Sponsor

Active duty or retired service member whose service qualifies family for benefits.

A sponsor is the uniformed service member (active duty, retired, or deceased) whose military service establishes TRICARE eligibility for family members and other dependents. The sponsor's status, rank, and years of service determine which TRICARE plans and benefits are available to family members.

Sponsor categories: • Active Duty Sponsor: Currently serving full-time • Retired Sponsor: Retired from military service with 20+ years • Deceased Sponsor: Family members may maintain benefits as survivors • Reserve/Guard Sponsor: When activated or using Reserve Select

How sponsor status affects benefits: • Active Duty: Family members get priority benefits, lower costs • Retired Group A: Retired before 2018, lower costs • Retired Group B: Retired 2018 or later, higher costs • Rank: May affect some copay amounts

Sponsor responsibilities: • Register family members in DEERS • Update DEERS for life changes (marriage, birth, divorce) • Maintain valid ID cards for dependents • Choose family members' TRICARE plans (with input) • Ensure family understands their benefits

Important: Sponsor's death doesn't end family coverage—surviving family members retain TRICARE eligibility under specific rules. Divorce may affect eligibility unless specific time-in-service criteria are met (20/20/20 or 20/20/15 rules).

The sponsor is the connection between military service and family healthcare benefits, making it crucial to keep DEERS updated with current sponsor and family information.