What Is CHCBP? 2026 Guide to Continued Health Care Coverage

## Quick answer The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) is a premium-based temporary health insurance plan that acts as a "bridge" for people losing TRICARE eligibility. It offers 18 to 36 months of coverage with benefits similar to TRICARE Select, allowing former service members and their families to maintain health coverage while transitioning to civilian life.

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or the official TRICARE program. Visit TRICARE.mil for official policy updates.*

Details

CHCBP is not technically a TRICARE program, but it is managed by the Department of Defense and administered by **Humana Military**. It is designed to provide a safety net for those who do not qualify for transitional benefits like TAMP (Transitional Assistance Management Program).

### Coverage and Benefits CHCBP covers the same services as TRICARE Select, including: * Inpatient and outpatient medical care * Mental health services * Prescription drug coverage through Express Scripts * Maternity care

### Costs for 2026 CHCBP requires quarterly premium payments. Because it is not subsidized by the government in the same way active-duty care is, the costs are significantly higher than standard TRICARE plans.

For the **2026 plan year**, the quarterly premiums are: * **Individual:** $1,853 per quarter (approximately $617/month) * **Family:** $4,173 per quarter (approximately $1,391/month)

*Note: These rates are updated annually by the Defense Health Agency. Always verify the most current quarterly rate at TRICARE.mil.*

### Eligibility Duration The length of time you can remain on CHCBP depends on your situation: * **Separated Service Members and Families:** Up to 18 months. * **Unremarried Former Spouses:** Up to 36 months (if they meet specific criteria). * **Adult Children:** Up to 36 months if they lose eligibility for TRICARE (e.g., aging out at 21 or 23, or losing TRICARE Young Adult coverage).

### How to Enroll You must enroll in CHCBP within **60 days** of losing TRICARE eligibility. Enrollment is handled exclusively through Humana Military, regardless of whether you lived in the East or West region while on active duty.

## Who this affects * **Service Members:** Those separating from active duty (honorably or under honorable conditions) who do not qualify for retirement or TAMP. * **Military Families:** Spouses and children who lose coverage due to the sponsor's separation. * **Former Spouses:** Unremarried former spouses who were covered by TRICARE on the day before the divorce. * **Adult Children:** Those who age out of standard TRICARE or TRICARE Young Adult. * **National Guard/Reserve:** Members who lose eligibility after deactivation and do not have TRICARE Reserve Select.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** CHCBP Overview - https://www.tricare.mil/chcbp * **Humana Military:** CHCBP Contractor Site - https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/plans-and-programs/chcbp * **Health.mil:** Defense Health Agency (DHA) Rate Sheets - https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Access-Cost-Quality-and-Safety/TRICARE-Health-Plan/Cost-Shares