Retired service members of the uniformed services and their family members (spouses and children) are eligible for TRICARE.  The uniformed services include the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. 

Retired service members and their families are eligible for the following options:

• TRICARE Prime (enrollment fees apply)
• TRICARE Standard and Extra
• US Family Health Plan (in specific U.S. locations)
• TRICARE For Life (with Medicare Part A & B coverage)
• TRICARE Standard Overseas

Additionally, adult children who "age out" at 21 (or 23 if attending college) may qualify to purchase TRICARE Young Adult.

The TRICARE Retiree Dental Program is available to purchase for dental coverage.

Medically-Retired Service Members

For a service member to be placed on the Temporary Disabled Retirement List (TDRL), their Service has determined that they have a physical condition, injury or disease that renders them unfit for military service, and the member must receive a disability rating from the service of at least 30 percent. This rating is a separate rating from the one given by the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA).

TDRL members are re-evaluated by the Service at least every 18 months for a period of up to five years. At that time, the Service determines whether the situation has improved, remained the same or has gotten worse. Depending on the outcome, the member can be retained on the TDRL, separated from service, returned to duty or placed on Permanent Disability Retirement List (PDRL).

As long as the member is on TDRL or PDRL, he or she is eligible for TRICARE benefits as described above (as long as they are registered in DEERS).  Eligible family members (registered in DEERS) are also eligible for TRICARE benefits like any other family member of a retired service member.

If the Service disability rating is less than 30 percent, the member is separated from active duty, and they may qualify transitional health care benefits:  

• Transitional Assistance Management Program
• Continued Health Care Benefit Program

Additionally, medically-retired members of the Armed Services enrolled in the Federal Recovery Coordination Program (FRCP) are eligible for the same medical and dental care for that severe or serious illness or injury that would be available to an active duty service member when the care is not reasonably available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).

Retired National Guard or Reserve Members

Benefits for retired Reserve members are different depending on the sponsor's age:

• May purchase the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program at any time.
• If under age 60, may qualify to purchase TRICARE Retired Reserve.
• At age 60 (and when receiving retired pay), eligible for the same benefits as all other retired service members (described above).

Learn more about benefits for retired Reserve members.