What TRICARE benefits do I get if I'm medically retired?

Direct answer: You get TRICARE as a retired service member, and eligible family members qualify as retiree family members too — but you must enroll in a TRICARE plan within 90 days of retirement.

Applies to: All TRICARE plans · All regions

Details

Keep your DEERS information current, since eligibility problems usually trace back there. An important rule specific to medical retirees: if you become eligible for Medicare before age 65 for a disability or any other reason, you must enroll in Medicare Part B to keep TRICARE. Also note that a service disability rating below 30% generally means separation, not medical retirement — a distinction that affects your benefits significantly.

What to do next

Confirm this with your Primary Care Manager or regional contractor before scheduling — rules can vary by region and by service.