My Sponsor Died While Serving on Active Duty for More than 30 Consecutive Days

You're a transitional survivor for the first three years after your sponsor dies. This means:

• You have the same benefits as an active duty family member.
• Your health plan options and costs don't change.

You can use these plans:

• TRICARE Prime (if available)
• TRICARE Prime Remote
• TRICARE Select
• TRICARE Prime Overseas
• TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas
• TRICARE Select Overseas
• US Family Health Plan (in specific U.S. locations)
• TRICARE For Life (if you have Medicare Part A and B)

You can also use other active duty programs such as the Extended Care Health Option.

After Three Years

Coverage for Children

Your children's coverage won't change until they age out of TRICARE or lose eligibility for other reasons.

Coverage for Spouses

After three years, you'll have the same benefits as a retired family member.

• The change is automatic in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
• You'll get a letter from DEERS before your survivor status changes.

The status change causes changes in health care options and out-of-pocket costs.

• TRICARE Prime 
• TRICARE Select 
• TRICARE Select Overseas 
• US Family Health Plan (with enrollment fees and network copayments)
• TRICARE For Life (if you have Medicare Part A and B)

Dental Plans

You're eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) Survivor Benefit Plan. If you enroll, the government will pay 100 percent of your monthly premium.

• If you already have the TDP, you'll get moved to the TDP Survivor Benefit Plan.
• If you don't already have the TDP, you can enroll.
  • Surviving spouses can enroll during the three years following the sponsor's death.
  • Children can enroll until they lose eligibilty for TRICARE (i.e. age, marriage, etc.)