Qualifying Life Event
QLE
Quick Definition
A significant change that allows you to enroll in or change TRICARE plans outside Open Season.
Key Takeaways
- Allows TRICARE plan changes outside the annual Open Season
- Must act within 90 days of the qualifying event
- Includes events like marriage, birth, PCS moves, and retirement
Full Definition
A Qualifying Life Event (QLE) is a significant change in your life circumstances that allows you to enroll in, change, or terminate your TRICARE plan outside of the annual Open Season enrollment period. QLEs provide flexibility for beneficiaries who experience major changes.
Common qualifying life events: • Marriage or divorce • Birth or adoption of a child • Loss of other health insurance • Retirement from active duty • PCS (Permanent Change of Station) move • Change in sponsor's military status • Aging out of dependent coverage • Death of a family member
Important rules: • You must make plan changes within 90 days of the qualifying event • Changes take effect based on the type of event • You must update DEERS to reflect the life event • Documentation may be required to verify the event
Not all life changes qualify. Routine events like job changes for a spouse or voluntary insurance cancellation may not trigger a QLE. Contact your regional contractor to verify eligibility for a plan change based on your specific situation.
Helpful Tips
- Update DEERS immediately when a qualifying life event occurs to avoid coverage gaps.
- Keep documentation of your life event readily available for verification purposes.
Related Questions
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 do I switch between TRICARE Prime and Select?
You can switch plans during the annual Open Season (Nov-Dec) or after a Qualifying Life Event like PCS, birth, or marriage.
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 the TRICARE Open Season?
The TRICARE Open Season is the annual enrollment period, typically mid-November through mid-December, when beneficiaries can enroll in, change, or disenroll from TRICARE plans.
How to change TRICARE plans?
You can change TRICARE plans during the annual Open Season (November-December) or within 90 days of a qualifying life event by contacting your regional contractor or using milConnect.
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 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 switch from TRICARE Prime to Select?
Switch from Prime to Select during the annual TRICARE Open Season (November-December) or within 90 days of a qualifying life event through milConnect or your regional contractor.
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 disenroll from TRICARE?
Disenroll from TRICARE during Open Season or following a qualifying life event by contacting your regional contractor, using milConnect, or visiting an ID card office.
Related Terms
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