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.

News | June 28, 2023

Explore How TRICARE Covers Young Adults

By TRICARE Communications

Is your child a recent high school or college graduate? You might be wondering how this affects their TRICARE eligibility.
 
“Young adult family members’ TRICARE options depend on their age, student status, and a few other factors,” said Debra Fisher, TRICARE Health Plan policy and programs analyst at the Defense Health Agency. “It’s important to know what these options are so that you and your child can choose the health coverage that best fits their needs.”
 
Learn how young adult family members can use TRICARE.
 
Coverage Before Age 21 and During College
Adult children are eligible to continue in their existing TRICARE coverage until at least age 21. College students may be eligible to stay in their existing TRICARE plan until they graduate or turn age 23—whichever is sooner. They must be a full-time student at an approved institution of higher learning, and their sponsor must provide more than 50% of their financial support. Be sure to update their student status in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). If you have questions about your child’s eligibility, contact your local ID card office.
 
Moving away for college is a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event. This means the college student and other family members may be eligible to change TRICARE health plans within 90 days of the move. Don’t forget to update your student’s address in DEERS. If they’re eligible for TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select, some things to consider when choosing a plan are how far they are from home, their health needs, and costs. Visit Going to College to learn more.
 
TRICARE Young Adult Program
Most young adult children lose eligibility for regular TRICARE when they age out or graduate from college. However, they may qualify for TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) if they meet all of these criteria:
  • Unmarried adult child of an eligible uniformed service sponsor
  • At least age 21 (age 23 if a full-time student) but not yet age 26
  • Ineligible to enroll in their own employer-sponsored health plan 
  • Ineligible for other TRICARE program coverage
  • Not a member of the uniformed services
 
TYA coverage includes medical and pharmacy benefits, but it doesn’t include dental or vision benefits. How your child gets care with TYA depends on whether they enroll in TYA Prime or TYA Select. As outlined in the TRICARE Young Adult Program Fact Sheet, eligibility for these options is based on sponsor status and where the child lives. TYA has a monthly premium. Additional costs are based on whether they enroll in TYA Prime or TYA Select, their sponsor’s status, and where they receive care. To learn more about these costs, check out the TRICARE Compare Costs Tool.
 
Unlike with TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select plans, TRICARE Open Season doesn’t apply to TYA. Once children show as eligible for TYA in DEERS, they can purchase TYA coverage anytime. They can also end TYA coverage at any time. Certain changes in status, like turning age 26 or getting married, will also cause their TYA coverage to end.
 
Continued Health Care Benefit Program
Young adults may be eligible for temporary health coverage through the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) in either of these situations:
  • They lose eligibility for regular TRICARE and they don’t qualify for TYA
  • They lose eligibility for TYA
 
Adult children who choose to purchase CHCBP must do so within 60 days of losing TRICARE or TYA eligibility. CHCBP is a premium-based plan, with coverage and other costs similar to those of TRICARE Select. Check out the TRICARE Compare Costs Tool to learn more.
 
Other Coverage Options
Even if eligible for TYA or CHCBP, young adult children may have other health care coverage options. Search the Health Insurance Marketplace to find options that are in your family’s budget and meet your child’s needs. Your child may qualify for financial assistance for commercial health plans available through the Health Insurance Marketplace. They may also qualify for Medicaid coverage, depending on their status and the state they live in.
 
So before choosing a health plan, be sure to research all your options. If you’re a parent, involve your child in deciding which plan is right for them. If you have questions about your TRICARE plan options, talk to your TRICARE contractor.
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
Woman in white lab coat speaks on a laptop.

Unlock Your Health by Getting Virtual Health Car...

News
Jul. 17, 2025

Did you know that TRICARE beneficiaries can receive a variety of health care services via virtual health?...
Read More
Woman, baby, and service member smile and pose together

New to TRICARE? Here’s How To Get Started With Y...

