The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) offers a temporary health coverage solution when you lose your TRICARE eligibility. Functioning as a crucial bridge, this premium-based plan ensures you have continuous healthcare as you transition from military benefits to a civilian health plan. For those navigating life changes that impact their military status, the Tricare Continued Health Care Benefits Program provides peace of mind with comprehensive medical coverage.
What is the TRICARE Continued Health Care Benefits Program?
Think of the TRICARE Continued Health Care Benefits Program as a safety net, securing your health coverage during transitional periods. It mirrors the benefits of TRICARE Select, ensuring access to a wide range of medical services, including prescription medications. This program is especially vital as it fulfills the minimum essential coverage mandate of the Affordable Care Act, helping you avoid potential tax penalties and ensuring you maintain continuous healthcare protection. When your CHCBP coverage period nears its end, it’s important to explore options to maintain health coverage and prevent any gaps in protection.
Who is Eligible for the Continued Health Care Benefits Program?
Eligibility for the TRICARE Continued Health Care Benefits Program is linked to prior enrollment in specific TRICARE plans. Crucially, to qualify for CHCBP, the preceding TRICARE plan (like TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, or TRICARE Young Adult) must have been active at least one day before TRICARE eligibility was lost. Furthermore, the service member’s separation must be under conditions “other than adverse.” Here are common scenarios and coverage durations:
- Active Duty Service Members: If you’re released from active duty, you may be eligible for up to 18 months of coverage.
- Full-time National Guard Members: Separation from full-time status can qualify you for up to 18 months of coverage.
- TAMP Coverage Loss: Individuals losing coverage under the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) are eligible for up to 18 months.
- TRS Coverage Loss: Losing TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) coverage makes you eligible for up to 18 months.
- TRR Coverage Loss (Pre-Age 60): Loss of TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) before age 60 can provide up to 18 months of coverage.
- Dependent Spouses and Children: Loss of TRICARE coverage as a dependent spouse or child can qualify you for up to 36 months.
- Unremarried Former Spouses: Similar to dependents, unremarried former spouses losing TRICARE may receive up to 36 months of coverage, with potential for extended coverage – it’s advisable to confirm details with Humana Military.
If you’re preparing to deactivate from service, remember that programs like TAMP and TRICARE Reserve Select may precede CHCBP. Enrollment in CHCBP must occur within 60 days of losing TAMP or within 30 days of losing TRICARE Reserve Select. Consult your personnel office to understand which benefits you may be entitled to and the subsequent steps for enrollment in the TRICARE Continued Health Care Benefits Program.
Enrolling in TRICARE CHCBP and Contact Information
Humana Military is the contractor administering the TRICARE Continued Health Care Benefits Program. They manage enrollment, authorizations, claims, and customer service. To explore your eligibility or for detailed program information:
- Visit the CHCBP website for comprehensive online resources.
- Contact Humana Military directly at 1-800-444-5445 to speak with a representative.
Last reviewed 11/21/2024.
