Remarriage
Remarriage affects TRICARE eligibility differently depending on your status. For former spouses who retained TRICARE eligibility under the 20/20/20 rule, remarriage before age 55 terminates TRICARE eligibility (though eligibility is restored if the subsequent marriage ends). Surviving spouses who remarry before age 55 also lose TRICARE eligibility, but those who remarry after age 55 retain coverage. When an active duty member or retiree remarries, the new spouse can be added to TRICARE after updating DEERS. Children from previous marriages may retain TRICARE eligibility depending on the sponsor relationship.
Timeline
Obtain certified marriage certificate
Update DEERS with new marriage information
Add new spouse to TRICARE plan
Former spouse/surviving spouse eligibility reviewed
Update beneficiary information for SGLI and SBP
Review stepchild eligibility and enrollment
Action Checklist
- Obtain certified marriage certificate
- Update DEERS with new marriage within 30 days
- Enroll new spouse in TRICARE Prime or Select
- Obtain military dependent ID card for new spouse
- Review impact on any former spouse TRICARE eligibility
- Update SGLI and SBP beneficiary designations
- Review stepchild TRICARE eligibility
- Coordinate with ex-spouse on children's TRICARE coverage if applicable
- Consider dental program enrollment for new spouse
Plan Impact
New spouses become eligible for TRICARE based on the sponsor's status. Former 20/20/20 spouses who remarry before 55 lose TRICARE. Surviving spouses who remarry before 55 lose TRICARE (restored if subsequent marriage ends by death or divorce). Surviving spouses remarrying after 55 keep TRICARE. Stepchildren may become TRICARE-eligible if adopted or if the sponsor has legal custody.
Cost Impact
Adding a new spouse transitions individual enrollment to family enrollment, which may change enrollment fees for retirees. Active duty sponsors have no enrollment fee change. Former spouses losing TRICARE must obtain civilian coverage (ACA marketplace, employer plan). Cost impact depends on the sponsor's current plan and status.
Required Forms & Documents
- DD Form 1172-2 (DEERS update with new marriage)
- Certified marriage certificate
- New spouse's identification documents (SSN, birth certificate)
- Stepchild birth certificates (if enrolling stepchildren)
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