TRICARE is a comprehensive health insurance program offered by the Department of Defense (DoD) that provides coverage to active-duty service members, retirees, and family members of the uniformed services, including the US Coast Guard. The program includes dental coverage through United Concordia, as well as vision plans for family members and reservists not on active duty. The Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) offers financial assistance to beneficiaries with special needs for an integrated set of services and supplies. Eligible family members include spouses and children under the age of 22, and children incapable of self-support may continue to be covered after age 22.
New employees have 60 days from their initial enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) through the sponsor’s branch of service. ECHO registration can be done with case managers in each Tricare region. Coast Guard members and their families are entitled to pay, access to the base commissary and exchange, family assistance, health care, a generous leave policy, travel opportunities, and other benefits.
Cost Guard members may also be eligible for VA healthcare benefits, depending on their service and status. Employees can choose between self-only and family coverage. Eligible family members include spouses, brothers, sisters, parents, children aged 18+, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and in-laws. In the event of a death of an active duty member in the line of duty, the spouse and dependent child/children are eligible for continued medical care.
In summary, TRICARE is a comprehensive health insurance program that provides coverage to active-duty service members, retirees, and family members of the uniformed services, including the USCG.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent Parents and Parents-in-Law | Summarizes TRICARE eligibility and how to get care for dependent parents and parents-in-law. | tricare.mil |
| Eligibility | Types of Beneficiaries · Sponsors: Active duty, retired and National Guard and Reserve members · Family members: Spouses and children who are registered in DEERS. | tricare.mil |
| Sea Legs – Health Care | The dental benefit is available to eligible active duty family members, National Guard and Reserve members and their family members. Additional information … | dcms.uscg.mil |
📹 Why You Should Join the U S Coast Guard. Now is the Time!
In this video I explain what I do in the U.S. Coast Guard and all the different ways you can join. I also interview a Coast Guard …
Does TRICARE Extend To Family?
Active duty service members and their families (spouses and children registered in DEERS) are eligible for TRICARE, which typically ends at 11:59 P. M. on the last duty day. If entitled to Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) benefits, temporary health coverage may continue for 180 days after losing eligibility. Various TRICARE plans are available, such as TRICARE Select Overseas for family members at international locations and the US Family Health Plan as a TRICARE Prime alternative.
Coverage remains unchanged for family members not eligible for Medicare; they can maintain their current health plans. Retired service members and dependents eligible for both Medicare Part A and B and TRICARE receive comprehensive TFL coverage. Stepchildren qualify for TRICARE as long as they are married to the sponsor; however, they lose eligibility upon divorce. TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) allows young adult children up to age 26 to buy coverage under their parents' plans, while the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) provides additional services for families with qualifying conditions. Families can find support in navigating TRICARE benefits during transitions.
Can I Get TRICARE Benefits If I'M A Guard Member?
If you are a Guard or Reserve member activated for over 30 days, you and your family qualify for TRICARE benefits from the day of mobilization. Recent congressional changes have adjusted TRICARE eligibility for these members, with benefits varying based on your beneficiary category. Depending on your situation, you may fall under different TRICARE programs, including TRICARE Reserve Select and Line of Duty Care, for those in active duty status. Traditional drilling members can access the TRICARE Reserve Select health plan, while service members might also qualify for specific Line of Duty benefits.
For eligibility, your sponsor needs to register you in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). TRICARE options generally meet Affordable Care Act standards for minimum essential coverage. TRICARE Reserve Select is available globally to Selected Reserve members and their families when not on active duty. Eligible military members and their dependents (spouses, children) can access various TRICARE plans based on their military status. National Guard personnel often qualify for TRICARE Prime during federal active duty assignments and while traveling.
Does Military Health Insurance Cover Family Members?
All active-duty uniformed service members and their dependents are eligible for TRICARE health plans, which come at minimal costs depending on usage. Active duty members and their families (spouses and DEERS-registered children) must enroll in TRICARE, the military's healthcare program. New troops are automatically covered when they begin basic training, but they must enroll family members later. One specific option, the US Family Health Plan (USFHP), is available in 16 states and Washington, D.
C. Military insurance covers family members, as all active-duty members must enroll in TRICARE Prime, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for in-network care. Various TRICARE programs are available based on military status, with family members often referred to as "family members" and active-duty members as "sponsors." Regardless of the service branch, active-duty families receive TRICARE benefits.
