Going to College
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Event: |
Qualifying Life Event? |
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Going to College |
Sometimes. If your child moves for college, you have 90 days to change your TRICARE health plan. See Moving for details.
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While enrolled in college, children may be eligible for regular TRICARE benefits until their 23rd birthday or graduation, whichever comes first.
- Your child's "student status" must be reflected in 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..
- You need a letter from the school's registrar's office stating that your child is enrolled full time in an accredited college in pursuit of an Associate's Degree or higher.
- You (the sponsor) must show that you're providing more than half of their financial support.
- This information must be provided at an ID card issuing facility.
- Visit milConnect for more information.
Attending a Service Academy? Learn more.
Health Plan Options
Health plan options depend on where the school is and your sponsor's military status. Here are some questions to help you decide.
1. Where's the school located?
TRICARE Prime is available 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.. You can check your eligibility or call your regional contractor to see if the school is in a PSA.
- If so, your child may enroll in TRICARE Prime.*
- If not, your child can use TRICARE Select.
*The US Family Health Plan is another Prime plan available in designated USFHP areas.
2. Is your child enrolled in TRICARE Prime now?
You should consider your child's options when they go to college, especially if the college is outside of your home PSA:
- Your child's primary care manager provides most of their routine care. If far from home, it may not be easy to do.
- Talk to your child's PCM to see if they're willing to give you referrals for your child if they need care at school.
- Your PCM isn't required to do so, but they may work with you so your child can stay enrolled at home.
- If your PCM won't give you referrals for care needed at school, your child can still stay enrolled, but will be charged point-of-services fees for any care received without a referral.
3. How will your child get to the doctor?
If your child enrolls in TRICARE Prime, they’ll have an assigned PCM. They must make appointments with the PCM or have a referral from the PCM. If not, they'll be charged POS fees.
If it's not convenient to have an assigned PCM, you should consider TRICARE Select. Your child can visit any TRICARE-authorized providerAn authorized provider is any individual, institution/organization, or supplier that is licensed by a state, accredited by national organization, or meets other standards of the medical community, and is certified to provide benefits under TRICARE. There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: Network and Non-Network. DS while at school and have more flexibility when home during school breaks.
4. How much will we pay out of pocket?
TRICARE Prime has the fewest out-of-pocket costs, unless you use the POS option.
With TRICARE Select, you'll save money by visiting a network provider. You'll pay annual deductibles and cost-shares. Most providers will bill TRICARE Select, but you may need to pay the provider up front for care and file a claim with TRICARE for reimbursement.
5. Will your child have a student health plan?
- Some colleges and universities offer a student health plan.
- Student health plans are other health insurance. TRICARE always pays second after OHI.
Learn more about other TRICARE QLEs
Last Updated 4/14/2025