Retiring

When you retire from active duty, you and your family have a change in status.

• You and your family members will get new ID cards
• Your options will change after you retire, especially if you move
• You're still eligible for TRICARE so you don't lose minimum essential coverage

Before You Retire

Remember to schedule your Separation History and Physical Examination (SHPE) between 90 and 180 days before you retire or start terminal leave. The SHPE is a single separation examination used by the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to capture your complete medical history. >>Learn More about SHPE

After You Retire

Here's a quick look at how TRICARE changes when you retire. For more details, enter your plan info above.

Health Plan Options

When you retire, the status change will cause you to be disenrolled from your Prime Option.

• You can re-enroll in TRICARE Prime if you live in a Prime Service Area
• You must pay annual enrollment fees
• You can re-enroll online, on the phone or through the mail >>Learn More
• Your enrollment must be completed within 30 days of your retirement date to avoid a break in coverage

Or, you and your family can use any of these health plans:

• 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

Some services are no longer covered when you retire. These include:

• Hearing aids
• TRICARE Extended Care Health Option services for family members
• Chiropractic careUsed to treat pain in your back, neck, arm or leg joints, and headaches. It focuses on the power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.
• Eye exams for all plans except TRICARE Prime

Your dental plan option will be the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program.

Costs

While on active duty, you paid nothing out-of-pocket and your family's costs were minimal. As a retiree, you'll see an increase in costs. Depending on your TRICARE plan, your new costs may include:

• Annual TRICARE Prime enrollment fees
• TRICARE Prime network copayments
• TRICARE Standard and Extra costs increase by 5%
• Catastrophic cap increases from $1,000 to $3,000 annually per family. In the fiscal yearOctober 1 - September 30 you retire, any amounts accrued on active duty apply to your retired family cap

There is no change in your prescription costs.

Family Members Eligible for Medicare

Family members who are eligible for Medicare must have Medicare Part B coverage to stay eligible for TRICARE when you retire.