Veterans may also access healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Family members of active-duty personnel primarily receive their healthcare at no cost, covering eligible children under age 26 with specific enrollment requirements.
Who Is Eligible For Military Health Insurance?
TRICARE is the healthcare program for active duty service members, their families, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, and certain former spouses, providing coverage worldwide. It is not an agency and does not determine eligibility; instead, eligibility is based on information reported in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) by the sponsor’s uniformed service. Beneficiaries can include active-duty members, retirees, survivors, and their families.
TRICARE offers various health insurance plans and options tailored to different categories of beneficiaries, including active duty, reservists, retirees, and more. Each year, TRICARE Open Season allows for enrollment or updates to healthcare, dental, and vision coverage, typically occurring from November 11 to December 10. Currently, TRICARE supports nearly 10 million individuals, delivering military health benefits and ensuring mission readiness at costs lower than most civilian plans.
Eligibility can be checked in DEERS, which should be kept up to date. TRICARE Prime is a managed-care option available to eligible military beneficiaries not entitled to Medicare. Overall, TRICARE plays a vital role in providing necessary health services to military personnel and their families globally.
What Is The U.S. Family Health Plan (USFHP)?
The U. S. Family Health Plan (USFHP) is a TRICARE Prime option available in select regions for military families, including active-duty members, retirees, and their families. For over 30 years, this plan has focused on providing patient-centered health care through non-profit health plans across six geographic areas in the U. S., covering 16 states and the District of Columbia. Eligible beneficiaries must reside in a USFHP service area to enroll. The plan offers a range of services, ensuring high satisfaction levels among participants.
Enrollment can be completed online or through other methods detailed on the TRICARE website. The USFHP covers various medical needs, including inpatient skilled nursing care when necessary, and provides access to advanced medical services through local civilian networks. Updated cost information is available in the TRICARE Costs and Fees Fact Sheet, effective January 1, 2024. The US Family Health Plan operates under the Department of Defense’s TRICARE Prime program, allowing military families to receive comprehensive health care tailored to their needs.
Who Is Eligible For Military Benefits?
Active-duty service members and their families from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, NOAA, and Public Health Service qualify for various military benefits, along with National Guard and Reserve members, as well as retirees and their families. Eligibility for these benefits varies by country and service type. In the U. S., active-duty members may access VA benefits during and after service, while in Australia, veterans and serving members can receive pensions or benefits depending on their situation.
Veterans exposed to toxins are eligible for VA health care if they meet service and discharge criteria. Benefits include VA Disability Compensation, Medical Benefits, Home Loans, Education Benefits, Pensions, and Counseling services. TRICARE, the military health insurance program, covers active duty, retired, and National Guard members and their dependents.
Eligibility requirements for VA benefits specify that veterans must not have received a dishonorable discharge. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides health care and various benefits to qualifying veterans, survivors, and dependents. Additionally, the Federal Veterans Benefits Administration offers services to the families of service members. To qualify for most benefits, applicants must meet specific definitions of a veteran or survivor.
Who Qualifies As A Military Family Member?
A military family consists of immediate family members related by blood, marriage, or adoption to a U. S. armed forces member, including the deceased. DEERS is the computerized database for service members (sponsors), their family members, and those eligible for military benefits. Certain family members, such as spouses and children, automatically receive dependency status. Military dependents include spouses, children, and other relatives of active members for pay and benefits purposes.
Upon transitioning to Veteran status, service members qualify for VA benefits, which also extend to dependents. If a family member dies due to a service-connected disability, surviving dependents receive additional support. The Army provides numerous family benefits, including health care and housing assistance. Gold Star Families, immediate relatives of service members who died in conflict, can display a Gold Star Service Flag. Spouses and children under 21 typically qualify for automatic dependency status, while additional relatives can also be recognized.
Spouses of active-duty members might be eligible for expedited naturalization. Documentation proving military service is required for family members to access benefits, and special provisions exist for families of National Guard and Reserve personnel.
What Are Eligible Members?
Eligible Members refers to employees or members who fulfill the criteria outlined in the attached Policy Schedule and can participate in the insurance plan. This includes current and former members of the uniformed services entitled to retirement, retainer, or equivalent benefits due to their service, as well as those retired for medical disability as recognized by the U. S. Department of Defense. USAA, a member-owned company, provides insurance and financial services primarily for military personnel and their families, boasting over $200 billion in assets.
