Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System
DEERS
Quick Definition
Database of all individuals eligible for military benefits.
Video Explanation
Full Definition
The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) is a computerized database that contains information about all individuals who are entitled to TRICARE and other military benefits. DEERS enrollment is absolutely essential—you cannot use TRICARE benefits without being registered in DEERS.
What DEERS tracks: • Service member information and status • Family member relationships and demographics • Benefit eligibility periods • Coverage status and history • Contact information
Who must be in DEERS: • All service members (automatically enrolled) • All family members seeking benefits • Surviving family members • Former spouses with benefit eligibility
How to update DEERS: • Visit an ID card office (Rapids site) • Call 1-800-538-9552 • Update online through milConnect for some changes • Submit documentation for life events (marriage, birth, divorce)
Important: You must update DEERS within 90 days of qualifying life events to avoid gaps in coverage. Keep information current, especially addresses and contact details, to ensure uninterrupted benefits and communication.
Related Questions
Who is eligible for TRICARE?
Active duty members, retirees, National Guard/Reserve members, their families, survivors, and Medal of Honor recipients.
How do I enroll in TRICARE?
Ensure you're registered in DEERS, then choose your plan during open enrollment or within 90 days of a qualifying life event.
What is TRICARE For Life and who qualifies?
TRICARE For Life is Medicare wraparound coverage for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries age 65+ who have Medicare Parts A and B.
Does TRICARE cover my family members?
Yes, TRICARE covers eligible family members including spouses, children under 21 (or 23 if students), and children with disabilities.
Can my adult children get TRICARE coverage?
Yes, through TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) for qualified dependents ages 21-26 who are not eligible for employer health coverage.
What TRICARE options are available for Reserve and National Guard members?
Reserve and Guard members have TRICARE Reserve Select when not activated, and regular TRICARE when on active duty orders over 30 days.
How does TRICARE cover pregnancy and maternity care?
TRICARE covers comprehensive maternity care including prenatal visits, delivery, postpartum care, and newborn care at no or low cost.
Can I change my TRICARE plan and when?
You can change TRICARE plans during annual Open Enrollment (late fall) or within 90 days of a Qualifying Life Event.
How do TRICARE and Medicare work together?
TRICARE For Life works with Medicare for beneficiaries 65+ who have both Medicare Part A and B, with Medicare paying first and TRICARE second.
Do surviving family members keep TRICARE after a service member dies?
Yes, surviving family members retain TRICARE coverage indefinitely if the sponsor died on active duty or after retirement with 20+ years of service.
How do I register in DEERS?
Register in DEERS at any ID card office (RAPIDS site) with required documents including military ID, marriage certificate, or birth certificates.
How do I add my newborn to TRICARE?
Register your newborn in DEERS within 60 days of birth with the birth certificate and Social Security card to ensure continuous coverage.
Are stepchildren eligible for TRICARE?
Yes, stepchildren are eligible for TRICARE when married to the sponsor and registered in DEERS, regardless of adoption status.
What are TRICARE Qualifying Life Events?
Qualifying Life Events include PCS, marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, loss of coverage, and status changes that allow enrollment changes outside Open Season.
How does full-time student status affect TRICARE eligibility?
Full-time students can remain on TRICARE until age 23 instead of 21, provided they maintain full-time enrollment at an accredited institution.
What do I do if I lose my TRICARE ID card?
Request a new military ID card at the nearest RAPIDS/ID card office. You can still receive care by providing your SSN or verifying through DEERS.
How do I enroll my newborn in TRICARE?
Register your newborn in DEERS within 60 days of birth using the birth certificate. The baby is covered from birth once registered.
How do I transition TRICARE when returning from overseas?
Update DEERS with your new address, enroll in appropriate stateside TRICARE plan, transfer records, and establish care with new providers.
How do I transition to TRICARE as a retiree?
Update DEERS to retired status, choose Prime or Select, enroll with your regional contractor, and understand retiree costs.
When is TRICARE Open Season and how do I switch plans?
TRICARE Open Season runs from November 11 through December 9 each year. During this period, eligible beneficiaries can enroll in, change, or cancel their TRICARE health plan.
Do I need Medicare Part B with TRICARE?
Yes. If you are a TRICARE beneficiary turning 65, you must enroll in Medicare Part B to keep TRICARE For Life coverage. Late enrollment results in permanent premium penalties.
How does TRICARE work during a PCS move?
TRICARE coverage continues during a PCS move. You may need to change your PCM, update DEERS, and potentially switch regional contractors depending on your new location.
Does TRICARE cover college students?
TRICARE covers dependent children until age 21, or until age 23 if they are enrolled as full-time students at an approved college or university.
How do I use milConnect for TRICARE?
milConnect is a secure online portal where you can check TRICARE eligibility, enroll in plans, update DEERS information, and manage beneficiary records.
What happens to TRICARE after divorce?
Former spouses may keep TRICARE coverage under the 20/20/20 rule if the marriage lasted 20+ years overlapping with 20+ years of military service. Otherwise, coverage ends and CHCBP may be available.
What is MHS GENESIS and how do I use it?
MHS GENESIS is the Department of Defense electronic health record system and patient portal. It allows beneficiaries to view health records, schedule appointments, message providers, and manage prescriptions.
What is TRICARE For Life?
TRICARE For Life is Medicare-wraparound coverage for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries age 65 and older who have both Medicare Part A and Part B.
What is DEERS?
DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) is the database that verifies eligibility for military benefits including TRICARE healthcare coverage.
What is a qualifying life event for TRICARE?
A qualifying life event (QLE) is a significant change in circumstances that allows you to enroll in or change your TRICARE plan outside of the annual open enrollment season.
What is TRICARE Young Adult?
TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) is a premium-based health plan for adult dependents ages 21 to 26 who are no longer eligible for regular TRICARE dependent coverage.
How to add a dependent to TRICARE?
Register the new dependent in DEERS within 30 days of the qualifying event (marriage, birth, adoption) by visiting an ID card office with required documentation.
How to update DEERS?
Update DEERS online through milConnect, by visiting a RAPIDS ID card office, by calling the DEERS Support Office at 1-800-538-9552, or by mailing required documents.
How to get TRICARE overseas?
Contact International SOS, the overseas TRICARE contractor, to enroll in TRICARE Prime Overseas or TRICARE Select Overseas before or upon arriving at your overseas duty station.
How to enroll in TRICARE Prime?
Enroll in TRICARE Prime during Open Season or a qualifying life event by using milConnect online, calling your regional contractor, or visiting an ID card office.
How to check TRICARE eligibility?
Check your TRICARE eligibility by logging into milConnect to view your DEERS record, calling the DEERS Support Office, or visiting an ID card office.
How to use milConnect?
Access milConnect at milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil using DS Logon, CAC, or ID.me to manage DEERS, enroll in TRICARE plans, check claims, and update personal information.
How to get TRICARE for a newborn?
Register your newborn in DEERS within 30 days of birth by visiting an ID card office with the birth certificate and Social Security number. The baby is covered from birth.
How to get TRICARE after divorce?
Former spouses may retain TRICARE eligibility under the 20/20/20 rule (20 years marriage, 20 years service, 20 years overlap) or receive temporary coverage under the 20/20/15 rule.
Related Terms
Need more help?
Get instant answers about TRICARE terms and benefits from our AI Navigator
Ask the AI Navigator