Similar to COBRA for private health insurance programs, Tricare will provide a divorced spouses who are not remarried with transitional health insurance called the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP). At $933 per quarter for individuals, and $1996 for families, the program is far from free, and certainly not the bargain Tricare is.  However, if the civilian spouse has a preexisting medical condition, or no coverage available through his/her employer, CCHBP may be worthwhile.

Pursuant to 10 U.S. Code §1078a, up to 36 months of coverage is ordinarily available. However, former spouses who meet these criteria can have unlimited coverage:

• Did not remarry under the age of 55,
• Was enrolled as a family member in an approved health care benefits program (i.e. Tricare/DEERS) at any time in the 18 months before dissolution or annulment, and
• Is receiving a share of the servicemember's military retirement, or has a court order or written agreement for a share of the retirement.

Benefits are similar to that of Tricare Standard (CHAMPUS), with the same list of providers (i.e. not military treatment facilities), and similar coverage, rules and procedures.

The former spouse must move fast to enroll - apply with a DD Form 2837 Continued Health Care Benefit Program Application within 60 days of the divorce, and mail it in with proof of your eligibility and a check for the first quarter of coverage.

More Information

CHCBP Details, on the Humana Military Healthcare Services, which administers the program.

An Employee's Guide to Health Benefits Under COBRA, published by the U.S. Department of Labor.

COBRA Continuation of Coverage, on the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services web site.