The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) offers a temporary health coverage solution when you lose eligibility for TRICARE. Functioning as a bridge, this premium-based plan helps you transition from military health benefits to a civilian health plan. If you’re seeking individual coverage that mirrors the comprehensive benefits of TRICARE Select, including prescription coverage, CHCBP could be the right option for you. It also fulfills the minimum essential coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act. It’s important to explore your health coverage options as your CHCBP benefits are temporary. Eligible individuals generally have a 60-day window from the loss of TRICARE eligibility to enroll in CHCBP.
Understanding the TRICARE Continued Health Care Benefit Program
The TRICARE Continued Health Care Benefit Program is designed to provide health care coverage comparable to TRICARE Select for individuals and families experiencing a loss of TRICARE benefits. This premium-based program acts as an interim solution, ensuring continuous health coverage during life transitions such as separation from active duty or loss of eligibility for certain TRICARE programs. CHCBP mirrors the benefits of TRICARE Select, offering a wide range of health services, including prescription medications. This ensures you have access to necessary medical care while you arrange for long-term civilian health insurance.
Who is Eligible for CHCBP Individual Coverage?
To be eligible to purchase CHCBP individual coverage, you must have been covered by specific TRICARE plans immediately before losing eligibility. These plans include TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR), and TRICARE Young Adult (TYA). Importantly, your prior TRICARE plan must have been active at least one day before your loss of eligibility to qualify for CHCBP. Eligibility scenarios vary depending on your previous beneficiary category and the reason for TRICARE loss. In all cases, the service member’s separation must be under conditions other than adverse conditions.
CHCBP Eligibility Scenarios and Coverage Durations
| Former Category | Scenario | Length of Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Active Duty Service Member | Released from active duty | Up to 18 months |
| Full-time National Guard Member | Separated from full-time status | Up to 18 months |
| TAMP Covered Member | Loss of Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) coverage | Up to 18 months |
| Selected Reserve Member (TRS) | Loss of TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) coverage | Up to 18 months |
| Retired Reserve Member (TRR < age 60) | Loss of TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) coverage (before age 60) | Up to 18 months |
| Dependent spouse or child | Loss of TRICARE coverage | Up to 36 months |
| Unremarried former spouse | Loss of TRICARE coverage | Up to 36 months* |
*Unremarried former spouses may have extended coverage options. Contact Humana Military for specific details.
If you are preparing to deactivate from active duty, remember that programs like the TRICARE Assistance Management Program (TAMP) and TRICARE Reserve Select may precede CHCBP. If you qualify for CHCBP after TAMP, you must enroll within 60 days of TAMP coverage ending. If CHCBP follows TRS, you must enroll within 30 days of losing TRS. For detailed guidance on your situation, consult your personnel office.
CHCBP Administration and How to Learn More
Humana Military is the contractor responsible for administering the Continued Health Care Benefit Program. They manage enrollment, authorizations, claims processing, and customer service for CHCBP. To determine if you are eligible for this program or to gain a deeper understanding of TRICARE Continued Health Care Benefit Program individual coverage, you can:
- Visit the CHCBP website for comprehensive information.
- Contact Humana Military directly at 1-800-444-5445 for personalized assistance.
Last reviewed November 21, 2024.
