What is TAMP? Transitional Assistance Management Program | TRICARE.com

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## Definition The Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) provides 180 days of premium-free TRICARE health benefits to eligible service members and their families after they transition out of active duty service.

## What it means in practice TAMP acts as a bridge for military families during the vulnerable period between active duty and civilian employment. While most service members lose TRICARE coverage the day they separate, those who qualify for TAMP receive an additional six months of coverage at no cost. This is not a separate health plan; rather, it allows you to continue using TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select.

During the 180-day TAMP period, you are treated as an active duty family member for cost-sharing purposes. This means that under TRICARE Select (2026 rates), you generally have no deductible for TAMP-covered services and low copays for outpatient visits. If you live in a Prime Service Area, you may enroll in TRICARE Prime, which usually results in $0 out-of-pocket costs for authorized care.

Eligibility for TAMP is specific and generally applies to members who are: - Involuntarily separating under honorable conditions. - National Guard or Reserve members who served more than 30 consecutive days on active duty in support of a contingency operation. - Separating after a regular tour of duty in support of a contingency operation. - Separating due to a diagnosed medical condition that was incurred while on active duty.

The 180-day window begins the day after your official separation date. It is critical to ensure your information is updated in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) before separation, as your TAMP eligibility is determined by your military service branch, not by TRICARE or its contractors (Humana Military or TriWest). Once TAMP ends, you may be eligible to purchase temporary coverage through the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP).

## Related terms * **DEERS:** The database used by the DoD to track eligibility for TRICARE and other military benefits. * **CHCBP:** The Continued Health Care Benefit Program, a premium-based temporary health program available after TAMP expires. * **Qualifying Life Event (QLE):** A change in your life—such as separating from active duty—that allows you to change your TRICARE enrollment outside of the annual open season. * **TRICARE Select:** A self-insured, preferred provider organization (PPO) style plan available to TAMP beneficiaries. * **TRICARE Prime:** A managed care option (HMO-style) that TAMP beneficiaries can use if they reside in a designated Prime Service Area.

## Sources * TRICARE.mil: Transitional Assistance Management Program (https://www.tricare.mil/TAMP) * Defense Health Agency: Separation Fact Sheet (https://health.mil) * Humana Military: TAMP Overview (https://www.humanamilitary.com)