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TRICARE Qualifying Life Events

TRICARE QLE Questions and Answers

Q1:

My child experienced a QLE and is making a Change. Can I do so as well?

A:

A QLE for one family member means all eligible family members can make enrollment changes during the QLE period. 

Q2:

What if I don’t experience a QLE? Do I have any other option?

A:

You may. If you’re eligible for TRICARE, but don’t enroll in a plan during open season or within 90 days of a QLE, you’ll only be eligible for care and pharmacy services at a military hospital or clinic if space is available.

If you’re a qualified member of the Select Reserve or Retired Reserve and you aren’t in an active status, you may be eligible to purchase a premium-based plan for you and your family. The same is true if you have an eligibility change. Available options include TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, TRICARE Young Adult, and the Continued Health Care Benefit Program. You can purchase a premium-based plan at any time, except for the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP). You can only purchase CHCBP coverage within 60 days of loss of eligibility for TRICARE.

You also may be eligible for TRICARE For Life. Coverage is automatic if you have Medicare Part A and Part B. 

Q3:

What is a qualifying life event (QLE)?

A:

A QLE is a certain change in your life that would make you eligible to enroll in a TRICARE Prime option or TRICARE Select outside of open season. These life events may open up TRICARE health plan options for you and your family. If you want to make any eligible changes, you’ll have 90 calendar days from the date of the QLE to do so. 

Q4:

When Does Coverage Start?

A:

Your coverage will start on the date of the QLE and continue until you lose eligibility or disenroll.

Q5:

Where can I find a list of the different types of QLEs?

A:

Visit www.tricare.mil/publications to download the TRICARE Qualifying Life Events Fact Sheet or visit www.tricare.mil/lifeevents.

Last Updated: July 11, 2023
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