An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

There are emergency procedures in place in multiple states due to extreme weather. Learn More

Live in the West Region? There is now a referral approval waiver in place through March 31, 2025. Learn More. Also, you have until March 31 to set up  your payment info if you pay by EFT, credit card, or debit card. This is for TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TYA, TRS, and TRR plans. If you miss this deadline, you will be disenrolled back to Jan. 1. Visit www.tricare.mil/west today.

News | Sept. 20, 2022

How Divorce Impacts Your TRICARE Benefits

By TRICARE Communications

The divorce process can create intense emotions. You might feel frustrated or confused during this time. Thinking about your TRICARE benefits may be the last thought on your mind. However, it’s something you must consider.  
 
“TRICARE won’t pay for services or supplies provided to anyone who isn’t eligible for TRICARE, so it’s important you understand how your TRICARE coverage may change for you, your children, and your ex-spouse,” said  Shane Pham, TRICARE policy and program analyst at the Defense Health Agency. “If a former spouse or a stepchild who wasn’t adopted loses eligibility in a divorce and continues to get care, TRICARE can recoup those payments which adds an extra layer of difficulty during an already challenging time.”
 
Read through the following Q&A to learn more about how divorce affects your TRICARE health benefits.        
 
Q: How does divorce affect the sponsor?
A: Eligibility for TRICARE doesn’t change for the sponsor. Once your divorce is final, you must update your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). To update DEERS, take a certified copy of the divorce or annulment decree to your local ID card office.
 
Divorce or an annulment is a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event (QLE). As outlined in the TRICARE Qualifying Life Events Fact Sheet, a QLE is an important life change, such as moving, marriage, birth of a child, or retirement from active duty. With these changes, your TRICARE health plan options for you and your family may also change. Since divorce is a QLE, the sponsor and eligible children (biological or legally adopted) have 90 days after a divorce to make eligible enrollment changes.
 
Q: How does divorce affect the sponsor’s former spouse? 
A: If you’re a former spouse, you may remain eligible for TRICARE coverage if you meet certain criteria. These include the sponsor’s status, length of the marriage, and other factors as outlined under the 20-20-20 rule and the 20-20-15 rule. Each rule has three components, and you must meet all three for you to have access to the same benefits as your military spouse.
 
Under the 20-20-20 rule:
  • Your sponsor must have at least 20 years of creditable military service towards retirement pay.
  • You must have been married to the same service member for at least 20 years.
  • The marriage and the spouse’s military service must overlap for at least 20 years.
 
Under the 20-20-15 rule:                                                  
  • Your sponsor must have at least 20 years of creditable military service towards retirement pay.
  • You must have been married to the same service member for at least 20 years.
  • The marriage and the spouse’s military service must overlap for at least 15 years.
 
Q: What happens if a former spouse remarries?
A: If you remarry, you’ll lose eligibility for TRICARE. You’ll also lose TRICARE benefits if you enroll in an employer-sponsored health plan.
 
Q: How do eligible former spouses continue to get TRICARE benefits?
A: You’ll need the following documents to establish your eligibility as an unmarried former spouse:   
If you meet the eligibility requirements, DEERS will reflect your TRICARE eligibility using your own Social Security number or Department of Defense Benefits Number (not your former sponsor’s). When you qualify for TRICARE as a former spouse, you have the same benefits as a retired family member. Your TRICARE health plan options depend on where you live.
 
Q: What options are there for former spouses who don’t meet the eligibility requirements?
A: Your benefits will end at 12:01 a.m. on the day of the divorce. If the sponsor didn’t adopt his or her stepchildren, they’ll also lose eligibility once the divorce is final. Some options if you lose TRICARE eligibility include:
  • You can purchase Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) coverage. If you qualify for CHCBP, you must purchase coverage within 60 days of loss of TRICARE coverage. Certain former spouses who haven’t remarried before age 55 may qualify for an unlimited duration of coverage.
  • You can get coverage through your employer.
 
Have more questions about how TRICARE works after divorce? You can go to TRICARE’s Getting a Divorce or Annulment page. If you have TRICARE eligibility questions, be sure to reach out to the Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office.
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit the TRICARE Subscriptions page today, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
Dentist holds dental equipment.

The Dentist Is In... 10 TRICARE Dental Program T...

