TRICARE Young Adult: Affordable Coverage Up to Age 26

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, health insurance rates are not always affordable for families, 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 (TYA) 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 healthcare plan that provides medical and pharmacy benefits to eligible young adult children of TRICARE recipients after they age out of “regular” TRICARE coverage at either age 21 or 23. For unmarried adult children who have aged out of regular TRICARE coverage, TRICARE Young Adult provides medical and pharmacy benefits up to their 26th birthday.

TRICARE Young Adult is available to those between the ages of 21 and 26 who:

• Are the child of a TRICARE-eligible uniformed service sponsor
• Are not eligible for employer-sponsored healthcare
• Are not eligible for other TRICARE coverage
• Are not married
• TRICARE Young Adult Prime: Offers lower out-of-pocket costs but requires care within a network. Available only to dependents of active-duty sponsors.
• TRICARE Young Adult Select: Provides more freedom to choose healthcare providers but has higher cost shares and copays. Suitable for dependents of reservists and retirees

Two Plan Options to Consider

TRICARE Young Adult offers two plans, including remote and overseas options:

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, as coverage begins at the first of the month and applications take approximately one month to process. Applying in advance will help minimize the amount of time the enrollee is left uncovered before TRICARE Young Adult coverage begins. Before enrolling, make sure your TRICARE-eligible dependent’s military ID has not expired.

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

Learn more by visiting the TRICARE Young Adult enrollment page.

Alternatives for Short-Term Healthcare 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 TRICARE 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 healthcare coverage that meets the requirements of the Affordable Care Act.

CHCBP coverage can only 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.

Armed Forces Mutual Is Here to Help

If you have any questions about you or your dependents’ eligibility, contact an Armed Forces Mutual Member Benefits Coordinator who can help you understand your benefits and entitlements, so you can make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.