Scott
Before you can qualify for TRICARE benefits, the active duty service member must sign you up with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, DEERS. DEERS is a military database that lists everyone who is eligible for TRICARE benefits. There are three ways you can update DEERS related information. (1) You can update your DEERS records online at www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/address/index.jsp (2) You can call 1-800-538-9552 and talk with a DEERS representative. (3) You can visit the military personnel office nearest you and update the information in person.
Once your DEERS information is updated you may enroll in TRICARE. To do so, your spouse enrolls you in TRICARE by contacting a Beneficiary Service Representative (BSR). There are several different TRICARE options from which to choose. You should educate yourself about your benefit options before committing to a particular program. You can learn more about TRICARE benefits through your representative, your Military Treatment Facility, the TRICARE Handbook, or the TRICARE Management Activity’s, TMA, web site, www.tricare.osd.mil
Transitioning out of the service and wondering what your health benefits future holds? This information is for you.
TRICARE provides temporary health benefits through the Continued Health Care Benefit Program, CHCBP. CHCBP eligibility depends upon prior eligibility under a military health plan. The benefits are similar to TRICARE Standard. Benefits similar to TRICARE Extra are also available. All premiums, annual deductibles and cost-shares have to be met. Under CHCBP, enrollment within 60 days after discharge or loss of eligibility is required and coverage is available for 18 months. Also, unmarried dependent children may be eligible for coverage for up to 36 months. To find out more information about CHCBP, contact Humana Military Healthcare Services, Inc by mail (P.O. Box 740072, Louisville, KY 40201) or by phone (1-800-444-5445).
Divorcing and wondering what your TRICARE status will be for you and your kids? It changes; you need to know the facts.
Children first: After a divorce, as long as your spouse remains in the military your children are entitled to TRICARE benefits until their 18th birthdays. However, you will not be eligible for TRICARE coverage. You can maintain your health care coverage for 18 months through the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) as long as you enroll within 60 days after the final divorce decree. CHCBP can help you bridge the gap until you find another source of health insurance. Call 1-800-444-5445 to find out more information about premiums, deductibles and cost-shares to see if CHCBP is right for you.
Lynda Scott, Director, e-Commerce, Claims and Services at myTRICARE.com contributed to this article.