The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) serves as a crucial temporary health coverage option for individuals and families transitioning from military health benefits to civilian health plans. Administered by Humana Military Health Care Services, this premium-based program offers a bridge of 18 to 36 months, providing benefits comparable to TRICARE Select. For those facing the end of their military health care entitlement, understanding the Continued Health Care Benefit Program Cost and its value is paramount in ensuring uninterrupted health coverage.
Who is Eligible for the Continued Health Care Benefit Program?
Eligibility for CHCBP extends to various categories of individuals who are no longer qualified for TRICARE or other Military Health System coverage. This includes:
- Separating Service Members: Active duty service members leaving the military under other than adverse conditions and their families are eligible. Coverage is limited to 18 months.
- Un-remarried Former Spouses: Those who were TRICARE-eligible on the day before a divorce, dissolution, or annulment are also eligible. Typically, coverage lasts up to 36 months, with potential extensions beyond 36 months under specific criteria. Contact Humana Military for detailed information.
- Children Losing Eligibility: Children who no longer meet the criteria for family member status and were TRICARE-eligible just before this change are eligible. Coverage is limited to 36 months.
- Certain Unmarried Adopted or Legal Custody Children: Specific unmarried children through adoption or legal custody also qualify. Coverage is limited to 36 months.
Key Benefits of the Continued Health Care Benefit Program
The CHCBP is designed to provide continuous health care coverage during the transition period between military and civilian life. A significant advantage of this program is its ability to cover pre-existing health conditions, which might not be immediately covered under a new employer’s health plan. Beneficiaries gain access to a network of TRICARE providers, and the program largely mirrors the rules and procedures of TRICARE Select, ensuring a familiar and reliable healthcare experience.
To enroll in the CHCBP, eligible individuals must apply within 60 days of losing Military Health System entitlement. The enrollment process requires:
- A completed CHCBP Enrollment Application (DD Form 2837).
- Necessary documentation as outlined in the application, such as DD214, divorce decree, or DD1173. Additional documents may be needed to confirm eligibility.
- Payment of the first 90-day premium to initiate coverage.
Coverage duration is either 18 or 36 months depending on the eligibility category:
- 18 months for separating service members and their families.
- 36 months for other eligible categories, with potential extensions beyond 36 months for some un-remarried former spouses under specific conditions.
Understanding the Costs Associated with CHCBP: Premiums and Care
A key consideration for those eligible for CHCBP is the continued health care benefit program cost. This program is premium-based, and enrollees are responsible for quarterly premium payments to maintain their coverage. Understanding these costs is crucial for financial planning during the transition period.
Accessing Care with TRICARE-Authorized Providers:
CHCBP enrollees can seek care from three types of TRICARE-authorized providers, each with different billing and payment procedures:
- Network Providers: These providers accept TRICARE’s payment as full payment for covered services (minus cost-shares and deductibles) and handle claim submissions.
- Non-Network Participating Providers: These providers also accept TRICARE’s payment as full payment on a case-by-case basis and will file claims for you.
- Non-Network Nonparticipating Providers: You may need to pay upfront and file a claim for reimbursement. These providers do not accept TRICARE’s payment as full payment and can charge up to 15% above the TRICARE-allowable charge, which is the enrollee’s responsibility in addition to standard patient costs. Claim filing is also the enrollee’s responsibility.
It’s important to note that CHCBP enrollees generally cannot use Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and clinics except in emergency situations.
CHCBP Premium Rates: 2024 and 2025
The continued health care benefit program cost is defined by quarterly premium rates. Here are the rates for 2024 and 2025:
2024 Quarterly Premium Rates (January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024):
- Individual coverage: $1,813 per quarter
- Family coverage: $4,539 per quarter
2025 Quarterly Premium Rates (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025):
- Individual coverage: $1,849 per quarter
- Family coverage: $4,621 per quarter
Alt Text: DD Form 2837, the CHCBP Enrollment Application form, essential for applying to the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.
These rates reflect the continued health care benefit program cost that beneficiaries must budget for to maintain their health coverage. While it is a premium-based program, CHCBP offers a valuable safety net, ensuring access to healthcare during critical life transitions.
Further Information
For more detailed information about the Continued Health Care Benefit Program, including specific details on eligibility criteria, coverage specifics, and the most current continued health care benefit program cost, please refer to the following resources:
- Call 1-800-444-5445 for direct assistance.
- Visit the Humana Military CHCBP webpage: https://www.humanamilitary.com/chcbp
- Explore the TRICARE CHCBP webpage: https://tricare.mil/chcbp
- Review the CHCBP Quarterly Premium Rates: https://tricare.mil/FAQs/General/CHCBP_Premiums
By understanding the continued health care benefit program cost and the comprehensive benefits it provides, eligible individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage during transition periods.
Alt Text: TRICARE Select logo, highlighting the program that shares benefit similarities with the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.
