Former Spouses

For unremarried former spouses, 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. reflects TRICARE eligibility using your own Social Security number, not your former sponsor’s.  

  • Healthcare information is filed under your name and SSN.
  • You’ll use your name and SSN to book appointments and to file claims.

Eligibility Scenarios

You may be eligible for TRICARE if you fit into one of the following scenarios. In both scenarios, your sponsor must have at least 20 years of creditable service toward determining retirement pay. You’ll need the following documents to establish your eligibility as an unremarried former spouse:   

Scenario 1: The “20-20-20” Rule

You’re eligible for TRICARE as your own sponsor under your own SSN as long as you meet the following criteria:

  • 20: Your sponsor has at least 20 years of creditable service towards determining retirement pay.
  • 20: You were married to the same sponsor/service member for at least 20 years.
  • 20: All 20 years of marriage overlap the 20 years of creditable (active or reserve) service that counted toward your sponsor’s retirement.

If the service personnel component determines that you meet the 20-20-20 eligibility criteria, you’ll be issued a new ID card with your own name and your SSN listed as the “sponsor Social Security number” the first time you renew your card after the divorce/annulment effective date.

Scenario 2: The “20-20-15” Rule

You’ll be listed under your SSN as long as you meet the following criteria:

  • 20: Your sponsor has at least 20 years of creditable service towards determining retirement pay.
  • 20: You were married to the same sponsor/service member for at least 20 years
  • 15: 15 of those years overlap the 20 years of creditable (active or reserve) service that counted toward your sponsor’s retirement.

If you fall into this scenario, your coverage is or was determined by the date your marriage ended.

Before April 1, 1985  You’re eligible for care received on or after Jan. 1, 1985, or the date of the divorce/annulment—whichever is later. Your eligibility continues as long as you meet eligibility requirements. (See “Losing Eligibility” below.) 
April 1, 1985–Sept. 28, 1988 You were eligible for care received from the date of the divorce/annulment until Dec. 31, 1988, or two years from the date of the decree—whichever was later.
On or after Sept. 29, 1988 You’re TRICARE-eligible for one year from the date of the divorce/annulment.

Losing Eligibility

You can lose your TRICARE eligibility under either scenario if you:

  • Remarry, even if the remarriage ends in death or divorce (unless you gain eligibility under your new spouse)
  • Purchase and are covered by an employer-sponsored health plan
  • Were the former spouse of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization or Partners for Peace nation member

You need to verify your eligibility as recorded in DEERS. Contact the appropriate service personnel component or the DMDC/DEERS Support Office at 800-538-9552 if you have eligibility questions or concerns.

Health Plan Options

When you qualify for TRICARE, you’re covered with the same benefits as a retired family member. You have the following health plan options, depending on your age and where you live:

  • TRICARE Prime (in Prime Service AreasGeographic areas in the U.S. where we offer TRICARE Prime. They ensure medical readiness of active duty by adding to the capability and capacity of military hospitals and clinics. Prime Service Areas were also built around the Base Realignment and Closure sites.)
  • US Family Health Plan (in specific U.S. locations)
  • TRICARE Select
  • TRICARE Select Overseas
  • TRICARE For Life (with Medicare Part A and Part B)

Last Updated 11/27/2024