CHCBP: Continued Health Coverage Benefit Program Guide (2026)
*TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not an official government platform. For official policy and enrollment, visit TRICARE.mil.*
## Quick answer The Continued Health Coverage Benefit Program (CHCBP) is a premium-based transition plan that acts like "COBRA" for the military. It provides 18 to 36 months of temporary health coverage for service members and families who are losing TRICARE eligibility due to discharge, divorce, or aging out of dependent status.
Details
CHCBP is not technically a TRICARE plan, but it provides the same coverage as TRICARE Select. It is managed by **Humana Military**, regardless of which region you live in. Because it serves as a bridge to civilian insurance, it is expensive; unlike active-duty TRICARE, you must pay the full premium cost yourself.
### Eligibility and Timeline You must enroll in CHCBP within **60 days** of losing your TRICARE eligibility. Coverage is usually available for: * **Separating Service Members:** Up to 18 months of coverage for themselves and their families. * **Former Spouses:** Up to 36 months of coverage (if they have not remarried and meet specific requirements). * **Adult Children:** Up to 36 months if they lose eligibility (e.g., turning 21, or 23 if a full-time student).
### 2026 Costs and Premiums Because CHCBP is a premium-based program, costs are significantly higher than standard military health benefits. As of 2026, premiums are billed quarterly. * **Individual Coverage:** Varies by plan year — check TRICARE.mil or Humana Military for the current 2026 quarterly rate. * **Family Coverage:** Varies by plan year — check TRICARE.mil or Humana Military for the current 2026 quarterly rate.
*Note: In previous years, these quarterly premiums have exceeded $1,800 for individuals and $4,000 for families. You are also responsible for TRICARE Select deductibles and cost-shares.*
### How it Works 1. **Provider Network:** You can use any TRICARE-authorized provider, but you pay lower cost-shares if you use a network provider. 2. **Pharmacy:** You retain access to the TRICARE pharmacy benefit managed by **Express Scripts**, including retail pharmacies and home delivery. 3. **No MTF Access:** Generally, you cannot seek care at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) except in very limited emergency circumstances; your care will be provided by civilian doctors.
## Who this affects * **Separating Service Members:** Those leaving the military (honorably or under honorable conditions) who do not qualify for retirement. * **Former Spouses:** Those who were covered by TRICARE but have lost eligibility due to divorce. * **Adult Children:** Dependents who have aged out of TRICARE and TRICARE Young Adult. * **National Guard and Reservists:** Members separating from the Selected Reserve.
## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [https://www.tricare.mil/chcbp](https://www.tricare.mil/chcbp) * **Humana Military (Direct Contractor):** [https://www.humanamilitary.com/chcbp](https://www.humanamilitary.com/chcbp) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [https://health.mil](https://health.mil) * **Express Scripts (Pharmacy):** [https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/](https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/)