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 | May 22, 2025

Learn About TRICARE Health Plan Options for Young Adults

By TRICARE Communications

As graduation season arrives, TRICARE-eligible young adults and their family members should understand how this milestone affects their TRICARE health coverage. Here’s what you need to know about TRICARE health plan options for young adults.

“As your child reaches important milestones like graduation or specific birthdays, they may face changes to their TRICARE health plan eligibility,” explained Debra Fisher, health system specialist, Policy & Programs Branch, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “Understanding these options early helps ensure your adult child can make well-informed decisions about their future health care coverage.”

Coverage before age 21 and during college

Young adults can keep their current TRICARE plan until at least age 21. College students may use their existing plan until they turn 23 or graduate, whichever happens first, as described in the TRICARE Young Adult Program Fact Sheet.

To qualify, they must:
  • Be a full-time student at an approved institution of higher education
  • Have a TRICARE sponsor who provides more than 50% of their financial support

If your child attends college, they’ll need to update their student status in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. Additionally, if your child moves away for college, they'll need to update their address in DEERS. This is especially important if they move to a different TRICARE region or outside a Prime Service Area.

TRICARE Young Adult

TRICARE Young Adult offers health coverage for children who lose TRICARE eligibility due to age. To qualify, they must:

  • Be an unmarried child of an eligible service member
  • Be at least 21 but not yet 26 years old
  • Not qualify for employer-sponsored health plans
  • Not be eligible for other TRICARE plans
  • Not be a member of the uniformed services

TYA comes in two options: TYA-Prime and TYA-Select. Which one your child can choose depends on their sponsor’s status and where they live.

TYA has monthly premiums. After premiums, other out-of-pocket costs depend on which option your child chooses, their sponsor’s status, and where they get care.

TYA-Prime

With TYA-Prime, your child will:

TYA-Select

With TYA-Select, your child will:
  • Choose any TRICARE-authorized provider
  • Not need referrals for most care
  • Pay higher out-of-pocket costs than with TYA-Prime

Both TYA options include medical and pharmacy benefits, plus routine eye exams. Neither includes full vision or dental coverage, which can be purchased separately.

When TYA coverage ends

Your child’s TYA coverage will end when any of the following occur:

  • They turn 26
  • They get married
  • They become eligible for an employer-sponsored health plan
  • They qualify for other TRICARE coverage
  • They choose to end coverage

If your child ends TYA coverage voluntarily, they can’t purchase it again for 12 months. This lockout doesn’t apply if they gain access to an employer plan or other TRICARE coverage.

Continued Health Care Benefit Program

If your child loses TRICARE eligibility, they may qualify for the Continued Health Care Benefit Program. This premium-based plan offers the same coverage as TRICARE Select for up to 36 months, serving as a bridge to civilian health insurance.

To enroll in CHCBP, your child must apply within 60 days of losing TRICARE eligibility.

Get help with TRICARE decisions

Help your child research health plan options so they can choose what works best for their needs. For questions about TRICARE plans or coverage for young adults, contact your regional contractor.

Remember to update DEERS with any changes in your child’s status to ensure they maintain appropriate health coverage.
 

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
Young girl wrapped in blue and white towel stands on a beach.

Getting Care While You Travel: A TRICARE Guide f...

News
Jun. 17, 2025

Do you have an upcoming trip? TRICARE covers you whether you travel across the country or around the world...
Read More

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.

June 13, 2025

The Dentist Is In: Healthy Gums Mean a Healthier You — What You Should Know

Did you know there is a profound connection between gum health and serious medical conditions throughout the body? From heart disease to diabetes, the state of your gums can significantly impact your long-term health. This article explores the surprising links between oral hygiene and whole-body wellness, offering simple, practical steps you can take today to protect both your smile and your future health.