If you separate without retiring

TRICARE currently states that active-duty eligibility generally ends at 11:59 p.m. on the last duty day. Some members and families qualify for TAMP; after TAMP, CHCBP or another coverage option may be available. Reserve-component options depend on new status.

If you retire from active duty

Retirement is a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event. Current TRICARE guidance requires enrollment within 90 days after retirement to maintain Prime or Select without a break. A retroactive enrollment request may currently be made up to 12 months after retirement, with applicable fees back to the retirement date.

VA health is separate

Eligible service members can apply for VA health care after receiving separation or retirement orders. Update DEERS, map each family member’s coverage, and preserve enrollment confirmations and effective dates.

Official sources

• TRICARE — Separating From Active Duty
• TRICARE — Retiring
• VA — Active-Duty Service Members and VA Health Care
• milConnect / DEERS

Source status: SRC-092; SRC-093; SRC-105; SRC-003 verified October 4, 2026. Service-specific procedures may be more restrictive than the DoD framework.