New Baby or Adoption
When you welcome a new child through birth or adoption, you need to register the child in DEERS and enroll them in a TRICARE plan. Newborns are automatically covered under the mother's TRICARE plan for the first 60 days of life, but you must register the child in DEERS and select a TRICARE plan within that window to avoid a coverage gap. For adopted children, coverage begins on the date of the adoption or placement for adoption, provided you register the child in DEERS promptly. Maternity care under TRICARE covers prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and postpartum care with no cost-share for active duty family members using in-network providers.
Timeline
Obtain birth certificate or adoption decree
Register newborn/adopted child in DEERS at nearest ID card office
Enroll child in TRICARE plan (Prime or Select)
Select a Primary Care Manager (PCM) for the child if enrolling in TRICARE Prime
Schedule first well-baby visit
Obtain dependent military ID card for child (age 10+) or add to sponsor's record
Action Checklist
- Obtain birth certificate or adoption papers
- Register child in DEERS at the nearest ID card office
- Enroll child in TRICARE Prime or Select
- Select a pediatrician as the child's PCM (if Prime)
- Schedule first well-baby visit
- Set up pharmacy benefits for the child
- Update family enrollment if transitioning from individual to family plan
- Apply for TRICARE dental coverage for the child
- Review covered preventive care and immunization schedule
Plan Impact
Newborns are covered under the mother's TRICARE plan for 60 days from birth. After DEERS registration, the child can be enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select. Active duty families pay no enrollment fees for dependents. Retiree families may see enrollment fee adjustments when adding a dependent to a family plan. The child inherits the same plan type as the sponsor unless a different plan is selected.
Cost Impact
For active duty families, there are no enrollment fees and no cost-shares for maternity care with network providers. Well-child visits and immunizations are covered at no cost. For retiree families, the child is added to the family enrollment, which may increase family enrollment fees if transitioning from individual to family coverage. Standard copayments and cost-shares apply for retiree dependents.
Required Forms & Documents
- DD Form 1172-2 (Application for DEERS Enrollment)
- Birth certificate or adoption decree
- Sponsor's military ID
- Marriage certificate (if spouse is registering)
- Social Security Number for child (when available)
Are you getting full coverage?
Take our free 2-minute Healthcare Audit to find coverage gaps and potential savings personalized to your situation.
Start Free Audit