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.
Unremarried Former SpousesThis information is a summary of TRICARE eligibility requirements for unremarried former spouses; each situation may be unique. You need to verify your eligibility as recorded in the in Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and contact the appropriate Service Personnel Component or the Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office if you have eligibility questions or concerns. Defense Manpower Data Center
Service Personnel Components
Scenario 1: The "20-20-20" Rule 20 - Your sponsor has at least 20 years of creditable service towards determining retirement pay. 20 - You were married to the same sponsor/service member for at least 20 years 20 - All 20 years of marriage overlap the 20 years of creditable (Active or Reserve) service which counted towards your sponsor's retirement. If the Service Personnel Component determines that you meet the 20-20-20 eligibility criteria, you will be issued a new ID card with your own name and your Social Security number listed as the "sponsor Social Security number" the first time you renew your card after the divorce/annulment effective date. Scenario 2: The "20-20-15" Rule 20 - Your sponsor has at least 20 years of creditable service towards determining retirement pay. 20 - You were married to the same sponsor/service member for at least 20 years 15 - 15 of those years overlap the 20 years of creditable (Active or Reserve) service which counted towards your sponsor's retirement. If you fall into this scenario, your coverage was/is determined by the date your marriage ended.
Health Plan Options
To learn more how TRICARE works for you, enter your profile selecting "retired family member" as your beneficiary category. | ContactDefense Manpower Data Center Support Office DownloadsTRICARE Eligibility Fact Sheet |
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