Eligible family members for coverage under various plans typically include a spouse, unmarried dependent children under age 22 (which may include adopted, step, and foster children), but exclude grandchildren unless they qualify as foster children. Family members not eligible for certain Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans include parents, siblings, in-laws, and grandchildren.
Rules also exist regarding the removal of family members from coverage once they no longer meet eligibility criteria. Dually eligible beneficiaries access both Medicare and Medicaid, including patients in Parts A and B. The membership extends beyond military personnel to their families and specified Department of Defense personnel, enhancing access to various products and services.
What Are The Eligibility Requirements For Extended Care Health Option (Echo)?
To register for the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO), beneficiaries must meet specific eligibility criteria and have an ECHO-qualifying condition. ECHO is available to TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries, particularly when a sponsor has died, provided the sponsor was eligible for hostile-fire pay at their time of death. Dependents must be enrolled in a TRICARE health plan (like Prime, Select, or the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan) and the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), along with having a qualifying physical or mental disability.
ECHO provides financial assistance for an integrated suite of services and supplies for those with special needs. This option is primarily targeted at active duty family members (ADFMs) requiring more than basic TRICARE coverage. Eligibility conditions may include disabilities like autism spectrum disorder, severe intellectual disability, or complex medical conditions rendering the beneficiary homebound. There are no enrollment fees for ECHO; however, beneficiaries are responsible for part of the monthly expenses related to authorized services.
Family members of active-duty personnel or those in the National Guard or Reserve may qualify, as can beneficiaries under specific age limits if they have certain developmental conditions. Assistance available through ECHO aims to support those in need of additional care.
How Do I Contact Coast Guard Mental Health Support?
To contact Coast Guard mental health support, CGSUPRT provides resources for therapy, counseling, and substance use assistance. For TRICARE mental health inquiries, reach Coast Guard Health Benefits Advice at 1-800-9-HBA-HBA (1-800-942-2422) or via CGHBA@uscg. mil. Alternatively, call 877-995-5247 for immediate assistance or access live chat on their website. Confidential support staff can help locate facilities for forensic exams and recovery guidance.
For those seeking help, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). The Coast Guard has introduced new policies to enhance access to mental health care and support for its members. Service personnel facing occupational stressors, such as search and rescue operations, can benefit from various programs, including resources available through the Health, Safety and Work-Life Office app.
To further ensure well-being, members are encouraged to connect with local Health Safety and Work Life Regional Practices. If you are in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for immediate help.
📹 Navigating Your Benefits for Military Families – Part 2: Health Care
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I joined the Coast Guard in 1996 as a legal immigrant, l gained a lot of knowledge and skills. I became a US citizen in 2000 then, l got out in 2003 my last unit was TACLET SOUTH down in MIAMI. I Became a cop in Texas got several instructor certificates now l work as a consultant making 170k a year only working 4 days a week, the Coast Guard was a stepping stone into something bigger.
The Coast Guard is a great organization. It also is often recognized as having the second hardest boot camp, with the Marines being the most difficult. If you are going to join the Coast Guard I highly recommend that you work hard to prepare for what you will encounter at Cape May. If there is a 1.5 mile run requirement you should train to run 3 miles. If you must be able to do 50 pushups train and be able to do 100. If you need to do 40 timed sit-ups make sure you can do 80. The same goes for swimming. You do NOT want to be put into what is called the RAMP (previously called PEP and RED BELTS) program at Cape May which is actually a disciplinary torture unit where they will brutally hammer on under-performers and disciplinary problem recruits 24/7. Also, before the MEPS medical screening practice the “Duck Walk” as it is the most frequently failed physical test in all branches of the U.S. military. Arrive at Cape May ready for success. I wish you all the best in the USCG.
