How to Get a TRICARE Proof of Coverage Letter (2026 Guide)

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## Quick answer The fastest way to get a Proof of Coverage (POC) letter is to log into the **milConnect** website and use the **eCorrespondence** tool to download a personalized PDF. This document, often called a "Letter of Eligibility," serves as official verification that you or your family members are covered by a TRICARE health plan.

In detail

A Proof of Coverage letter is frequently required by employers to waive high-cost private insurance, by schools for student health requirements, or when applying for other state-level benefits.

### How to Download Your Letter (Step-by-Step) 1. **Visit milConnect:** Navigate to the [milConnect website](https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/). 2. **Sign In:** Use your Common Access Card (CAC), DFAS myPay credentials, or a DS Logon. 3. **Navigate to Correspondence:** Select the "Correspondence/Documentation" tab and click on **eCorrespondence**. 4. **Select Beneficiary:** If you are the sponsor, you can choose yourself or eligible family members from the dropdown menu. 5. **Generate PDF:** Click on the "Proof of Health Coverage" tab. You will be able to view, save, or print the letter immediately.

### Alternative Methods While milConnect is the standard, you can obtain coverage verification through other official channels if you lack internet access: * **TRICARE Regional Contractor:** You can call your regional contractor (**Humana Military** in the East or **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** in the West) to request a letter be mailed to you. Note that this may take 7–10 business days. * **DEERS Office:** You can visit a local RAPIDS ID card office. While they primarily handle ID cards, they can verify your DEERS status, which is the underlying database for all TRICARE coverage.

### What Information is Included? For the 2026 plan year, your Proof of Coverage letter typically includes: * Full legal name of the beneficiary. * The specific TRICARE plan name (e.g., TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TRICARE For Life). * The effective start date of the current coverage. * A list of covered family members (if generated by the sponsor).

### Important Note on Costs There is **no fee** to generate a Proof of Coverage letter. Whether you download it from milConnect or request it via your regional contractor, the service is free for all eligible beneficiaries.

## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Often need this when their spouse is applying for a job that offers health insurance. * **Retirees:** Needed when enrolling in Medicare Part B to prove they had "creditable coverage" through TRICARE to avoid late-enrollment penalties. * **National Guard and Reserve:** Required when transitioning between TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) and civilian employer plans. * **College Students:** Used to waive mandatory university health insurance fees, which can cost $2,000–$4,000 per year (2026 estimates).

Common scenarios

**The College Waiver** Sarah is a dependent student enrolled in TRICARE Prime. Her university charges a mandatory $2,500 annual health insurance fee. By downloading her Proof of Coverage letter from milConnect and uploading it to the university’s waiver portal, Sarah successfully removes the $2,500 charge from her tuition bill.

**The Job Transition** Mark, a retired Petty Officer, gets a new job in the private sector. His new employer requires proof that he has existing health insurance so he can "opt-out" of the company plan and receive a $100 monthly "insurance waiver" credit in his paycheck. Mark provides a POC letter for TRICARE For Life to secure the extra $1,200 annual income.

**The Medicare Enrollment** Jane is turning 65 in 2026. To avoid a lifetime late-enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B, she must prove she had continuous "creditable" health coverage. She uses a Proof of Coverage letter from milConnect to show Social Security her history of TRICARE coverage.

## Related terms * **DEERS:** The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System; the database that monitors your TRICARE eligibility. * **milConnect:** The web-based portal used by beneficiaries to manage benefits and records. * **DS Logon:** A secure identity credential used to access various DoD and VA websites. * **Creditable Coverage:** Health insurance that meets a minimum standard, often used to satisfy Medicare or employer requirements. * **Sponsor:** The service member (active duty, retired, or Guard/Reserve) through whom family members gain TRICARE eligibility.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil – Proof of Coverage:** https://www.tricare.mil/proofofcoverage * **milConnect Official Site:** https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/ * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** https://health.mil/