How Do I Activate Tricare?

Tricare is the health insurance provided for members of all branches of the military, whether they are active duty or retired. Military information provided through the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) keeps the military updated on who is eligible and other pertinent information. Those who need to activate Tricare are persons who are considered a retiree and are ready to apply for retiree pension and benefits. Active duty persons and their families are also eligible for Tricare, but they are automatically enrolled upon activation.

Things You'll Need

• Up-to-date military ID card
• Social Security card
• Birth certificate
• DD Form 214
• Marriage license if also enrolling spouse
• Birth certificates of spouse or dependent children who will be enrolled

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Instructions

• 1

  Make an appointment with an official DEERS office, typically located at military bases and veteran centers. Call several months before your 60th birthday to be sure you file within the correct time frame.

• 2

  Present all necessary documents to the DEERS or Tricare representative. Retirees must present a DD Form 214, which is a record of their military service. Other documents required include up-to-date military ID cards, Social Security cards and birth certificates for the retiree and all dependent family members who will be enrolled. A marriage certificate is also required if the retiree is enrolling a spouse.

• 3

  Discuss the type of Tricare insurance desired. Standard insurance for the retiree does not have a charge. Upgrades to the standard insurance and additions for spouse and dependent children require a fee.

• 4

  Sign all enrollment documents. You may also need to fill out and sign an automatic withdrawal permission for Tricare to deduct any health plan costs from the retiree's military pension.

• 5

  Obtain current military ID cards, which will be used for Tricare health identification and information as soon as the insurance takes effect. Each person enrolled in the health plan will need a new military ID.