How do I get TRICARE coverage for my child?

 

It's a 2-step process:

Step 1.  The sponsor must register the child in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) within 90 days (120 if overseas) of birth or adoption. You need to provide documentation (for example, birth certificate, adoption documents) to DMDC/DEERS Support Office. Call DMDC/DEERS Support Office for information. 

• On active duty, DMDC automatically enrolls your child in a TRICARE plan once registered in DEERS. You have 90 days from the auto-enrollment date to change to a different plan. Note: If you live overseas, you also need command sponsorship for the child to enroll him or her in TRICARE Prime Overseas or TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas.

• A retiree, you have 90 days (120 if overseas) from the date of birth or adoption to enroll your child in a TRICARE plan. If you don't enroll your child, TRICARE won’t pay on any claims starting on day 91 (121 if overseas).


• Covered by TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) or TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR), you have 90 days (120 if overseas) from the date of birth or adoption to add your child to your TRS or TRR coverage. Your child doesn't have coverage until you enroll him or her.

To learn more, visit the Getting TRICARE for Your Child page. 

Having a baby or adopting a child is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Visit the QLE page to learn more.

Note: Family members of foreign forces members are not eligible for TRICARE overseas benefits.

 

Contact Information
DMDC/DEERS Support Office
800-538-9552