CHCBP: Continued Health Care Benefit Program Guide | TRICARE.com

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## Definition The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) is a premium-based transition health plan that acts like "COBRA" for the military, providing temporary medical coverage for 18 to 36 months after TRICARE eligibility ends.

## What it means in practice CHCBP is designed to bridge the gap between military service and a civilian career. When a service member separates from the military (voluntarily or involuntarily), they and their family members typically lose TRICARE eligibility. CHCBP allows these individuals to maintain a version of TRICARE Select coverage by paying the full premium cost themselves.

The program is managed by **Humana Military**, regardless of whether you live in the East or West region. To participate, you must enroll within 60 days of losing your TRICARE eligibility. While it provides the same coverage as TRICARE Select—including pharmacy benefits through Express Scripts—it is significantly more expensive because the Department of Defense no longer subsidizes the cost.

For the **2026 plan year**, CHCBP premiums are billed quarterly. While exact rates are adjusted annually by the Defense Health Agency, individual coverage typically costs over $1,800 per quarter, and family coverage exceeds $4,000 per quarter. These costs are a significant jump for families used to the low or zero-premium environment of TRICARE Prime.

Coverage limits vary by your situation: * **Service members and their families:** Up to 18 months of coverage. * **Unremarried former spouses:** Up to 36 months of coverage (under specific criteria). * **Adult children:** In certain cases, children who lose eligibility may qualify for up to 36 months.

## Related terms * **TRICARE Select:** The PPO-style plan that CHCBP mimics, allowing beneficiaries to see any authorized provider. * **TAMP (Transitional Assistance Management Program):** A premium-free 180-day extension of TRICARE health benefits for certain qualifying separating members. * **Qualifying Life Event (QLE):** A change in your life—such as separating from active duty—that opens a window to change or enroll in health plans. * **Humana Military:** The contractor that administers the CHCBP program nationally for the Defense Health Agency. * **Premium:** The fixed amount paid (quarterly for CHCBP) to keep the insurance plan active, regardless of whether services are used.

## Sources * TRICARE.mil: CHCBP Overview (https://www.tricare.mil/chcbp) * Humana Military: CHCBP Enrollment (https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/plans-enrollment/chcbp) * Defense Health Agency: Rates and Costs (https://www.tricare.mil/costs)