Tricare Young Adult is an option for military service members' unmarried, adult children ages 21-26 who have "aged out" of regular Tricare coverage. The plan provides comprehensive medical and pharmacy benefits.
You may qualify to purchase Tricare Young Adult if you're:
Tricare Young Adult offers the same coverage as Tricare Prime or Tricare Select -- the only difference is the cost. How you get care depends on whether you choose the Prime option or the Select option.
Tricare Young Adult costs are based on three things:
To participate, you're required to pay monthly premiums. Your plan option and sponsor's military status determine what you pay for covered services.
All dependent adult children who qualify for Tricare Young Adult can choose the Select option.
Tricare Young Adult Select allows you to visit any Tricare-authorized provider. If you see an in-network provider, you'll pay less out of pocket, and the provider will file claims for you. You do not need a referral for any type of care, but some services may require prior authorization. The coverage is exactly the same as normal Tricare Select.
The program has an annual deductible and co-payments, which are due at the time of service just like the Tricare Select program.
The 2023 premium is $291 per month. When you first enroll, you must pay the first two months’ premiums upfront. You can pay by check, money order or credit/debit card. From then on, all monthly premiums must be made by automatic bank transfer or recurring credit/debit card payments.
The Tricare Young Adult Prime option works the same as Tricare Prime. You'll have an assigned primary care manager (PCM) who provides most of your care. The PCM:
Children of active-duty sponsors in all U.S. locations and in all overseas areas (if command-sponsored) may enroll; as may children of retired sponsors only in Prime service areas.
The program has an annual deductible and co-payments, which are due at the time of service, just like the Tricare Prime program.
The 2023 premium is $570 per month. When you first enroll, you must pay the first two months’ premiums upfront. You can pay by check, money order or credit/debit card. From then on, all monthly premiums must be made by automatic bank transfer or recurring credit/debit card payments.
You may buy coverage at any time by submitting a completed Tricare Young Adult Application with an initial two-month premium payment to your regional (stateside/overseas) contractor.
After the initial payment, you must make ongoing monthly premium payments by electronic funds transfer or recurring debit/credit card payments.
No. You will usually use your military ID card for care. See the Tricare website for more information.
Yes, but you'll have to wait 12 months before buying it again.
No. However, your sponsor may choose to buy Continued Health Care Benefit Program coverage or another insurance plan for the entire family.
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Related Topics: Tricare BenefitsJim Absher is Military.com's former benefits editor and columnist. He joined the Navy to see the world and later realized the world is two-thirds water. He also worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in field offices and Washington, D.C. before coming to Military.com in 2015. Read Full Bio
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