Enrollment Steps
Register in DEERS
The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) is the first requirement. Your sponsor (service member) must register you as a dependent.
- Visit your nearest ID card office (RAPIDS site)
- Bring required documents: marriage certificate, birth certificates, Social Security cards
- Sponsor must be present or provide a DD Form 1172-2
- Update DEERS whenever your status changes (marriage, birth, divorce, retirement)
Choose Your Plan
Select the TRICARE plan that best fits your needs. Your options depend on your sponsor's status.
- Active Duty: Automatically enrolled in TRICARE Prime
- Active Duty Family Members: Choose Prime or Select
- Retirees under 65: Choose Prime or Select
- Retirees 65+: TRICARE For Life (with Medicare)
- Guard/Reserve: TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) or TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)
Enroll in Your Plan
Complete enrollment through one of the available methods.
- Online: milConnect (milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil) — fastest method
- Phone: Call your regional contractor (East: 1-800-444-5445 / West: 1-844-866-9378)
- Mail: Download and submit enrollment forms
- In person: Visit a TRICARE Service Center or Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator (BCAC)
Select Your Primary Care Manager (Prime Only)
If enrolling in TRICARE Prime, you'll choose a Primary Care Manager (PCM) who coordinates all your care.
- PCM can be at a military treatment facility (MTF) or civilian network provider
- Your PCM provides referrals for specialist care
- You can change your PCM at any time
- If you don't select one, a PCM will be assigned to you
Qualifying Life Events
You can enroll in or change your TRICARE plan within 90 days of a qualifying life event (QLE). These events allow enrollment outside of the annual Open Season:
Important: You must enroll within 90 days of the qualifying event. If you miss this window, you'll need to wait for the next Open Season (November - December).
Common Questions
When can I enroll in TRICARE?
Active duty members are automatically enrolled. Family members can enroll anytime within 90 days of a qualifying life event (QLE). Outside of a QLE, you can change plans during the annual TRICARE Open Season (typically November-December each year).
What is TRICARE Open Season?
Open Season is an annual enrollment period (usually November 11 - December 9) when you can enroll in or change your TRICARE plan without needing a qualifying life event. Changes take effect January 1.
How long does enrollment take?
Online enrollment through milConnect is usually processed within 1-3 business days. Phone and mail enrollment may take 1-2 weeks. Coverage begins the effective date shown on your enrollment confirmation.
Can I be enrolled in TRICARE and civilian insurance?
Yes. TRICARE can work alongside other health insurance (OHI). If you have both, TRICARE typically acts as the secondary payer. You should inform TRICARE about any other coverage through your regional contractor.
What if I miss the enrollment window?
If you miss the 90-day QLE window, you may need to wait until the next Open Season. However, you're not left without coverage — you may still have access to TRICARE Standard/Extra-level benefits depending on your eligibility category.