Independent guide
TRICARE and CHAMPVA are different programs
TRICARE is the uniformed services program. CHAMPVA is a Department of Veterans Affairs program.
Last reviewed October 2, 2026 · Confirm time-sensitive details with the official program.
Official decisions come from TRICARE. This guide helps organize public information; verify eligibility, coverage, deadlines, costs, and contacts at TRICARE.mil.
Do not treat these as one benefit
TRICARE covers eligible uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. CHAMPVA is a Department of Veterans Affairs program for certain spouses and children of veterans. A page that mixes the two will send you to the wrong office.
Use the official eligibility page for the program you think you have. If a family has people in both programs, each person’s card and payer are still separate.