The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) TRICARE offers a premium-based, temporary health coverage solution designed to bridge the gap between military health benefits and civilian health insurance plans. This program is crucial for individuals transitioning out of TRICARE eligibility, providing continued access to health care services.
What is the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP)?
The CHCBP acts as a temporary health bridge, offering coverage for 18 to 36 months for those who lose their TRICARE eligibility. Think of it as a vital stepping stone, ensuring you have continuous health coverage as you transition to a new civilian health plan. Importantly, the CHCBP mirrors the comprehensive coverage of TRICARE Select, including prescription benefits. Furthermore, it meets the minimum essential coverage requirements outlined by the Affordable Care Act. It’s essential to consider your health coverage options as your CHCBP benefits near their end to maintain continuous coverage. If you are eligible for the CHCBP, you must act quickly and enroll within 60 days of losing your TRICARE benefits.
Who is Eligible for CHCBP TRICARE?
To be eligible for the Continued Health Care Benefit Program, individuals must have been covered by specific TRICARE plans immediately before losing eligibility. These plans include TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR), and TRICARE Young Adult. Crucially, these plans must have been active at least one day prior to the loss of TRICARE eligibility to qualify for CHCBP.
Eligibility for purchasing CHCBP arises in various scenarios, all requiring the service member’s separation from service to be under “other than adverse conditions,” meaning not dishonorable or general discharge. The following table outlines common eligibility scenarios and the corresponding length of CHCBP coverage:
| 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 specific details regarding extended benefits.
If you are preparing to deactivate from service, remember that programs like the TRICARE Assistance Management Program (TAMP) and TRICARE Reserve Select might be available to you. The CHCBP is designed to follow these programs, providing a subsequent coverage option. To enroll in CHCBP, ensure you do so within 60 days of losing TAMP benefits or within 30 days of losing TRICARE Reserve Select coverage. Your personnel office is an excellent resource for further information and guidance on your specific situation.
Humana Military: Your CHCBP Contractor
Humana Military is the designated contractor administering the Continued Health Care Benefit Program. They manage various aspects of the program, including enrollment processes, obtaining authorizations, processing claims, and providing customer service support. For comprehensive details about the CHCBP, to verify your eligibility, or to initiate enrollment, please utilize the following resources:
- Visit the official CHCBP website hosted by Humana Military.
- Contact Humana Military directly by phone at 1-800-444-5445 for personalized assistance.
Understanding the Continued Health Care Benefit Program Tricare is vital for a smooth transition from military to civilian life, ensuring continuous health care coverage for you and your family.
