Navigating the transition from military to civilian life involves many changes, and health care coverage is a significant one. The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) offers a crucial bridge, providing temporary health coverage when you lose eligibility for TRICARE. Think of CHCBP as a safety net, ensuring you and your family maintain access to essential health benefits during this transition period. This premium-based plan is designed to provide similar coverage to TRICARE Select, including prescription medications, and meets the minimum essential coverage requirements of the Affordable Care Act. If you are facing a loss of TRICARE benefits, understanding CHCBP is your first step towards securing continued health care.
Who is Eligible for the Continued Health Care Benefit Program?
Eligibility for the Continued Health Care Benefit Program depends on your previous TRICARE plan and the reason for your loss of coverage. Crucially, to qualify for CHCBP, your prior TRICARE plan (such as TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR), or TRICARE Young Adult) must have been active for at least one day before your TRICARE eligibility ended. Furthermore, the service member’s separation must be under conditions other than adverse discharge (meaning not dishonorable or general discharge).
Here’s a breakdown of common scenarios and the corresponding coverage duration under the Continued Health Care Benefit Program:
Scenarios for 18 Months of CHCBP Coverage
- Active Duty Service Members: If you are released from active duty, you are eligible for up to 18 months of CHCBP coverage.
- Full-Time National Guard Members: Separation from full-time National Guard status also qualifies you for up to 18 months under this program.
- Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) Participants: Upon loss of TAMP coverage, you can enroll in CHCBP for up to 18 months.
- Selected Reserve Members (TRS): Losing coverage under TRICARE Reserve Select makes you eligible for CHCBP for up to 18 months.
- Retired Reserve Members (TRR) under 60: If you lose TRICARE Retired Reserve coverage before reaching age 60, you are eligible for up to 18 months of CHCBP.
Scenarios for 36 Months of CHCBP Coverage
- Dependent Spouses and Children: Dependent spouses or children who lose TRICARE coverage are eligible for a longer CHCBP coverage period, up to 36 months.
- Unremarried Former Spouses: Unremarried former spouses who lose TRICARE benefits may also qualify for up to 36 months of CHCBP coverage. It’s advisable for former spouses to contact Humana Military directly to confirm their specific eligibility and potential for extended coverage beyond 36 months.
Important Note for Deactivating Service Members: If you are preparing to deactivate, remember that programs like the TRICARE Assistance Management Program (TAMP) and TRICARE Reserve Select might be available to you initially. CHCBP often serves as a follow-on option after these programs conclude. To enroll in CHCBP, ensure you apply within 60 days of losing TAMP coverage or within 30 days of losing TRICARE Reserve Select coverage. Consult your personnel office for detailed guidance on your transition and available benefits.
Connecting with the CHCBP Contractor: Humana Military
Humana Military is the Department of Defense contractor responsible for administering the Continued Health Care Benefit Program. They handle all aspects of CHCBP, from enrollment and authorizations to claims processing and customer support.
For comprehensive information about the Continued Health Care Benefit Program, to verify your eligibility, or to begin the enrollment process, please utilize the following resources:
- Visit the official CHCBP website: Humana Military CHCBP Website
- Contact Humana Military directly by phone: 1-800-444-5445
Last Updated: 11/21/2024
