TRICARE coverage of eligible dependents extends to college students. Children are eligible for TRICARE benefits until age 21. But coverage extends up to age 23 for unmarried children of TRICARE-eligible sponsors, if both: (1) the child is a college student enrolled in a full-time course of study at an approved institution of higher learning; and (2) the sponsor provides over 50 percent of the child’s financial support. If your student is heading to college, update the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System to reflect this status. This will verify and ensure their eligibility for TRICARE. For more information on TRICARE options for college students or young adults, visit the TRICARE Going to College webpage or contact your TRICARE Regional Contractor.
For more details on this benefit, visit this Paycheck Chronicles blog post.
