FINALOUT
Guide

TRICARE Transition

How to keep your healthcare coverage through separation and understand your options as a veteran or retiree.

When does TRICARE end?

Your active duty TRICARE coverage ends on your Final Active Duty Date (FADD) — or the last day of the month in which you separate, depending on your plan. If you are retiring (20+ years), you retain TRICARE for life as a retiree. If you are separating with fewer than 20 years, you need to act before your FADD or you will have a gap.

Options if you are separating (non-retirement)

Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP)

TAMP gives qualifying separating members 180 days of premium-free TRICARE coverage after separation. Not everyone qualifies — eligibility depends on the reason for separation (involuntary separation, disability retirement, certain overseas assignments). Check with your MTF or HR whether you qualify.

TRICARE Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP)

CHCBP is TRICARE's version of COBRA — you can continue coverage for up to 18 months after separation by paying premiums yourself. You must enroll within 60 days of losing TRICARE. After 18 months, CHCBP ends and you need civilian coverage.

  • Individual: ~$670/quarter (2025 estimate)
  • Family: ~$1,620/quarter (2025 estimate)

Enroll through Humana Military.

VA Healthcare (not TRICARE)

If you have a VA disability rating, you may qualify for VA healthcare — but VA healthcare and TRICARE are separate systems. VA covers service-connected conditions; for everything else you still need a civilian plan or CHCBP while transitioning.

Options if you are retiring (20+ years)

Military retirees retain TRICARE as a retirement benefit. Your coverage type depends on your age and where you live:

TRICARE Prime (under 65)
HMO-style with a primary care manager. Low cost, requires referrals, available near military installations.
TRICARE Select (under 65)
PPO-style with more provider flexibility. Small annual fee and copays. Available nationwide.
TRICARE for Life (65+)
Wraps around Medicare. You pay Medicare Part B premiums; TRICARE covers most remaining costs. Automatic at 65 if enrolled in Medicare.

Enroll or change plans at milConnect (DMDC) or by calling 1-800-444-5445.

Key deadlines

  • 60 days after FADD: Deadline to enroll in CHCBP if you want continued coverage
  • Day of FADD: Active duty TRICARE ends (or end of that month)
  • Age 65: Must enroll in Medicare Part B to retain TRICARE for Life

Do not wait. A lapse in coverage can mean denied claims for care received during the gap and difficulty finding civilian coverage if you have pre-existing conditions.

TRICARE and the ACA marketplace

Losing TRICARE qualifies as a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for ACA marketplace plans. You have 60 days from your loss of coverage to enroll. If you have a VA rating of 50%+, ACA subsidies may be available depending on income.

Disclaimer: Plan costs and eligibility rules change annually. This guide reflects 2025 information. Verify current rates and eligibility at TRICARE.mil or milConnect. FinalOut is not affiliated with TRICARE, VA, or DoD.