Surviving family members of military members who die while in the service may keep their Tricare benefits in the following situations:
Active Duty Members
Tricare Health Coverage
For the first three years after death of the service member, dependents keep their previous coverage without any change in their costs.
Children can keep their Tricare coverage until they reach age 21, or age 23 if attending school full-time.
After three years, surviving spouses will have their coverage change to that of a retired family member. The change is automatic, and surviving spouses receive a letter from DEERS before the survivor status changes. This may cause changes in either the type of Tricare medical and dental plans available and the costs.
Tricare Dental Coverage
Surviving family members are eligible for the Tricare Dental Program (TDP) Survivor Benefit Plan, which is the same as the Tricare Dental Program, but without any monthly premiums.
Children can keep this coverage until they reach age 21, or age 23 if attending school full-time.
After three years surviving spouses will lose their Tricare Dental Plan coverage but may be eligible for dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
Reserve Members
Sponsor Died While On Active Duty For 30 Consecutive Days Or More
Dependents will receive the same Tricare benefits for health and dental as survivors of active duty members listed above.
Sponsor Died While On Active Duty For Less Than 30 Consecutive Days
Tricare Health Coverage
Surviving spouses will be eligible for the same Tricare health coverage as a retired member, eligibility ends if they remarry.
Surviving children keep their Tricare eligibility until they reach age 21, or 23 if attending school full-time.
Tricare Dental Coverage
Surviving family members are eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) Survivor Benefit Plan, with the same limits described above.
Sponsor Enrolled In Tricare Reserve Select (TRS)
Tricare Health Coverage
Those enrolled in TRS will be able to keep their health coverage for an additional six months after the sponsor dies, after that time they must purchase different health insurance. They are eligible for the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.
Tricare Dental Coverage
Surviving family members are eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) Survivor Benefit Plan, with the same limits described above.
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