Glossary
Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP)
A 18- to 36-month temporary TRICARE-like coverage option for those who lose TRICARE eligibility — functionally the military version of COBRA.
Also known as: CHCBP, TRICARE COBRA
Quick answer
CHCBP is a premium-based, time-limited continuation of TRICARE-style coverage for people who lose TRICARE (e.g., separated service members, divorced spouses, aging-out dependents). It is administered by Humana Military.
Why it matters
CHCBP is not a permanent solution but bridges a gap until other coverage (Medicare, employer, marketplace) is in place.
When you'll encounter it
Loss of TRICARE eligibility for reasons other than retirement (e.g., separation, divorce, dependent aging out).
Impact on Medicare
CHCBP is not creditable coverage for delaying Part B — same trap as COBRA.
Impact on TRICARE For Life
CHCBP is separate from TFL; the two do not overlap for the same person.
Common misconceptions
- "CHCBP lets me delay Part B without penalty." — It does not — CHCBP is continuation coverage, not active employer coverage.
What should I do?
- 1Enroll within 60 days of losing TRICARE.
- 2Treat it as a temporary bridge, not a long-term plan.
- 3Plan your Part B enrollment regardless of CHCBP status.
Continue learning
— suggested by the knowledge graph- Frequently asked questions about Medicare and TRICARE For LifeA quick-reference summary of the questions retired service members and spouses ask most often — with citations to the official source.
- Common mistakes retired military make at 65 — and how to avoid themThe most expensive errors retired service members and spouses make during the Medicare and TFL transition, and the simple fixes for each.
- Using military hospitals and clinics (MTFs) after age 65What changes about Military Treatment Facility access once you become Medicare-eligible — and how to plan for the transition.
- What is TRICARE For Life? The complete guide for retired militaryThe Medicare-wraparound benefit you earned through service — what it covers, who qualifies, what it costs, and how it activates.
- Gray Area RetireeA Reserve or Guard retiree between drilling retirement and age 60, eligible for TRICARE Retired Reserve but not regular TRICARE.
- Reserve Retirement (Gray Area & Retired Reserve)Reserve and Guard members who retire from drilling but are not yet drawing retired pay — they typically lose TRICARE until age 60.
- Beneficiary CategoryHow DEERS classifies you (active duty, retiree, family member, survivor, etc.) — determines which TRICARE plans and cost shares apply.
- DEERSThe DoD's master database that determines who is eligible for TRICARE — including TRICARE For Life.
- Defense Health Agency (DHA)The DoD combat support agency that runs the Military Health System and administers TRICARE, including TRICARE For Life.
- Dual Eligible (Medicare & Medicaid)People enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid — Medicaid pays Medicare premiums and cost-sharing, and may cover services Medicare does not.
- Does TRICARE For Life work overseas?Yes. Overseas, TFL acts as your primary payer because Medicare generally doesn't pay outside the U.S. You'll usually pay the provider up front and file a paper claim with TFL overseas.
- What are the biggest mistakes retired military make at 65?Declining Part B, missing the IEP, ignoring DEERS, enrolling in Part D unnecessarily, and assuming MTF access continues. Each can cost thousands or end TFL.
- Can I keep going to the military hospital after 65?Only on a space-available basis. Active duty and Prime enrollees come first. Most retirees on TFL transition fully to civilian Medicare providers.
- I live overseas full-time. How does Medicare + TFL work?Keep paying Part B to keep TFL. Use TFL as your primary payer overseas (Medicare doesn't pay abroad). File paper claims with International SOS.
- How does the ER work with Medicare and TFL?Go to the nearest ER — Medicare and TFL cover emergency care anywhere in the U.S. with no prior authorization. Medicare pays first; TFL covers your share.
Related glossary terms
Related Official Resources
Continue learning straight from the source. Every link below goes to an official government or DoD resource.
Last reviewed January 2026 against the 2026 Medicare & You and TRICARE For Life handbooks.