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TRICARE Separation From Service Guide: 2026 Costs & Plans

Learn how to navigate the end of TRICARE coverage after separating from the military, including TAMP eligibility, CHCBP costs for 2026, and Reserve options.

TRICARE Separation From Service Guide: 2026 Costs & Plans

*Disclaimer: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or the official TRICARE program. For official policy and enrollment, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer When you separate from active duty, your TRICARE Prime coverage ends at midnight on your final day of service. To avoid a gap in coverage, you must choose between transitional programs like TAMP (180 days of premium-free care) or CHCBP (a premium-based plan), or enroll in a civilian employer plan immediately.

In detail

Separating from the military is a **Qualifying Life Event (QLE)**. Unlike retiring, where you remain eligible for lifetime TRICARE benefits, separating (non-retirement) usually marks the end of your permanent TRICARE eligibility. You have 90 days from your separation date to make a change to your health coverage.

### 1. Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) TAMP provides 180 days of premium-free health care benefits after separation. You do not "earn" TAMP simply by serving; you must meet specific criteria, such as: * Involuntary separation under honorable conditions. * Separation from active duty after a contingency operation of more than 30 days. * Separation following an agreement to stay on active duty for less than one year in support of a contingency operation.

Under TAMP, you are eligible for TRICARE Select or TRICARE Prime (if living in a Prime Service Area). While there are no premiums, you are responsible for cost-shares and deductibles based on your sponsor's status.

### 2. Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) If you do not qualify for TAMP, or your TAMP period has ended, you can purchase CHCBP. This is a premium-based plan that acts as a "bridge" between military and civilian insurance. * **Duration:** Typically up to 18-36 months. * **Administrator:** Humana Military manages CHCBP nationwide. * **2026 Rates:** For the 2026 plan year, premiums are approximately $1,930 per quarter for individuals and $4,220 per quarter for families (verify exact cents with Humana Military as rates adjust annually). * **Enrollment:** You must apply within 60 days of losing TRICARE or TAMP eligibility.

### 3. Transitioning to the Reserves If you separate from active duty but immediately join the Selected Reserve, you become eligible for **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)**. This is a premium-based plan that offers significantly lower rates than CHCBP. * **2026 TRS Monthly Premiums:** Varies by plan year—check TRICARE.mil for current 2026 rates (2025 rates were $51.95/individual and $257.73/family).

### 4. Filing for VA Disability Separating members should apply for VA healthcare. While the VA is not "health insurance" for family members, it provides care for the veteran, particularly for service-connected disabilities.

## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Service Members:** Coverage ends on the date of discharge. * **Active Duty Family Members:** Coverage ends simultaneously with the sponsor. * **National Guard/Reserve:** Members finishing a period of active duty service of more than 30 days. * **Expectant Mothers:** Special provisions may apply for those pregnant at the time of separation; TAMP or CHCBP is highly recommended to ensure continuity of care.

Common scenarios

**Scenario A: Involuntary Separation** Sgt. Miller is involuntarily separated due to force downsizing in 2026. He qualifies for TAMP. For 180 days, he and his family pay $0 in premiums and use TRICARE Select. After 180 days, he transitions to his new employer’s health plan.

**Scenario B: Voluntary Separation (No TAMP)** Capt. Smith separates voluntarily after five years of service to go to grad school. She does not qualify for TAMP. She enrolls in CHCBP to cover the gap before her university insurance starts. She pays the 2026 individual premium of approximately $1,930 for the first quarter of coverage.

**Scenario C: Joining the Reserves** Cpl. Jones leaves active duty and joins a drilling Reserve unit. He skips CHCBP and enrolls directly in TRICARE Reserve Select. He pays roughly $52 a month (2025/2026 baseline) for individual coverage, which is significantly cheaper than any COBRA or CHCBP option.

## Related terms * **Qualifying Life Event (QLE):** A certain change in your life, such as separation from service, that allows you to enroll in or change your health plan outside of Open Season. * **TAMP:** Transitional Assistance Management Program; 180 days of free transitional coverage. * **CHCBP:** Continued Health Care Benefit Program; a premium-based "COBRA-like" plan for those leaving the military. * **Primary Care Manager (PCM):** The provider assigned to coordinate your care if you use TRICARE Prime during your TAMP period. * **Deers:** Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System; the database you must update immediately upon separation.

## Sources * TRICARE.mil Separation Guide: https://www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/Separating * TAMP Eligibility: https://www.tricare.mil/tamp * Humana Military (CHCBP Provider): https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/plans-and-programs/chcbp * TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region): https://www.triwest.com/