Who's Eligible?
Eligibility for TRICARE is determined by the uniformed services and reported to the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). All eligible beneficiaries must have their eligibility status recorded in DEERS.
TRICARE beneficiaries can be divided into two main categories: sponsors and family members. Sponsors are usually active duty service members, National Guard/Reserve members or retired service members. When we say "sponsor," we are referring to the person who is serving or who has served on active duty or in the National Guard or Reserves.
Select a Beneficiary Category
Learn more about health plan and dental options by selecting a beneficiary category from the drop down menu below.
National Guard and Reserve Members and Their FamiliesThe phrase "National Guard and Reserve" refers to members of the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. Members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) may purchase the TRICARE Dental Program, but usually do not qualify for any other TRICARE benefits when not on active duty orders or immediately following a period of activation. Your health and dental options are different depending on your current military status. On Military Duty for 30 Days or Less For dental care, you and your family can enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program. You will enroll separately and pay separate monthly premiums. When Activated If you're enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program when called to active duty, you're coverage is automatically terminated. You're now covered by active duty dental benefits at military dental treatment facilities and through the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program. Your family becomes eligible for the same TRICARE benefits as active duty family members when you're on active duty. They can use any of the following plans depending on where they live when you're activated.
If your family is enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program, their coverage continues uninterrupted and their premiums are reduced to the "active duty family member" rates. If not already enrolled, they can enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program at any time. Pre-Activation or "Early" Eligibility
When Deactivated If you were activated in support of a contingency operation:
If you were not activated in support of a contingency operation, you do not qualify for TAMP and your active duty benefits (including dental) end immediately. See the following scenarios for more examples:
For dental care, you may purchase the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program for you and your family. For More Information
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If you're not in DEERS, you're not eligible.
Be sure that all members of your family are registered in DEERS, and all information is kept current.
Last Modified:November 30, 2010