The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) offers a temporary health coverage solution when you no longer qualify for TRICARE, operating on a premium-based system. This program serves as an essential bridge, ensuring you maintain health coverage as you transition from military benefits to a civilian health plan. It mirrors the comprehensive coverage of TRICARE Select, including prescription benefits, and crucially fulfills the minimum essential coverage mandate under the Affordable Care Act. It’s important to explore your healthcare options as your CHCBP benefits period concludes to ensure continuous coverage. If you meet the eligibility requirements for CHCBP, you have a 60-day window from the date you lose TRICARE eligibility to enroll in the program.
Who is Eligible for the Continued Health Care Benefits Program?
To be eligible for CHCBP, especially if you were previously enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR), or TRICARE Young Adult, your prior plan must have been active for at least one day before your TRICARE eligibility ended.
You may be eligible to purchase CHCBP under various circumstances. It’s important to note that in all qualifying scenarios, the service member’s separation from service must be classified as “other than adverse conditions.”
| Former Category | Scenario | Length of Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Active Duty Service Member | Released from active duty | Up to 18 months |
| Full-time National Guard Member | Separated from full-time status | Up to 18 months |
| Member covered by the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) | Loss of TAMP coverage | Up to 18 months |
| Selected Reserve member covered by TRS | Loss of TRS coverage | Up to 18 months |
| Retired Reserve member covered by TRR | Loss of TRR coverage (before age 60) | Up to 18 months |
| Dependent spouse or child | Loss of TRICARE coverage | Up to 36 months |
| Unremarried former spouse | Loss of TRICARE coverage | Up to 36 months* |
*Unremarried former spouses may be eligible for extended coverage durations. It is recommended to verify the specifics with Humana Military for detailed information.
Preparing for Deactivation?
- You might be eligible for the TRICARE Assistance Management Program (TAMP) and/or TRICARE Reserve Select. CHCBP eligibility is often subsequent to these programs.
- If you are eligible to enroll in CHCBP, ensure you do so within 60 days of losing TAMP benefits or within 30 days of losing TRICARE Reserve Select benefits.
- Consult your personnel office for comprehensive details and guidance.
Connecting with the CHCBP Contractor: Humana Military
Humana Military is the designated contractor administering the Continued Health Care Benefits Program. They are responsible for handling enrollment processes, securing authorizations, managing claims, and providing customer service support. For further details regarding CHCBP, including eligibility verification and enrollment procedures, you can:
- Visit the CHCBP website
- Contact Humana Military directly at 1-800-444-5445
Last Updated 11/21/2024
