{"id":55319,"date":"2022-02-04T13:03:45","date_gmt":"2022-02-04T13:03:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2022\/02\/04\/what-you-need-to-know-about-continuing-tricare-coverage-before-you-retire\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T09:38:12","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T09:38:12","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-about-continuing-tricare-coverage-before-you-retire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/education-transition\/2022\/02\/04\/what-you-need-to-know-about-continuing-tricare-coverage-before-you-retire\/","title":{"rendered":"What you need to know about continuing Tricare coverage before you retire"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cPlan for what is difficult while it is easy\u201d is an apt quote regarding healthcare in general and Tricare in particular. If you\u2019re transitioning out of the military, it\u2019s important to know your responsibilities and form a strategy well in advance of your separation date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan ahead before you leave<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s recommended to start scheduling you and your family\u2019s Tricare coverage planning at least six months before retiring. Necessary medical exams, researching different coverage options and plans that may be a better fit due to a new location are part of the prep-work. Re-enrolling in an existing plan, changing plans, and paying enrollment fees are just some of the changes you should be prepared to meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schedule your exit medical exam as early as possible<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To ensure proper healthcare after you separate, it\u2019s essential to be on top of your Separation Health Assessment<\/a> while you\u2019re still active duty. The exam must be performed at a military hospital, military clinic, or VA facility 90 days before retirement and terminal leave. If you plan on filing claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs, calendar the exam earlier than 90 days. While the VA refers to the exam as the \u201cdisability exam,\u201d all active duty are required to take it on the way out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The separation health assessment tracks your medical history and your current health. Prior to the exam is the time to prepare and review your medical history and check to see it\u2019s complete and correctly notated in your file, specifically injuries and medical concerns identified during your military career. You\u2019ll need to complete a \u201cReport of Medical History\u201d or DD Form 2807-1 form<\/a> before your exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You must re-enroll in Tricare<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Upon retirement, you and your family\u2019s status and plan options change; use vigilance to avoid a break in coverage. Re-enrollment in your chosen Tricare plan is usually required within 90 days after your retirement date from active duty \u2014 whether you\u2019re planning to keep the same type of plan or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019ve already enrolled in Tricare Prime or Tricare Select, you must re-enroll. You and your family will need to arrange for new ID cards, and some beneficiaries may have to begin paying an annual enrollment fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you miss the 90-day deadline, retroactive enrollment can be requested within 12 months of your retirement date. If approved for retroactive coverage, your enrollment fee or fees are also calculated retroactively to your retirement date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you miss the 12-month deadline, you may only re-enroll during Tricare Open Enrollment Season or if you or a family member experience a Qualifying Life Event, such as moving, marriage, or the birth of a child. Know you plan, in some plans the move must be relocation to a new country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expect changes in your Tricare when you retire<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While on active duty, there are no out-of-pocket expenses, and family costs are minimal. But a retiree should expect to encounter costs. Depending on your current Tricare plan, they may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n