Can my adult children get TRICARE coverage?

TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) extends coverage for adult dependents:

Eligibility Requirements • Age 21 to 26 (up to age 26) • Unmarried • Not eligible for employer-sponsored health coverage • Dependent of TRICARE-eligible sponsor • Registered in DEERS

Two Plan Options

TYA Prime • Managed care option • Primary care manager required • Lower out-of-pocket costs • Available in Prime Service Areas only • Monthly premium: Varies by sponsor status

TYA Select • Self-managed option • Freedom to choose providers • No referrals needed • Available worldwide • Monthly premium: Higher than Prime

2024 Monthly Premiums

Sponsor on Active Duty • TYA Prime: $287/month • TYA Select: $492/month

All Other Sponsors • TYA Prime: $430/month • TYA Select: $739/month

Coverage Includes • Doctor visits • Hospital care • Prescriptions • Preventive care • Mental health services • Emergency care • Lab work and imaging

Not Covered • Active duty dental • Orthodontia • Long-term care • Some experimental treatments

Enrollment Process • Cannot be automatic - must actively enroll • Purchase directly from contractor • Pay monthly premiums • Effective on first day of requested month

Important Deadlines • Must enroll before 26th birthday • Coverage ends on your 26th birthday • Can purchase up to 36 months total • No gap coverage - must maintain continuously

When TYA Makes Sense • Gap between school and employment • Self-employed or gig work • Employer doesn't offer benefits • Grad school without student health plan

When to Skip TYA • Employer offers coverage • Eligible for parent's civilian plan • Affordable Marketplace options available

Coverage Comparison • More expensive than regular dependent coverage • Similar benefits to standard TRICARE • Continues worldwide • No gap in coverage from TRICARE

Losing Eligibility • Marriage • Becoming eligible for employer coverage • Age 26 • Sponsor loses TRICARE eligibility

TYA provides valuable coverage during the transition to independent adulthood, though premiums are higher than standard family coverage.