TRICARE Young Adult Eligibility & 2026 Costs | TRICARE.com

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program. For official policy and enrollment, visit [TRICARE.mil](https://www.tricare.mil).*

## Quick answer TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) is an individual, premium-based plan available to unmarried adult children who have aged out of regular TRICARE coverage at age 21 (or 23 if a full-time student). It allows eligible dependents to maintain coverage until their 26th birthday, provided they are not eligible for an employer-sponsored health plan.

Details

### Eligibility Criteria To qualify for TRICARE Young Adult (TYA), you must meet all of the following requirements: * **Age:** Be at least 21 years old (or 23 if previously enrolled in a full-time course of study and aged out). * **Relationship:** Be the unmarried biological, adopted, or stepchild of an eligible TRICARE sponsor. * **Employment Status:** You must **not** be eligible to enroll in an employer-sponsored health plan based on your own employment. * **Military Status:** You cannot be a member of the Uniformed Services (Active Duty or Selected Reserve).

### TYA Plan Options (2026) There are two distinct versions of TRICARE Young Adult. Your choice depends on your preference for provider choice and how you wish to pay for care:

1. **TYA Prime:** * Works like TRICARE Prime. You have a Primary Care Manager (PCM) and need referrals for specialty care. * Availability is limited to "Prime Service Areas" (usually near military installations). * **2026 Monthly Premium:** $678 per month (estimated based on historical trends; check TRICARE.mil for final 2026 figures). * **Cost-sharing:** Minimal copays for network care after the premium is paid.

2. **TYA Select:** * Works like TRICARE Select. You can see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral. * Available worldwide. * **2026 Monthly Premium:** $337 per month (estimated; check TRICARE.mil for final 2026 figures). * **Cost-sharing:** Includes an annual deductible and cost-shares (percentages) for visits.

### How to Enroll Enrollment is not automatic upon turning 21. You must proactively apply and pay the first month's premium upfront. * **East Region:** Managed by Humana Military. * **West Region:** Managed by TriWest Healthcare Alliance. * **Pharmacy:** Both plans include the TRICARE Pharmacy Program managed by Express Scripts.

### The "Employer-Sponsored" Trap The biggest hurdle for TYA eligibility is the employer-sponsored health plan rule. If your job offers a health plan—even if it is expensive or has poor coverage—you are legally ineligible for TYA. You cannot choose TYA over your own employer's plan simply because TYA might be cheaper or better.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Family Members:** Adult children of active duty service members. * **Retiree Family Members:** Adult children of retired service members receiving pension. * **National Guard/Reserve Family Members:** Adult children of Selected Reserve members (TRICARE Reserve Select) or Retired Reserve members (TRICARE Retired Reserve). * **Survivors:** Unmarried children of deceased service members who meet the age requirements.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Young Adult Program Overview](https://www.tricare.mil/tya) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [TRICARE Young Adult Fact Sheet](https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Access-Cost-Quality/TRICARE/Plans/TYA) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance:** [West Region Beneficiary Services](https://www.triwest.com) * **Humana Military:** [East Region TYA Enrollment](https://www.humanamilitary.com)