Spouses, Survivors & Family

• My spouse is younger than 65. What's their TRICARE?They stay on TRICARE Prime or Select until their own 65th birthday. Then they enroll in Medicare A and B on their own timeline and TFL activates for them.
• Does my spouse keep TFL if I die first?Yes. Eligible surviving spouses keep TRICARE For Life as long as they remain enrolled in Medicare Part B and DEERS reflects survivor status. They don't lose TFL by becoming a survivor.
• Is a former spouse eligible for TFL?Only if they meet the 20/20/20 rule (20 years of marriage overlapping 20 years of creditable military service) and are otherwise Medicare-eligible. Otherwise no.
• Can my spouse stay on TRICARE Prime or Select after I move to TFL?Yes. Your move to TFL doesn't affect your spouse. They stay on Prime or Select until their own Medicare eligibility (usually their 65th birthday).
• I'm divorced. Can I still use TRICARE For Life?Only if you meet the 20/20/20 rule. Otherwise, TRICARE ends with divorce. 20/20/15 spouses get one transitional year of TRICARE but no TFL.
• My retired military spouse just passed away. What do I do about TFL?Contact DFAS to start survivor processing, ensure DEERS is updated to survivor status, keep paying Medicare Part B, and notify WPS. TFL continues for an eligible surviving spouse.
• Do my adult children stay on TRICARE when I switch to TFL?Yes, if they're still eligible (under 21, or under 23 if a full-time student, or enrolled in TRICARE Young Adult up to 26). Your move to TFL doesn't affect their eligibility.
• What's the difference between CHAMPVA and TFL?CHAMPVA is a VA program for the spouse/child of a totally disabled or deceased veteran who is NOT eligible for TRICARE. If you qualify for TFL, you don't use CHAMPVA.

Educational only — not insurance, legal, or tax advice. Verify with Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE), WPS (1-866-773-0404), SSA, or a licensed advisor before making enrollment decisions.