Healthcare coverage is one of the most stressful decisions veterans make during transition. TRICARE coverage ends at separation for active duty members — but several options exist to maintain coverage, and the right choice depends on your situation. Do not go uninsured during the gap.
Critical timing: You have limited windows to elect continued coverage after separation. Missing enrollment deadlines results in gaps in coverage that cannot be retroactively filled. Act immediately upon receiving your separation date.
Your Options After Separation
| Option | Who Qualifies | Approximate Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRICARE Transitional Assistance (TRS) | Active duty separating honorably (not retirement) | $0 for first 180 days; then premiums apply | Up to 180 days |
| TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) | Members of Selected Reserve (Guard/Reserve) | ~$58/month individual; ~$240/month family (2025) | While serving in SELRES |
| TRICARE Retired Reserve | Retired Reserve members under age 60 | ~$530/month individual; ~$1,340/month family (2025) | Until age 60 (then TRICARE for Life) |
| TRICARE for Life | Military retirees with Medicare Part B | Medicare Part B premium only (~$185/month) | Lifetime |
| Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) | Separating active duty, surviving dependents | ~$663/month individual; ~$1,596/month family (2025) | Up to 18-36 months |
| Marketplace (ACA) | Anyone under 65 | Highly variable; may qualify for subsidies | Annual enrollment |
| Employer-Sponsored Insurance | Employed veterans | Varies; typically $200-$600/month employee share | While employed |
| VA Healthcare | Veterans with qualifying service | Free to low-cost for most veterans | Ongoing |
The Recommended Approach
Dental and Vision After Separation
TRICARE dental and vision coverage ends with active duty status. FEDVIP (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program) is available to retirees. For separating veterans, the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) through Delta Dental offers 30 days of continued coverage after separation — enroll independently through delta.dental.com/tricare after that. Most employer plans include dental and vision — make this part of your benefit evaluation during job negotiations.
Know All Your VA Benefits
Healthcare is one piece. The complete VA benefits checklist covers every benefit from home loans to education to disability compensation.
View Complete VA Benefits Checklist