News
Jul. 15, 2025

Have you recently enlisted in or received a commission to a uniformed service? Or, have you just married a...
Read More
Four young children stand in a huddle, laughing and holding a soccer ball. Text reads: Stay in the Game - Stop Measles Before It Starts! Defense Health Agency and Unlock Your Health text.

Measles Cases on the Rise in the U.S.: Recognize...

News
Jul. 11, 2025

You may have heard about the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S. Measles is a highly contagious illness that...
Read More
Service member smiles next to a woman in a black shirt

Moving Overseas? TRICARE Has You Covered

News
Jul. 10, 2025

If you live outside the U.S., you can get high-quality health care through several TRICARE overseas health...
Read More
Mother holds newborn baby

Q&A: Getting TRICARE for Your Newborn Baby

News
Jul. 08, 2025

Welcoming a new baby to your family is an exciting milestone. Your baby’s health is probably one of your top...
Read More
Doctor checks a patient's vitals

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different ...

News
Jul. 01, 2025

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident...
Read More
Older man and woman smile at each other

Unlock Your Health as You Approach Medicare Elig...

News
Jun. 26, 2025

Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible...
Read More
Uniformed service member holds thermometer in a patient's mouth.

4 Ways You Can Use Your TRICARE Benefits and Sta...

News
Jun. 24, 2025

What’s on your to-do list this summer? Maybe you’re planning to spend time at the pool, go to a barbecue, or...
Read More

July 17, 2025

Unlock Your Health by Getting Virtual Health Care at Home With TRICARE

Did you know that TRICARE beneficiaries can receive a variety of health care services via virtual health? These services take place through secure video calls, phone appointments, and other technology platforms. TRICARE virtual health coverage includes primary care, urgent care, mental health, and specialty services.

July 15, 2025

New to TRICARE? Here’s How To Get Started With Your Benefit

Have you recently enlisted in or received a commission to a uniformed service? Or, have you just married a uniformed service member? If you’re new to TRICARE, you may have some questions about how to enroll in a plan, get care, and learn more about your coverage.

July 11, 2025

Measles Cases on the Rise in the U.S.: Recognize the Symptoms and Protect Your Family

You may have heard about the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S. Measles is a highly contagious illness that can cause serious complications. Anyone who isn’t protected against measles can get the illness—and children are especially at risk of getting seriously sick.

July 10, 2025

Moving Overseas? TRICARE Has You Covered

If you live outside the U.S., you can get high-quality health care through several TRICARE overseas health plans. These plans serve active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, and family members living overseas.

July 8, 2025

Q&A: Getting TRICARE for Your Newborn Baby

Welcoming a new baby to your family is an exciting milestone. Your baby’s health is probably one of your top priorities, so you may be wondering how to get TRICARE coverage for your child. Your child’s date of birth and their sponsor’s status affect what you should do next.

July 1, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different Types of Care

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident or an illness, TRICARE covers a range of health care services—but the type of care you need determines where you should go.

June 26, 2025

Unlock Your Health as You Approach Medicare Eligibility

Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible. Medicare Part A and Part B are required to remain eligible for TRICARE, with limited exceptions. Knowing how and when to sign up for Medicare will help you avoid gaps in coverage and late enrollment penalties.

June 24, 2025

4 Ways You Can Use Your TRICARE Benefits and Stay Healthy This Summer

What’s on your to-do list this summer? Maybe you’re planning to spend time at the pool, go to a barbecue, or take a vacation. But don’t take a vacation from your health this summer. Here are four suggested ways you can use your TRICARE benefits this summer.

June 17, 2025

Getting Care While You Travel: A TRICARE Guide for the U.S. and Overseas

Do you have an upcoming trip? TRICARE covers you whether you travel across the country or around the world. Whether you’re heading out for business or taking a family vacation, understanding your coverage options helps you stay prepared for any health issues that might arise.

June 16, 2025

A Quick Guide to Understanding Your TRICARE Dental Program Dental Explanation of Benefits

Understanding your TRICARE Dental Program dental explanation of benefits is important because it helps you track your coverage. This allows you to avoid any unexpected costs.