Marriage
Marriage is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) that allows you to add your new spouse to your TRICARE coverage. After getting married, you must register your spouse in DEERS within 30 days and enroll them in a TRICARE plan. Your spouse becomes eligible for the same TRICARE benefits as other dependents based on your service status (active duty, reserve, or retiree). If your spouse has employer-sponsored insurance, they can use TRICARE as secondary coverage. Dental coverage for spouses is available through the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) administered by United Concordia.
Timeline
Obtain certified marriage certificate
Register spouse in DEERS at nearest ID card office
Enroll spouse in TRICARE Prime or Select
Obtain military dependent ID card for spouse
Select a PCM for spouse (if enrolling in Prime)
Enroll spouse in TRICARE Dental Program if desired
Action Checklist
- Obtain certified copy of marriage certificate
- Visit nearest ID card office to register spouse in DEERS
- Bring required documents (marriage certificate, SSN, birth certificate)
- Enroll spouse in TRICARE Prime or Select
- Select a PCM for spouse if choosing Prime
- Apply for military dependent ID card
- Consider TRICARE Dental Program enrollment
- Update beneficiary information on SGLI and other benefits
- Review whether spouse's employer insurance coordinates with TRICARE
Plan Impact
Your spouse can enroll in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select based on your service status. Active duty sponsors' spouses have no enrollment fee for TRICARE Prime. If your spouse has civilian employer insurance, TRICARE can serve as secondary coverage. Your spouse can also enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program separately.
Cost Impact
For active duty sponsors, adding a spouse has no enrollment fee impact for TRICARE Prime. If currently on an individual plan, transitioning to a family plan may occur automatically. For retirees, moving from individual to family enrollment increases annual enrollment fees. Copayments and cost-shares depend on the plan selected and sponsor status.
Required Forms & Documents
- DD Form 1172-2 (Application for DEERS Enrollment)
- Certified marriage certificate
- Spouse's Social Security card
- Spouse's birth certificate or passport
- Sponsor's military ID
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