Medical Retirement

Event

TRICARE Qualifying Life Event?

Medically Retiring 

Yes.

You have 90 days after your retirement date to enroll in a health plan.

If you're medically retired, you can get TRICARE benefits as a retired service member. You must be on the:

  • Temporary Disabled Retirement List or
  • Permanent Disability Retirement List

Also, your family members may be able to get TRICARE as a retiree family member. Keep your family's information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System updated.

If you have an injury or condition, your service will:

  • Evaluate your health problem
  • Determine if you're on the lists above
  • Rate your disability*

*This rating is different from your Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating.

If your service disability rating is less than 30%, you'll separate from active duty, not retire. Once you separate, you may apply for these temporary health plans:

Don't Lose Your TRICARE Benefits!

If you become eligible for Medicare under age 65 for a disability or any other reason, you must have Medicare Part B to keep TRICARE. >>Learn more about Medicare and TRICARE

Last Updated 4/30/2025