TRICARE Young Adult vs. ACA Marketplace Plans
When dependents age out of regular TRICARE at 21 (or 23 if a full-time student), they may qualify for TRICARE Young Adult until age 26. Alternatively, they can purchase an ACA marketplace plan. TYA offers two options: Prime and Select.
Eligibility
TRICARE Young Adult (TYA)
Unmarried adult children ages 21–26 (or 23–26 for former students) of eligible sponsors, not eligible for employer-sponsored coverage.
ACA Marketplace Plan
Anyone — available to all U.S. residents during open enrollment or qualifying life events.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) | ACA Marketplace Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Options | TYA Prime and TYA Select | Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum tiers |
| Network | TRICARE network | Plan-specific network |
| Prescription Coverage | Military pharmacy and retail | Retail and mail order |
| Subsidies Available | No | Yes — based on income |
Cost Comparison
| Cost | TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) | ACA Marketplace Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | ~$257 (Prime) / ~$228 (Select) | $200–$500 without subsidy; $0–$200 with subsidy |
| Deductible | $0 (Prime) / $150 (Select) | $0–$7,500 depending on tier |
| Primary Care Visit | $0 (Prime) / $28 (Select) | $20–$50 after deductible |
Pros & Cons
TRICARE Young Adult (TYA)
Pros
- Lower deductibles
- Military pharmacy access
- Familiar TRICARE benefits
- No subsidy cliff risk
Cons
- Higher premiums than subsidized marketplace
- No income-based subsidies
- Must have eligible sponsor
ACA Marketplace Plan
Pros
- Income-based subsidies can reduce cost to $0
- More plan choices
- Available regardless of military affiliation
Cons
- Higher deductibles
- No military pharmacy access
- Subsidy depends on income — may lose if income changes
Best For
TRICARE Young Adult (TYA)
Young adults who value low deductibles and military pharmacy access, especially those with incomes too high for marketplace subsidies.
ACA Marketplace Plan
Young adults with low income who qualify for significant premium subsidies, making marketplace plans cheaper than TYA.