Active Duty Family Member

Eligible family members of active duty service members.

Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs) are eligible dependents of active duty service members who qualify for TRICARE benefits. This includes spouses, children, and certain other family members registered in DEERS.

Eligible family members include: • Legal spouses • Unmarried children under age 21 • Unmarried children ages 21-23 if enrolled full-time in college • Children with disabilities (regardless of age, if disability occurred before age 21) • Stepchildren who live with the sponsor

ADFMs receive priority TRICARE benefits with minimal cost-sharing. They can choose between TRICARE Prime (no enrollment fee, minimal copays) or TRICARE Select (with enrollment fees for some families). Unlike retiree family members, ADFMs have access to the most affordable TRICARE options.