Eligibility for TRICARE is determined by the uniformed services and reported to the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).  All eligible beneficiaries must have their eligibility status recorded in DEERS.

TRICARE beneficiaries can be divided into two main categories: sponsors and family members.  Sponsors are usually active duty service members, National Guard/Reserve members or retired service members.  When we say "sponsor," we are referring to the person who is serving or who has served on active duty or in the National Guard or Reserves.

Learn more about the specific requirements for each beneficiary category by clicking on the type of beneficiary in the left-hand navigation

For more information about TRICARE eligibility, contact your regional contractor, TRICARE Service Center or Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator (BCAC).