How to Update DEERS for TRICARE Eligibility (2026) | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer To update your DEERS information, you can use the **ID Card Office Online (IDCO)** website, visit a local RAPIDS ID card office in person, or submit changes via mail or fax. Keeping DEERS current is mandatory because it determines your TRICARE eligibility; if your address or life status (like marriage or birth) isn’t updated, your claims will be denied.

Details

The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) is the database that tracks military members and their dependents. For TRICARE purposes, DEERS is the "source of truth." If you are not in DEERS, you do not have insurance.

### 1. Update Contact Information (Address, Email, Phone) If you just need to update your contact info, you can do this instantly online. * **Online:** Visit the [ID Card Office Online](https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/). * **Phone:** Call the DMDC/DEERS Support Center at 1-800-538-9552. * **In-Person:** Use the [RAPIDS Site Locator](https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/locator) to find a local office.

### 2. Update Life Events (Marriage, Birth, Divorce) You **cannot** update family status or add new dependents online. You must provide official documentation (marriage certificates, birth certificates, or divorce decrees) to a RAPIDS official. * **Active Duty:** Work with your personnel office or a RAPIDS scan station. * **Retirees/Families:** Visit a RAPIDS office. You may need an appointment, which can be booked through the IDCO website mentioned above.

### 3. Why Updating Matters for 2026 TRICARE Coverage * **Regional Transitions:** As of 2026, the West Region is managed by **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** and the East Region by **Humana Military**. If DEERS has your old address, you may be assigned to the wrong regional contractor, causing referrals to fail. * **The 90-Day Rule:** Most life events (Qualifying Life Events or QLEs) give you 90 days to update DEERS and make any necessary changes to your TRICARE plan (e.g., moving from TRICARE Select to TRICARE Prime). * **Pharmacy Benefits:** **Express Scripts** uses DEERS data to verify your eligibility for home delivery. If your address is wrong, your prescriptions will be sent to the previous location.

### 4. Medicare and DEERS If you Are 65 or older, you must ensure your Medicare Part A and Part B status is reflected in DEERS to remain eligible for **TRICARE For Life**. Usually, the Social Security Administration notifies DEERS, but you should verify this on the IDCO website to avoid a gap in coverage.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** Responsibility to ensure all dependents are enrolled. * **National Guard & Reserve:** Must update status when moving between drill status and active duty (T-10) orders. * **Retirees:** Critical for maintaining TRICARE Select or TRICARE For Life status. * **Family Members:** Spouses and children (up to age 21, or 23 if a full-time student). * **Survivors:** Required to maintain eligibility for survivor benefits.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Updating DEERS](https://www.tricare.mil/deers) * **Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC):** [ID Card Office Online](https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance:** [West Region Information](https://www.triwest.com) * **Humana Military:** [East Region Information](https://www.humanamilitary.com)