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Are you getting ready to retire from active duty or the National Guard or Reserve? You should know there are some steps to take to ensure your TRICARE coverage continues as you make the transition to civilian life. This article explains what you need to do to keep your TRICARE benefit in retirement.
“Your TRICARE coverage doesn’t automatically continue when you retire,” said Zelly Zim, senior program analyst, TRICARE Health Plan Policy & Programs Division at the Defense Health Agency. “You must take action to keep your TRICARE coverage for yourself and any eligible family members.”
Why you need to act now When you retire from active duty or the National Guard or Reserve, you experience a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event. A QLE gives you 90 days to enroll in a TRICARE health plan. You’ll still have access to TRICARE coverage. Unlike during your military service, in retirement you need to choose your plan.
Before you retire Schedule your Separation History and Physical Examination between 90 and 180 days before you retire or start terminal leave. The Department of Veterans Affairs uses the SHPE as a single separation examination to capture your complete medical history.
Update DEERS Your first priority is updating your status in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. You have three ways to do this:
Get new ID cards Once your retirement paperwork processes, you’ll need to get new Uniformed Services ID cards for yourself and your family members. Find an ID card office at the RAPIDS ID Card Office Online.
Choose your health plan Review your TRICARE options based on your situation. You’ll need to enroll yourself and eligible family members within 90 days of retirement to avoid a gap in coverage and claims processing. Eligible family members don’t have to be in the same plan, as described in the TRICARE Retiring From Active Duty Brochure.
If retiring from active duty before age 65, your health plan options are:
If retiring from the National Guard or Reserve, your health plan options are:
Enroll in your new plan You must enroll within 90 days of your retirement date to avoid a gap in coverage. You can enroll:
Set up payment Most retiree plans require enrollment fees or premiums. For TRICARE Select or TRICARE Prime, you’ll pay enrollment fees. You must set up payments to keep your coverage active.
Consider setting up an allotment from your retirement pay to cover your TRICARE enrollment fees automatically. This convenient payment option deducts the fees directly from your retirement check, saving you time. There are no enrollment forms or fees for TRICARE for Life.
Consider dental and vision coverage When you retire, your active duty dental and vision coverage will end. You can choose to enroll in:
Your pharmacy coverage You’ll have access to:
You may need to fill maintenance medications through home delivery. Contact https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/contact-us to learn about prescription requirements and copayments.
Going overseas? If you plan to live overseas after retirement, your TRICARE options will differ. Before you move, contact https://www.tricare-overseas.com/, the TRICARE overseas contractor, to learn about available plans and coverage in your new location.
Plan ahead for Medicare If you’ll turn 65 after retirement, sign up for Medicare no later than two months before the month you turn 65, as described in the TRICARE and Medicare Turning 65 Brochure. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance monthly benefits, you will become entitled to Medicare Part A and Part B in the 25th month of receiving SSDI. You must keep Medicare Part A and Part B to remain eligible for TRICARE.
What if you miss the 90-day window? If you miss the 90-day enrollment window and you’re not yet age 65, you can request retroactive enrollment up to 12 months from your retirement date. Remember:
Until you enroll in a plan, you can only get care at military hospitals and clinics. This is only true during your time between the 90-day enrollment window and when you sign up for a plan.
Changes to your coverage You no longer have access to certain TRICARE services after you retire. These include but aren’t limited to the following:
Stay connected Want more information about your TRICARE options in retirement? Check out the TRICARE retirement brochures at TRICARE Publications. If you have questions, reach out to your regional contractor.
Don’t wait until your last day of service. Act now to keep your TRICARE coverage.
| Date Taken: | 01.22.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 01.23.2026 14:51 |
| Story ID: | 556542 |
| Location: | FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 48 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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