How to get TRICARE after divorce?

TRICARE eligibility after divorce depends on the length of the marriage, the sponsor's military service, and the overlap between the two. Under the 20/20/20 rule, a former spouse retains full TRICARE eligibility (as if still married to the sponsor) if the marriage lasted at least 20 years, the sponsor served at least 20 years of creditable service, and at least 20 years of the marriage overlapped with the military service. These former spouses can enroll in TRICARE Prime or Select and maintain benefits indefinitely, unless they remarry before age 55. Under the 20/20/15 rule, if the overlap is only 15-19 years, the former spouse receives one year of transitional TRICARE coverage after the divorce. For former spouses who do not meet either rule, the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) provides up to 36 months of premium-based coverage similar to TRICARE Select, which must be enrolled in within 60 days of losing eligibility. It is essential to update DEERS immediately after the divorce is finalized and to explore all healthcare options including employer coverage, marketplace plans, and Medicaid. Children of the marriage typically retain TRICARE eligibility regardless of which parent has custody.