Tricare Young Adult is an option for military service members' unmarried, adult children ages 21-26 who have "aged out" of regular Tricare coverage. The plan provides comprehensive medical and pharmacy benefits.
Eligibility
You may qualify to purchase Tricare Young Adult if you're:
- A dependent of a Tricare-eligible uniformed service sponsor
- Unmarried
- At least age 21 but not yet 26 years old. (If you're enrolled in a full course of study at an approved institution of higher learning and your sponsor provides more than half of your financial support, you aren't eligible for Tricare Young Adult until age 23 or upon graduation, whichever comes first. Prior to that, you are eligible for Tricare Prime or Select.)
- Not eligible to enroll in an employer-sponsored health plan based on your own employment
- Not otherwise eligible for Tricare coverage
How it Works
Tricare Young Adult offers the same coverage as Tricare Prime or Tricare Select -- the only difference is the cost. How you get care depends on whether you choose the Prime option or the Select option.
What You Pay
Tricare Young Adult costs are based on three things:
- The option you choose when you enroll: Prime or Select
- Your sponsor's military status
- Where the care is received
To participate, you're required to pay monthly premiums. Your plan option and sponsor's military status determine what you pay for covered services.
How to Enroll
- Online
- Call, mail, or FAX your regional contractor
Tricare Young Adult Select
All dependent adult children who qualify for Tricare Young Adult can choose the Select option.
Tricare Young Adult Select allows you to visit any Tricare-authorized provider. If you see an in-network provider, you'll pay less out of pocket, and the provider will file claims for you. You do not need a referral for any type of care, but some services may require prior authorization. The coverage is exactly the same as normal Tricare Select.
The program has an annual deductible and co-payments, which are due at the time of service just like the Tricare Select program.
The 2023 premium is $291 per month. When you first enroll, you must pay the first two months’ premiums upfront. You can pay by check, money order or credit/debit card. From then on, all monthly premiums must be made by automatic bank transfer or recurring credit/debit card payments.
Tricare Young Adult Prime
The Tricare Young Adult Prime option works the same as Tricare Prime. You'll have an assigned primary care manager (PCM) who provides most of your care. The PCM:
- Is either a military or in-network provider
- Refers you to specialists for care he or she can't provide
- Works with your regional contractor for authorization and to find a specialist in the network
- Files claims for you
Children of active-duty sponsors in all U.S. locations and in all overseas areas (if command-sponsored) may enroll; as may children of retired sponsors only in Prime service areas.
The program has an annual deductible and co-payments, which are due at the time of service, just like the Tricare Prime program.
The 2023 premium is $570 per month. When you first enroll, you must pay the first two months’ premiums upfront. You can pay by check, money order or credit/debit card. From then on, all monthly premiums must be made by automatic bank transfer or recurring credit/debit card payments.
How Do I Buy Tricare Young Adult Coverage?
You may buy coverage at any time by submitting a completed Tricare Young Adult Application with an initial two-month premium payment to your regional (stateside/overseas) contractor.
After the initial payment, you must make ongoing monthly premium payments by electronic funds transfer or recurring debit/credit card payments.
Is There a Tricare Card?
No. You will usually use your military ID card for care. See the Tricare website for more information.
If I Cancel my Tricare Young Adult Coverage, Can I Buy it Again?
Yes, but you'll have to wait 12 months before buying it again.
My Sponsor Isn't Eligible for Tricare Anymore. Can I Buy Tricare Young Adult Coverage?
No. However, your sponsor may choose to buy Continued Health Care Benefit Program coverage or another insurance plan for the entire family.
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