Separating from the Service
Active Duty Service Members
When you separate from the service or "get out" before retirement, you and your family may qualify for transitional health care options. If you qualify, these programs provide temporary coverage until you have a new health plan:
Separating from the service is not the same as retiring. Learn more about your TRICARE benefits if you are retiring.
National Guard/Reserve Members
If you separate from the National Guard or Reserves, meaning you "get out" before you could retire, then you may qualify for transitional health benefits. But, your eligibility for transitional benefits depends on your military status before you separate.
If you separate from the National Guard or Reserves immediately after a period of active duty service, you may qualify for one or both of the following programs:
If you are not currently activated and you decide to get out of the National Guard or Reserves, you will not qualify for any continued health care coverage, even if you are enrolled now in TRICARE Reserve Select.
For assistance in determining eligibility, please contact Reserve Affairs or your personnel office.
Loss of Eligibility
If you do not qualify for either transitional health care option, you and all family members registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System will receive a certificate of creditable coverage upon loss of eligibility. The certificate offers evidence of coverage when you sign up for a new health plan.
Voluntary Separation Benefits
If you voluntarily separate under the Special Separation Benefit (SSB) or the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) options, you are entitled to all of the benefits provided for involuntarily separated members. Members who choose the SSB or VSI options (and their families) may continue their health benefits by enrolling in the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.
Last Modified:July 12, 2012
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