The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) serves as a premium-based health coverage solution, designed as a temporary safety net for individuals and families transitioning from TRICARE eligibility. This program is crucial for those who are no longer qualified for military health benefits, providing a vital bridge to civilian health insurance plans.
CHCBP mirrors the comprehensive coverage offered by TRICARE Select, ensuring access to a wide range of medical services, including prescription medications. Importantly, it meets the minimum essential coverage standards as stipulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Individuals approaching the end of their CHCBP coverage should proactively explore alternative health insurance options to maintain continuous coverage.
Enrollment in CHCBP is available to eligible individuals within 60 days of losing TRICARE benefits.
Who Qualifies for CHCBP?
Eligibility for the Continued Health Care Benefit Program is tied to prior enrollment in specific TRICARE programs. To qualify for CHCBP, individuals must have been enrolled in one of the following plans for at least one day immediately before losing TRICARE eligibility:
- TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)
- TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)
- TRICARE Young Adult
Qualifying scenarios for purchasing CHCBP include various circumstances related to separation from military service or loss of TRICARE eligibility. It’s important to note that the service member’s separation 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 have access to extended coverage durations. It is recommended to contact Humana Military directly for detailed information regarding specific cases.
For service members preparing for deactivation, understanding the interplay between programs is essential. You might be eligible for the TRICARE Assistance Management Program (TAMP) and/or TRICARE Reserve Select before CHCBP becomes relevant. CHCBP eligibility typically follows the loss of benefits from these programs. To enroll in CHCBP, you must act within 60 days of losing TAMP or within 30 days of losing TRICARE Reserve Select coverage. Consult your personnel office for personalized guidance and comprehensive details.
Humana Military: Your CHCBP Administrator
Humana Military is the designated contractor managing the Continued Health Care Benefit Program. They handle all aspects of CHCBP, including enrollment processes, coverage authorizations, claims processing, and customer support.
For comprehensive information about the Continued Health Care Benefit Program, including detailed eligibility criteria and enrollment procedures, please:
- Visit the official CHCBP website: Humana Military CHCBP Website
- Contact Humana Military directly at 1-800-444-5445
Last Updated: 11/21/2024
