Frequently Asked Questions

I’m retiring in a couple of months from active duty. What do I need to do to make sure I have TRICARE coverage when I retire?

You and your family must enroll in TRICARE Prime* (if available), TRICARE Select*, or TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) Select*; within 12 months of your retirement. As long as you enroll within 12 months of your retirement, your coverage starts the first day of retirement. You must pay all enrollment fees back to the date you retired.

If you don’t enroll within 12 months of your retirement, you and your family won’t have TRICARE coverage starting on the first day of retirement. You will only have access to military hospitals or clinics (Direct CareIt's care you get at military hospitals and clinics. To learn more visit the Military Hospitals and Clinics page. Some individuals may get direct care only when space is available. Only) if space is available. You may still use military pharmacies. You won’t be able to enroll in a plan until the next TRICARE Open Season or a new Qualifying Life Event.

Note: If you have Medicare, you must buy Medicare Part B at least 2 months before your retirement date. Medicare Part B must be in effect on the first day of the retirement date or you will be Direct Care Only until your Part B goes into effect. You may transition to TRICARE For Life or may enroll in TRICARE Prime (if available and not entitled to Medicare based on age).

To learn more, visit the Retiring page.

*TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, and TOP Select enrollment fees apply. TOP Prime isn't available to retirees.