I’m 32 single mom and considering my enlistment to the coast guard. I have a few minor set backs, but I’m hoping to receive a waiver. My main goals are to gain a stability in areas bettering the life of my son and I. I do appreciate you making this article. I have hopes of getting the waiver! Thank you for your service
Had my mind made up to Join Marines or Navy the Night before going to a Recruiter a Friend who we hadn’t seen in years after going away to College showed up on my doorstep heard from another Friend I was going into the Service we sat talking about the Coast Guard and didn’t sugar told me the positive and negative positives out wayed negatives well never regret going in Stayed 20 years
I was an Electronics Technician in the Coast Guard. I got all of the benefits of being in the Coast Guard along with the quality education of electronics and advanced electronics training. Much of the gear I worked on was Navy equipment and I went to allot of Navy C schools. This education allowed me to get a high paying job immediately after getting out. I loved the Coast Guard and the only reason I got out was I wanted to start a family and being stationed on a ship was not conducive for that. Knowing what I know now, I would join the Coast Guard again with out a doubt. Semper Paratus!
Hey brother, just wanted to say, that the air force also has a volunteer component, the Civil Air Patrol is the volunteer force of the air force with headquarters in Maxwell AFB. I’ve been a coastie for 14 years and also been a CAP member for about 20 and the CAP does actual SAR missions as required. Great content as always, keep up the awesome work shipmate!
6 years active USCG here, great article! My one addition to anybody wanting to go active for the job opportunities with small boat stations and more local shoreside work, is that the CG has a nationwide (and beyond) FLEET off cutters (ships). Going underway on a cutter is nigh unavoidable in your career, regardless of your rating. Cutter life isn’t to say WORSE than other jobs that are seen more in the media, however it is very different, and I hardly ever see people talk about it. Just something to look into to manage your expectations, especially out of basic training where you have little to no bearing on where you get stationed first.
I retired from the reserve in 2014 as a BM. I spent six years activated and miss it dearly. If I had nine lives I would love to come back in and train in a different rate. Now is the time for a young person to enter the Coast Guard. I would recommend active duty to get access to the most broad range of rates and training. ❤
In my teens I was a sailor on a USCG weather ship out of Portland Maine . Mid 60’s . Winter North Atlantic Ocean Station duty prepared me for a life at sea as a commercial fisherman . Looking back after 77 yrs I realize my Coast Guard service was the best thing I ever did in my life – unbelievable benefits : Tier 1 VA Healthcare ( I get everything at no cost to me ), $ 3,738 monthly disability payments from Dept of Veterans Affairs ( + SSA retirement ), life insurance, a house ( no down payment or private mortgage insurance required ), a degree in science education, and much more …
As a US Navy vet, we used to raz the US Coast Guard guys. We called them “Coasties” or “puddle pirates”, but I have the utmost RESPECT for what they do! When everyone else has either headed into port or already there, the USCG is heading out to save lives. Who else would have the BALLS to take a 40 foot boat into 40 foot seas? MUCH RESPECT!
The National Guard has a volunteer force too. They are the State Military Reserves, jokingly called the SMRs(Smurfs). SMR were featured in the movie Delta Farce with Larry the Cable Guy. They actually have an Army, Air Force and Maritime units. By the way, I am not just trolling here. My son is trying to join the Coast Guard.
I know I’m a late commenter but something has had me confused for a while. I’m not joining the coast guard but my boyfriend is. He going be join when he turns 18 this coming late August. The truth is I have no idea what to get him for his birthday. He said it will be four years in the coast guard and I don’t want to get him something with good intentions and find out he can’t bring it with him and has to wait for 4 years to use it. I was thinking of maybe one of those projection necklaces where when you hold the small gem to your eye there’s a photo inside and maybe a contact book so he can right down all of his family and friends information so he can keep in touch. If you don’t know what a projection necklaces is then you might have better luck just quickly looking it up yourself. I may have explained it wrong. Sorry, if this is a somewhat off topic question and I hope you have a nice day wherever you are.
The main reason I want to join the coast guard is to gain personal physical and mental growth, and I also want to see the world. I want to feel freedom and still have free time to do stuff though. And I’ve been looking at the coast guard reserve. Does anyone know if the coast guard reserve will truly fit my goals? Is the coast guard reserve right for me? (also im 17 and graduate high school as class of 2024 if that helps answer my question)
Thanks for the website and content. Son is currently working through some moves to join the CG. He’s considering BM and also would like to be anywhere in the US so long as it’s an ocean station that’s not any further south of Maryland on the east coast, not on the Gulf Coast and not on any in-land or Great Lakes area. Is this possible and if so what things should he prepare for to meet these goals? Thank you.
