The major life changes that open a 90-Day TRICARE enrollment window

A PCS. A marriage. The birth or adoption of a child. A return from activation. Retirement from military service. These milestones often come with long to-do lists, but one important decision that is easy to overlook is reviewing your TRICARE coverage.

Also Read: Free, flexible ideas to keep military kids engaged this summer

These changes may be recognized as a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) which provides eligible beneficiaries with a 90-day window to review and make certain changes to their TRICARE coverage outside of Open Season.

For families in the Tampa and Atlanta areas, that review may include the TRICARE Prime Demo by CareSource Military & Veterans.

The Department of Defense moves the households of approximately 300,000 service members and civilian employees each year. Many families arrive at a new duty station, unpack boxes and begin rebuilding their routines without realizing that a qualifying move may also open a new enrollment window.

“Most military families don’t realize that a PCS, marriage, new baby, retirement or other life change can create an opportunity to revisit their TRICARE coverage,” said Selene Martin, Associate Vice President of Market Strategy for CareSource Military & Veterans. “We want eligible beneficiaries to understand all of their options and choose the one that best supports their family’s needs during that season of life.”

Why Review Your Coverage After a Life Change?

A move may mean a new provider network. A new baby may bring different care needs. Retirement may change how a family accesses care. A plan that worked well six months ago may not fit the same way after circumstances change.

The QLE window gives eligible beneficiaries time to review whether their current coverage still meets their family’s needs.

It does not require a family to make a change. It gives them the opportunity to understand what is available before the 90-day period closes.

How Is the Demo Different From the TRICARE Prime Option You May Already Know?

Your underlying TRICARE benefits remain the same. What changes is the provider network and the organization helping coordinate your care.

For eligible beneficiaries who enroll, the TRICARE Prime Demo by CareSource Military & Veterans includes access to CareSource’s provider network, in-network specialist care without a referral, care coordination, telehealth and digital tools through the MyLife app.

Enrollment fees are also waived during the first year for eligible retirees and their family members. Prescription drug benefits continue through Express Scripts.

Those differences may be helpful if your family is reestablishing care after a move, managing ongoing specialist needs or preparing for retirement.

Before making a change, take time to look at your current providers, ongoing care needs and the kind of support your family may need next.

Understand the Window Before It Closes

A QLE does not automatically mean that changing plans is the right decision. It means eligible beneficiaries have a limited opportunity to review their options and decide what works best for their family.

For beneficiaries in Tampa and Atlanta who meet the eligibility requirements, that review may include the TRICARE Prime Demo by CareSource Military & Veterans.

To learn more about the Demo or check eligibility, visit CareSourceMilitary.com or call 1-833-230-2080.

Don’t Miss the Best of We Are The Mighty

• Why military kids overseas have to outwork everyone to get recruited
• 6 military spouses who grabbed a weapon and joined the fight
• Military families in Atlanta and Tampa have a new, unique Tricare Prime choice