Beneficiary

Person eligible to receive TRICARE benefits.

A TRICARE beneficiary is any person who is eligible to receive healthcare benefits through the TRICARE program. Beneficiary status is determined by relationship to a military service member and registration in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

Beneficiary categories include: • Active duty service members • Active duty family members • Retired service members • Retired family members • National Guard and Reserve members (when activated) • Survivors of deceased service members • Medal of Honor recipients and families • Certain former spouses

Each beneficiary category has different plan options, costs, and coverage levels. All beneficiaries must be registered in DEERS to access TRICARE benefits. Beneficiary status can change based on life events such as marriage, divorce, aging out of dependent coverage, or changes in military status.