Becoming a military spouse opens up a world of benefits designed to support you and your family.
Marrying an active duty or retired service member gives you access to TRICARE health coverage, but you need to take action to sign up.
The process starts with getting added to the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
Your spouse must register you in DEERS to unlock your military benefits.
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A poster on the wall lists benefits”>
Once you’re in DEERS, you can enroll in a TRICARE health plan.
You have 90 days from your marriage date to get coverage.
This is called a Qualifying Life Event.
If you miss this window, you may have to wait for the next open enrollment period.
It’s smart to act quickly to avoid gaps in your healthcare coverage.
Military spouse benefits go beyond just healthcare.
You may qualify for education support, career assistance, and even adoption benefits.
These perks can make a big difference in your life as you adjust to being part of a military family.
Key Takeaways
- Spouses must be registered in DEERS to access military benefits
- New spouses have 90 days to enroll in TRICARE after marriage
- Benefits include healthcare, education support, and career assistance
Eligibility and Enrollment
Military spouses can get benefits like health care and shopping discounts.
To get these perks, you need to qualify and sign up the right way.
Qualifying as a Military Spouse
To get military spouse benefits, you must be legally married to an active duty, Guard, Reserve, or retired service member.
Common-law marriages don’t always count.
Divorced spouses might still get some benefits if they meet certain rules.
TRICARE health plans are a big perk for military spouses.
You can pick from different options based on where you live and your needs.
If your spouse is in the Guard or Reserve, your benefits might change when they’re on active duty.
Make sure to check what you’re eligible for during different times.
Registering with DEERS
DEERS stands for Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.
It’s a big database that keeps track of who can get military benefits.
To get your benefits, you must register in DEERS.
Your service member spouse usually needs to do this for you.
Bring your marriage certificate and two forms of ID to a DEERS office.
Once you’re in DEERS, you can sign up for health care and other perks.
Keep your info up to date in DEERS.
If you move or have kids, let them know.
Remember, you have 90 days after getting married to sign up for TRICARE.
Don’t miss this window!
Healthcare Benefits Overview
Military spouses have access to several healthcare options.
These include TRICARE plans, the US Family Health Plan, and Medicare-wraparound coverage for eligible individuals.
Understanding TRICARE Options
TRICARE offers different plans for military spouses. TRICARE Prime is a managed care option.
It has lower out-of-pocket costs but requires referrals for specialty care.
TRICARE Select is a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan.
It gives more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers.
Spouses can see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral.
For those living overseas, TRICARE Select Overseas is available.
It works like TRICARE Select but covers care outside the U.S.
TRICARE provides comprehensive coverage for spouses and dependents.
This includes:
- Preventive care
- Emergency services
- Hospital stays
- Prescription drugs
Exploring US Family Health Plan
The US Family Health Plan is another option for some military families.
It’s a TRICARE Prime option available in certain areas.
Key features:
- No enrollment fees for active duty family members
- Low out-of-pocket costs
- Access to civilian healthcare providers
The plan covers the same services as other TRICARE options.
These include doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions.
Spouses should check if the US Family Health Plan is offered in their area.
It can be a good choice for those who prefer civilian healthcare providers.
Medicare-Wraparound Coverage Considerations
For older spouses or those with certain health conditions, Medicare-wraparound coverage is important. TRICARE For Life serves as Medicare-wraparound coverage.
To use TRICARE For Life, spouses must:
- Be 65 or older
- Have Medicare Part A and Part B
TRICARE For Life works with Medicare to provide comprehensive health coverage.
It pays after Medicare for TRICARE-covered services.
This option helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible spouses.
It covers most healthcare needs, including hospital stays and outpatient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Military spouses have access to many benefits and programs.
These cover education, support after a spouse’s death, deployment assistance, and more.
Let’s look at some common questions.
How can a military spouse access education benefits?
Military spouses can get help paying for school.
The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program offers support for college and other training.
There are also scholarships just for military spouses.
Spouses can use these benefits at many schools.
They can study online or on campus.
Some programs even move with the spouse if they relocate.
What benefits are available to a military spouse if their partner passes away?
If a service member dies, their spouse gets help.
They can keep some healthcare coverage through TRICARE.
The spouse may also get money to help with living costs.
The VA offers burial benefits too.
Spouses can be buried with the veteran in a national cemetery.
The VA takes care of the grave forever.
Are there any benefits for spouses after a military divorce?
After a divorce, some benefits may continue.
It depends on how long the couple was married.
The ex-spouse might keep some healthcare for a while.
They may also get part of the service member’s retirement pay.
This is only if the marriage lasted long enough.
Each case is different.
Which benefits can a military spouse use while their partner is deployed?
During deployment, spouses can use many benefits.
They keep their healthcare coverage.
They can also get help with childcare.
Spouses can use education benefits during this time.
Many bases offer support groups and activities for families of deployed members.
How does a spouse participate in a Military Spouse program?
To join a program, spouses should start by checking their eligibility.
They need to be registered in DEERS.
This system tracks who can get military benefits.
Next, they can look for programs that interest them.
Many are offered through the base’s family support center.
Spouses can also find info online or by asking other military families.
What scholarships exist specifically for military spouses?
Several scholarships are just for military spouses.
A popular one is the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program.
It gives money for school or job training.
Other groups offer scholarships too.
Some are from military-focused organizations.
Others come from schools that want to help military families.
Spouses should check with their base’s education office for a list of options.