TRICARE Separation From Military Guide (2026) | TRICARE.com

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When you separate from active duty, your TRICARE Prime or Select coverage ends on your final day of service. Unless you are retiring or meet specific transition criteria, you and your family lose military health benefits at midnight on the day of your discharge. You must act within 90 days to secure temporary transitional coverage if eligible.

## What changes Upon separation, you are no longer considered an "Active Duty Service Member." Your status in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) changes to "Transitioning Service Member," which triggers a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Unless you are immediately eligible for the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) or the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP), your healthcare coverage expires immediately.

## What to do — checklist 1. **Verify DEERS information (Before Separation):** Ensure your address, email, and family status are current in [milConnect](https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/). This ensures you receive eligibility notifications for transition programs. 2. **Confirm TAMP Eligibility (30 days before/after):** Check your DD214 or ask your personnel office if you qualify for the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP), which provides 180 days of premium-free TRICARE coverage. 3. **Submit TAMP Enrollment (Within 90 days):** If TAMP eligible, you must proactively enroll your family members in TRICARE Prime or Select to maintain coverage during the 180-day window. Do this via **Humana Military (East)** or **TriWest (West)**. 4. **Apply for CHCBP (Within 60 days):** If not TAMP-eligible or if TAMP is ending, apply for the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) through Humana Military. This acts as "COBRA" for the military and provides 18–36 months of coverage for a premium. 5. **File for VA Healthcare (As soon as possible):** Apply for VA health benefits via VA.gov. Note that VA care is for the veteran only, not dependents. 6. **Shop for Marketplace Coverage (Within 60 days):** Losing TRICARE qualifies you for a special enrollment period on the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov). You have 60 days from your separation date to enroll to avoid a gap in coverage.

## Timeline * **30 Days Before Separation:** Final physical and dental exams; update DEERS contact info. * **Day 0 (Separation Date):** Active duty TRICARE coverage terminates at midnight. * **Day 1:** TAMP coverage begins (if eligible). If not TAMP eligible, you are technically uninsured unless you have enrolled in CHCBP or a private plan. * **Day 60:** Deadline to apply for CHCBP or enroll in a Marketplace/Employer plan via Special Enrollment. * **Day 90:** Final deadline to resolve TRICARE enrollment issues related to the separation QLE. * **Day 180:** TAMP coverage expires. You must transition to CHCBP, employer-sponsored insurance, or a Marketplace plan.

## Common pitfalls * **Assuming TAMP is automatic for everyone:** Thinking you get 180 days of free coverage regardless of discharge type. Only specific categories (involuntary separation, certain reserve recalls, etc.) qualify. If you separate voluntarily, you likely do not have TAMP. * **Missing the CHCBP window:** Attempting to buy the "COBRA" equivalent after 60 days. Once that window closes, you cannot get back into the TRICARE system unless you re-affiliate with the Guard or Reserve. * **Forgetting family pharmacy benefits:** Once TRICARE ends, prescriptions at military pharmacies are no longer free for family members. You must transfer prescriptions to **Express Scripts** or a retail pharmacy under your new plan. * **Wait-and-see on VA enrollment:** Assuming the VA is "health insurance" for the whole family. It is a healthcare system for the veteran; your spouse and children will have zero coverage through the VA unless you are 100% P&T disabled (CHAMPVA).

## Sources * TRICARE.mil Separation Guide: https://www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/Separating * TAMP Program Details: https://www.tricare.mil/TAMP * CHCBP Information (Humana Military): https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/plans-and-programs/chcbp * TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region): https://www.triwest.com/