News
Mar. 19, 2025

Whether you’re new to the TRICARE Dental Program or a long term TDP beneficiary, it’s important to brush up on...
Read More
Woman in medical scrubs holds up model teeth.

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

News
Mar. 18, 2025

Have you ever felt intimidated by the dentist? Dental related stress is common. The stress of going to the...
Read More
Man signs papers.

Unlock Your Health: Here’s How TRICARE and Other...

News
Mar. 18, 2025

TRICARE may not be the only health coverage you have. If you have health insurance through an employer, a...
Read More
Doctor talking with a patient.

How To Find and Choose Your TRICARE Provider

News
Mar. 13, 2025

If you’re looking for a provider, it’s important to understand the different types of TRICARE providers you...
Read More
Military doctor conducts a vitals check.

Get Preventive Health Services With TRICARE

News
Mar. 11, 2025

Your health is about more than just sick visits and medications—it’s also about making choices that keep you...
Read More
Patient Safety Awareness DHA graphic.

Explore Patient Safety Measures at Military Hosp...

News
Mar. 06, 2025

Do you get health care at a military hospital or clinic? When you need care, patient safety should never be a...
Read More
Woman looks at papers.

Unlock Your Health by Understanding Your TRICARE...

News
Mar. 04, 2025

Your TRICARE explanation of benefits is an essential tool for understanding your health claims. An EOB is a...
Read More
Man gets his blood drawn.

Learn How TRICARE Covers Laboratory Services and...

News
Feb. 26, 2025

Laboratory services and diagnostic imaging are vital tools for maintaining your health. These tests can help...
Read More

March 19, 2025

The Dentist Is In... 10 TRICARE Dental Program Terms You Should Know

Whether you’re new to the TRICARE Dental Program or a long term TDP beneficiary, it’s important to brush up on essential terms relating to your dental coverage. Understanding your TDP plan can help you make the most of your benefits.

March 18, 2025

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

Have you ever felt intimidated by the dentist? Dental related stress is common. The stress of going to the dentist often leads people to feel hesitant. If you’re feeling unsure at the dentist, then you may not ask any questions or express your discomfort with a procedure. However, taking charge of your oral health isn't just about brushing and flossing daily; it's about actively participating in your dental care journey.

March 18, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Here’s How TRICARE and Other Health Insurance Work Together

TRICARE may not be the only health coverage you have. If you have health insurance through an employer, a spouse’s plan, or a private insurer, it’s considered other health insurance, which can affect how TRICARE processes your claim. TRICARE and OHI work together to help cover your health care and services.

March 13, 2025

How To Find and Choose Your TRICARE Provider

If you’re looking for a provider, it’s important to understand the different types of TRICARE providers you can see. The type of provider you see can determine how much you pay for care and the process for filing claims.

March 11, 2025

Get Preventive Health Services With TRICARE

Your health is about more than just sick visits and medications—it’s also about making choices that keep you feeling your best. Getting routine preventive care can help you stay well and catch problems early. With preventive health services, TRICARE has you covered.

March 6, 2025

Explore Patient Safety Measures at Military Hospitals and Clinics

Do you get health care at a military hospital or clinic? When you need care, patient safety should never be a concern. You deserve to know how well your military hospital or clinic protects you and your family from preventable harm.

March 4, 2025

Unlock Your Health by Understanding Your TRICARE Explanation of Benefits

Your TRICARE explanation of benefits is an essential tool for understanding your health claims. An EOB is a statement from your health plan that details what action TRICARE has taken on your claims. Take a moment to understand your EOB, what it means, and what may be required on your part.

Feb. 26, 2025

Learn How TRICARE Covers Laboratory Services and Diagnostic Imaging

Laboratory services and diagnostic imaging are vital tools for maintaining your health. These tests can help you and your provider catch potential issues early, before they become serious problems. TRICARE covers many of these services, including some as part of your preventive health care benefit.

Feb. 25, 2025

Retiring in 2025? Take Action To Keep Your TRICARE Coverage

If you’re getting ready to retire from active duty or the National Guard or Reserve, your goal is likely to make a smooth transition to civilian life. Part of this transition includes your health coverage, and TRICARE is here to help.

Feb. 24, 2025

Act Now! Payment Deadline Extended for West Region Beneficiaries

The Defense Health Agency has extended the payment deadline for West Region beneficiaries who pay for TRICARE coverage via bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card. You now have until Monday, March 31 to provide your payment information to TriWest.