Frequently Asked
Can my spouse stay on TRICARE?
Yes. Spouses retain TRICARE eligibility for life — but the program they're on changes based on their own age and Medicare status.
Yes — as long as they remain your spouse and stay enrolled in DEERS, they keep TRICARE.
How it works depends on their age, not yours:
- Spouse under 65 and not Medicare-eligible: Stays on TRICARE Prime, Select, or Retired Reserve.
- Spouse turning 65 (or otherwise Medicare-eligible): Must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B and will automatically transition to their own TRICARE For Life coverage.
- Each spouse is treated independently. You can be on TFL while your spouse is still on TRICARE Select.
Don't forget to update DEERS at every life event. And surviving spouses retain TRICARE eligibility — but it's worth verifying through milConnect after a sponsor's death.
Related glossary terms
Official sources
Last reviewed January 2026 against the 2026 Medicare & You and TRICARE For Life handbooks.