Retirement
Your TRICARE health benefits will change when you retire.
So we can give you the most accurate information, please enter your profile. Be sure to tell us which health plan you are using now. Your options will change after you retire, especially if you move to another location.
Here's a quick look at how TRICARE changes when you retire:
Health Care Options
While on active duty, you must enroll in a TRICARE Prime option. Once you retire, you and your family can use any of the following health care options:
- TRICARE Prime (You must re-enroll and pay annual enrollment fees)
- TRICARE Standard and Extra
- US Family Health Plan (in specific U.S. locations)
- TRICARE For Life (with Medicare Part A & B coverage)
- TRICARE Standard Overseas
Covered Services
TRICARE will continue to provide comprehensive coverage to you and your family, including prescription drug coverage.
Some services will no longer be covered:
- Eye exams are only covered if you re-enroll in TRICARE Prime
- Hearing aids
- TRICARE Extended Care Health Option services for family members
- Chiropractic care
- Dental care is now available through the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program
Costs
While on active duty, you paid nothing out of pocket and your family's costs were minimal. Now, as a retiree, you'll see an increase in costs:
- Annual TRICARE Prime enrollment fees ($260/individual or $520 per family)
- TRICARE Prime network copayments
- TRICARE Standard and Extra costs increase by five percent
- Catastrophic cap increases from $1,000 to $3,000 annually per family
- No change in prescription costs
Medicare Eligible Family Members
Medicare-eligible family members must have Medicare Part B coverage to remain eligible when you retire.
Last Modified:March 7, 2012
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