TRICARE and the Affordable Care Act

Minimum Essential CoverageBasic health care coverage that meets the Affordable Care Act requirement.

Minimum essential coverage is basic health care coverage that meets the Affordable Care Act requirement. You don’t need IRS Form 1095-B to file a tax return.

Health Insurance Marketplace

The Health Insurance Marketplace lets you find health coverage that fits your budget and meets your needs. With one application, you can see all your options and enroll.

Most TRICARE health plan options already meet the requirements for minimum essential coverage. If you qualify for the following plans, you must purchase them to have minimum essential coverage:

  • TRICARE Reserve Select
  • TRICARE Retired Reserve
  • TRICARE Young Adult

Remember to:

  • Check that you’re getting the most affordable coverage for you and your family that best meets your needs
  • Compare TRICARE’s purchased plan options with your employer’s health insurance or other civilian options offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Qualifying for Premium Assistance

Yes, You May Qualify for Assistance No, You Don't Qualify

If you’re eligible to purchase one of the plans below and you choose not to purchase one, then you may qualify for assistance to lower your monthly premium for plans purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace:

  • TRICARE Reserve Select
  • TRICARE Retired Reserve
  • TRICARE Young Adult (Prime and Select)
  • Continued Health Care Benefit Program

You should compare these plans with Health Insurance Marketplace plans to see what fits your budget and meets your needs.

If you’re enrolled in the following plans, then you don’t qualify for assistance to lower your premiums on plans purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace:

  • TRICARE Prime
  • TRICARE Prime Remote
  • TRICARE Prime Overseas
  • TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas
  • TRICARE Select
  • TRICARE Select Overseas
  • TRICARE For Life
  • TRICARE Reserve Select
  • TRICARE Retired Reserve
  • TRICARE Young Adult
  • TRICARE Young Adult Select
  • Continued Health Care Benefit Program
  • Transitional Assistance Management Program
  • US Family Health Plan

Keep DEERS Updated

You must keep your information updated in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System(DEERS) A database of information on uniformed services members (sponsors), U.S.-sponsored foreign military, DoD and uniformed services civilians, other personnel as directed by the DoD, and their family members. You need to register in DEERS to get TRICARE. (DEERS). Add the Social Security numbers (SSNs) for all family members. This is how DFAS will report your coverage to the IRS.

To add a family member's SSN in DEERS, you need to:

>>Find an ID Card Office

An Important Note About TRICARE Program Information

At the time of publication, this information is current. It is important to remember that TRICARE policies and benefits are governed by public law and federal regulations. Changes to TRICARE programs are continually made as public law and/or federal regulations are amended. Military hospital and clinic guidelines and policies may be different than those outlined in this publication. For the most recent information, contact your TRICARE regional contractor or local military hospital or clinic.

Last Updated 9/8/2023