Divorce
When there is a divorce, the sponsor must update this information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). A copy of the divorce decree is needed to update DEERS. TRICARE eligibility for some family members may change:
Former Spouses
As of 12:01 a.m. on the day of the divorce, your benefits end unless you meet the eligibility requirements of a former spouse. If you meet the former spouse requirements, you'll continue to be eligible for TRICARE, and will use your name and health benefit number (not your former sponsor's) to schedule appointments and file claims. If you do not meet the former spouse eligibility requirements, you can no longer get care through TRICARE. Any claims paid after your loss of eligibility will be recouped. Upon loss of eligibility, you may be eligible to purchase coverage under the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.
Children
Biological and adopted children of the sponsor remain eligible for TRICARE up to age 21 (or age 23 if enrolled in college, learn more) as long as the child remains a dependent child (i.e. is not married or serving on active duty.) Stepchildren who were not adopted by the sponsor lose TRICARE eligibility once DEERS is updated with the divorce decree. Upon loss of eligibility, stepchildren may be eligible to purchase coverage under the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.
Using TRICARE with Other Health Insurance
TRICARE is always the second payer to any other health insurance (OHI) plan. After a divorce, if a child is covered by health insurance from the non-uniformed service parent, then TRICARE can still act as a second payer after the OHI. If the child(ren) visits the uniformed service member for extended periods of time, TRICARE is still the second payer, so make sure your child has the OHI information to get care away from home during these visits. >>View Custody Scenarios
You should review your OHI and TRICARE options carefully, to make sure you have the best coverage for your child(ren). >>Learn More about using TRICARE with OHI