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 | March 25, 2021

I’m Getting Divorced. What Happens to My TRICARE Benefit?

By TRICARE Communications

If you’re getting divorced, the future may seem uncertain. One question in your mind may be whether you’ll still be eligible for TRICARE. The answer depends on your sponsor status, length of your marriage, and other factors. Read more so you and your loved ones understand your TRICARE health care options after divorce.
 
“After a divorce, the sponsor and both the sponsor’s biological and the sponsor’s adopted children remain eligible for TRICARE,” said Mark Ellis, chief of the Policy Programs Section of the TRICARE Health Plan at the Defense Health Agency. “The former spouse only remains eligible for TRICARE if he or she meets certain criteria, and any stepchildren of the sponsor which the sponsor did not adopt lose eligibility.”
 
I’m the sponsor. What do I do?
After the divorce is final, you must bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or annulment to a local ID card office. This way, information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility System (DEERS) can be updated.
 
Because getting divorced is a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event (QLE), you and your eligible children may make changes to your TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select health plans. You have 90 days after the divorce to do so, if you choose to do so. Check out the TRICARE Qualifying Life Events Fact Sheet to learn more about QLEs. And you can learn more about plan options with the TRICARE Plans Overview.
 
I’m the former spouse. How do I know if I remain eligible?
You remain eligible for TRICARE only if you meet certain criteria. Your sponsor’s military Service Component is responsible for determining your continuing eligibility. If you and your sponsor are separated or living apart, but not divorced, you keep TRICARE benefits. After a divorce, you may be eligible for TRICARE coverage if you fit into one of the following scenarios:
  • 20/20/20: Under the 20/20/20 rule, you keep TRICARE health care benefits for as long as you remain eligible if:
    • You were married to the service member for at least 20 years,
    • The service member served in the armed forces for at least 20 years, and
    • The marriage and the period of service overlapped for at least 20 years.
  • 20/20/15: Under the 20/20/15 rule, you keep TRICARE health care benefits for one year if:
    • You were married to the service member for at least 20 years,
    • The service member served in the armed forces for at least 20 years, and
    • The marriage and the period of service overlapped for at least 15 years.
 
If you don’t meet these criteria, you stay eligible up until the day the divorce is final. If the sponsor didn’t adopt his or her stepchildren, they also lose eligibility once the divorce is final.
 
I’m a former spouse who is still eligible based on criteria above. What do I do next?
To establish eligibility, bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, and proof of service (DD Form 214 or Statement of Service from the applicable Service Personnel Component) to your local ID card office.
 
“If you meet the former spouse requirements, you’ll be listed in DEERS under your own Social Security number or Department of Defense Benefits Number, not your sponsor’s,” said Ellis.
 
When you qualify for TRICARE as a former spouse, you have the same benefits as a retired family member, and your health plan options depend on where you live. Keep in mind, you’ll lose TRICARE benefits if you remarry or enroll in an employer-sponsored health plan.  

I’m the former spouse and don’t qualify to keep TRICARE. What are my options?
If you don’t meet the requirements, you stay eligible up until the day the divorce is final. After that, you still have health care options. You may:
  • Purchase temporary transitional coverage through the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP). You must apply for CHCBP within 60 days from the date of the divorce. CHCBP coverage isn’t available to you if your sponsor served in NATO or Partners for Peace. Certain former spouses who haven’t remarried before age 55 may qualify for an unlimited duration of coverage.
  • Search the Health Insurance Marketplace to find a civilian health plan or check eligibility for Medicaid in your state.
  • Get coverage through your employer, school, or university.
 
Continuing Eligibility for Children
The sponsor’s biological and adopted children remain eligible for TRICARE after divorce. However, the sponsor’s children will lose eligibility when they turn age 21 (or 23 if in college), marry, or serve on active duty. Once no longer eligible due to age, children up to the age of 26 may qualify to purchase TRICARE Young Adult. If the sponsor didn’t adopt his or her stepchildren, they lose eligibility once the divorce is final. In that case, you may want to explore other health care coverage options available through an employer or the Health Insurance Marketplace.
 
Going through a divorce is hard. But you have health plan options for the road ahead. Learn more about TRICARE coverage after divorce.
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.