Keep Your Adult Dependents Protected with TRICARE Young Adult

You know that your health insurance is an important part of staying healthy. Regular check-ups help protect you from high, unexpected medical costs due to accidents or injuries. However, it’s not always affordable, especially for those just beginning a career outside of the military. The good news is that many military dependents remain eligible for TRICARE Young Adult until age 26, which can help cover them until they secure health insurance of their own.

What Is TRICARE Young Adult?

TRICARE Young Adult is a health care plan available to eligible young adult children of TRICARE recipients after they age out of “regular” TRICARE coverage at age 21 (or 23 if enrolled in college).

TRICARE Young Adult is available to those who:

• Are between the ages of 21 and 26.
• Are not eligible for employer-sponsored health care.
• Are not eligible for other TRICARE coverage.
• Are unmarried.
• Are the child of a TRICARE-eligible uniformed service sponsor.

Plan Options: TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select

There are two coverage options for TRICARE Young Adult, including remote and overseas options:

• TYA Prime: Offers lower out-of-pocket costs but requires care within a network. Available only to dependents of active-duty sponsors.
• TYA Select: Provides more freedom to choose health care providers but has higher cost shares and copays. Suitable for dependents of reservists and retirees

Both options include medical and prescription drug coverage but do not cover dental. Costs differ depending on the military status of the sponsor and where care is received. To determine which plan works best for your dependents, visit tricare.mil/TYA for more information.

When and How to Apply

It’s recommended that you apply for TRICARE Young Adult within two months of needing coverage. Coverage begins at the first of the month and applications take approximately one month to process, so applying two months in advance will help minimize the amount of time you are uncovered before TRICARE Young Adult coverage begins.

Enrollment can be completed:

• Online: Through the milConnect portal.
• By phone or mail: Contact the appropriate regional contractor.
  • East Region: 1-800-444-5445
  • West Region: 1-844-866-9378

Alternatives for Short-Term Health Care Coverage

TRICARE Young Adult is a great option for those who know they will need coverage for a few years after they age out of “regular” TRICARE. However, those who only need short-term coverage may benefit more from the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP).

CHCBP is a premium-based plan for servicemembers and dependents that:

• Provides temporary health coverage for 18 to 36 months for anyone who loses eligibility for TRICARE.
• Acts as a bridge between military health benefits and your new civilian health plan.
• Provides the same coverage as TRICARE Select.
• Temporarily provides minimum essential health care coverage that meets the requirements of the Affordable Care Act.

CHCBP coverage can be purchased within 60 days of the loss of TRICARE eligibility, so be sure to act quickly if you choose this option.

Special Considerations for Step-Children

Step-children of TRICARE sponsors are also eligible for TRICARE Young Adult as long as:

• The sponsor and parent are married.
• If the marriage ends, step-children lose eligibility on the date the divorce is finalized.
• However, if the sponsor adopts the step-children, they remain covered as adopted children, even if the marriage ends.

If you have any questions about you or your dependents’ eligibility, reach out to Member Benefits. Armed Forces Mutual Member Benefits Coordinators can help you understand your benefits and entitlements, so you can make informed decisions about health care coverage.

This article was originally published June 10, 2020.