How to get TRICARE during military transition?

TRICARE provides several options for healthcare coverage during and after military transition. The Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) provides 180 days of transitional TRICARE coverage for service members and their families who are separating from active duty due to involuntary separation, separation under the Special Separation Benefit (SSB) or Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) programs, retirement, or certain other qualifying circumstances. During TAMP, beneficiaries can use TRICARE Prime or Select with the same benefits as active duty family members. After TAMP expires, eligible individuals can purchase the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) for up to 18 additional months of coverage similar to TRICARE Select. CHCBP enrollment must occur within 60 days of losing TAMP eligibility. For those retiring with 20 or more years of service, the transition is to permanent TRICARE retiree coverage (Prime or Select with retiree enrollment fees and cost-shares). It is critical to plan your healthcare transition before separation, explore employer-sponsored health insurance options, consider Veterans Affairs healthcare eligibility, and ensure your DEERS record is updated with your new status and address.