TRICARE coverage terminates for most servicemembers at separation — not at retirement. Understanding your transition options is critical because healthcare coverage gaps can create significant financial risk and disqualify you from enrolling in TRICARE options later.
TRICARE for Retired Members
Veterans who serve 20 or more years of active duty and retire from active service (not reservists who achieve 20 years but have not reached age 60) are eligible for TRICARE as retirees for life. These members may choose from TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, or — at age 65 — TRICARE For Life, which works alongside Medicare.
TRICARE Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP)
For separating servicemembers who do not qualify for retirement benefits, TAMP provides 180 days of TRICARE coverage after separation. Per TRICARE.mil, TAMP is available to:
- Members involuntarily separated
- Members separated voluntarily who had been involuntary separated notified (early-out programs)
- National Guard and Reserve members separating after a period of active duty deployment
TAMP is not available to all separating servicemembers — only those in specific separation categories. Check with your installation's TRICARE representative before separation to determine your eligibility.
TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)
National Guard and Reserve members who are not on active duty orders and do not have employer-sponsored health coverage may purchase TRICARE Reserve Select — a premium-based plan for drilling reservists. Per TRICARE.mil, TRS premiums for 2026 are $57.88/month for an individual member and $286.66/month for a member plus family. These premiums are significantly lower than most civilian insurance options.
Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP)
For separating servicemembers and their families who need a bridge to civilian health insurance beyond TAMP (or who did not qualify for TAMP), the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) provides up to 18 months of continued TRICARE-like coverage after separation. CHCBP is purchased through Humana Military and is more expensive than TRICARE — comparable in cost to COBRA — but ensures continuity of care while transitioning to civilian employer coverage or marketplace insurance.
VA Healthcare Enrollment
Separate from TRICARE, veterans with qualifying service may enroll in VA healthcare. VA healthcare is not insurance — it is a healthcare system. Enrollment does not replace the need for comprehensive insurance, particularly for dependents (VA healthcare generally covers only the veteran, not family members). But VA healthcare provides cost-effective care for veterans' service-connected conditions and, depending on priority group, may be available at low or no cost for other conditions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- TRICARE terminates at separation for non-retirees — retirement (20+ years active duty) unlocks lifetime TRICARE benefits
- TAMP provides 180 days of post-separation TRICARE coverage — only for specific separation categories, not all veterans
- TRICARE Reserve Select is available to drilling Guard/Reserve members at $50.39/individual or $231.99/family monthly (2025)
- CHCBP (through Humana Military) provides up to 18 months of TRICARE-like bridge coverage after separation
- VA healthcare enrollment is separate from insurance — covers veterans, generally not family members