Ha. I see they improved the look of the working blues. I looked like a custodian back in the early 90’s lol. First off military duty is a dedication, no matter what the service. If you can’t dedicate yourself to pull 100% for the duration of your enlistment don’t bother enlisting anywhere. One of the Coast Guards biggest missions is saving lives. SAR missions and the like. Law enforcement is another. You have to be at the top of your game to do these things as in any service you have to know your job and pull your weight. I met to many people that slipped past the recruiting process, to many officers and chiefs that threw their rank in your face. These people are fewer than the good ship mates of course. I guess that could maybe be said about all services? The Coast Guard is a military service so you will be called upon to do things that obviously are dangerous. I’ve been in the Atlantic in a hurricane on a 270. Been pinned between a ships hull and MSB when the engine died, tied down helicopters, air refuled helos that are above you. Gave cpr to a drowning victim and hoisted him to a rescue helo. Hoisted a gangrene man from the bow of a 270 because the flight deck was full of migrants we picked up at sea. Trained for amputations, fire, chemical warfare, nuclear warfare and whatever else. Does that make me special? No, of course not. I’m just pointing out that there is a lot to enlisting in the Coast Guard that people may not think about before joining this or any service. You have to live up to the motto: You have to go out but you don’t have to come back.
it’s not what it was when you were in, my man (assuming you joined quite a while ago). best decision I ever made, but don’t make it out to be this fantastical life. we need to give them the pros AND the cons – such as the budget issues, the fact they’re offering 2 year contracts because they’re so top heavy, etc. etc. forgive me because i’ve been drinking, but I’m a disabled CG aviator, and i’ve spent time on a cutter, so I’ll never not fight to make sure you know the realities of service. TBI, back injuries, hearing loss, etc. aren’t a joke, nor are they something that isn’t a risk. some of the best years of my life, but let’s make sure we aren’t hiding anything. (also, auxillary can’t do aviation, either)
I’m currently 33 and considering putting my current IT skills to some use in the Military. Would the coast guard be a good place for me to continue my IT career? I browsed the website and saw Intelligence Specialist under the IT section. I saw the 3 weeks of training in VA and got a bit discouraged. What’s the process like if you are married? Does your spouse get to travel with you or must they stay back for the 3 months of training?
I heard a lot about what we can give to the Coast Guard Auxiliary and that it’s all volunteers with no pay and no benefits. But, I didn’t hear anything about what the Coast Guard will give to us for all of our hard and sometimes dangerous work. It sounds like they get our free labor and we get nothing except the self-satisfaction of volunteering. That’s not a very good sales pitch, especially in today’s tight job market where good employees and volunteers are worth their weight in gold. If we can give $100+ Billion dollars to Ukraine and help pay for the Ukrainians’ pensions maybe the U.S. government should provide some pay and benefits to the Coast Guard Auxiliary members who are getting paid nothing.
Coast guard is not the best service. I did 8 years in the coast guard and i experienced the WORST TOXIC LEADERSHIPS ever inmagined. As a Coast Guard veteran you’ll get absolutely no support whats so ever. Now im basically homeless live off unemployment for years. My friends joined marines, army, and navy for 6 years and their branch helped them transition into civilian life with secured jobs while coast guard toss me out like trash. I reach out to coast guard several times for support and they literally blocked me or ignored me. Im a extremely nice guy and hardworking and yet i get no support from Coast Guard. Join any other service but coast guard. Coast Guard has absolutely no comradery.
No! Only if you love self centered leadership, no career development when you’re a hard charger, stupid service wide to advance, bullish!t missions, the war on drugs will never be won, emotionally unintelligent members, good ole boys club, lazy lazy chiefs who come to work 20% of the time, piss poor schools compared to civilian schools, NO mentoring…I can go on. If you’re right out of high school, great, join bc you don’t know any better and you can take your HS level of maturity with you.
@dannywallace1358 I grew up in Cali and spent 10years in Coast Guard. Believe me when I say this! You will get SO MUCH MORE out of the Coast Guard. You will se more places, do more cool crazy adventure stuff, build your resume intensely, have amazing benefits a ton more than Calfire believe me. It is the Military and the oldest Seagoing service in the United States. It is night and day compared to Calfire. If you want more career options, better benefits, more travel, better training you can use later in civilian life, and just all around better life I would strongly suggest USCG completely over CalFire just my two cents. I know a few people who have done CalFire and it’s not ALL it is advertised. Also you stuck in Cali and that is your only option? Want endless options and possibilities?…Join USCG!