The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) offers a temporary health coverage solution for individuals and families transitioning from military health benefits to civilian life. Operating as a premium-based plan, CHCBP is specifically designed to bridge the gap when you lose eligibility for TRICARE, ensuring continuous access to healthcare coverage for a limited period. This program essentially acts as a stepping stone, providing health security while you establish a new civilian health plan.
Understanding the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP)
CHCBP mirrors the comprehensive coverage of TRICARE Select, which notably includes prescription benefits. This ensures that beneficiaries maintain access to necessary medications and healthcare services. Furthermore, CHCBP meets the minimum essential coverage requirements stipulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It’s crucial to remember that CHCBP is a temporary measure, and individuals should proactively explore long-term health insurance options as their CHCBP coverage period nears its end.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for CHCBP, you have a 60-day window from the date you lose TRICARE eligibility to enroll in the program. This timeframe is important to note to avoid any lapse in health coverage.
Who is Eligible for CHCBP Individual Coverage?
To be eligible for CHCBP, individuals must have been covered by specific TRICARE plans immediately before losing eligibility. These qualifying plans include TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR), and TRICARE Young Adult. Moreover, the preceding TRICARE plan must have been active for at least one day prior to the loss of eligibility for CHCBP consideration.
Eligibility to purchase CHCBP extends to various scenarios stemming from changes in military status. It’s important to note that in all qualifying situations, the service member’s separation from duty must be under conditions other than adverse, meaning not dishonorable or general discharge. Here’s a breakdown of common eligibility scenarios:
- Active Duty Service Members: Individuals released from active duty are eligible for up to 18 months of CHCBP coverage.
- Full-time National Guard Members: Separation from full-time National Guard status also qualifies members for up to 18 months of coverage.
- Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) Participants: Those losing coverage under the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) can enroll in CHCBP for up to 18 months. CHCBP acts as a follow-on option after TAMP benefits conclude.
- Selected Reserve Members with TRS: Upon losing coverage from TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), eligible individuals can purchase CHCBP for up to 18 months.
- Retired Reserve Members with TRR (under age 60): Loss of TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) coverage before reaching age 60 makes individuals eligible for CHCBP for up to 18 months.
- Dependent Spouses and Children: Dependent spouses or children who lose TRICARE coverage are eligible for a longer CHCBP coverage period, up to 36 months. This provides extended support during family transitions.
- Unremarried Former Spouses: Unremarried former spouses who lose TRICARE benefits also qualify for CHCBP coverage for up to 36 months. In certain situations, former spouses may be eligible for extended coverage durations, and it’s advisable to contact Humana Military for specific details regarding their circumstances.
Important Considerations for Deactivating Service Members:
If you are preparing to deactivate from service, it’s vital to understand your options. You might be eligible for TAMP and/or TRICARE Reserve Select before considering CHCBP. CHCBP is often a subsequent step after these programs. If CHCBP is the appropriate option, enrollment must occur within 60 days of losing TAMP or within 30 days of losing TRICARE Reserve Select. Consulting with your personnel office is highly recommended to navigate these transitions smoothly and understand all available benefits.
CHCBP Administration and Contact Information
Humana Military is the designated contractor responsible for administering the Continued Health Care Benefit Program. They manage enrollment processes, coverage authorizations, claims processing, and customer service inquiries. For comprehensive information about CHCBP, to determine your eligibility, or to initiate enrollment, please utilize the following resources:
- Visit the official CHCBP website hosted by Humana Military: CHCBP Website
- Contact Humana Military directly by phone at 1-800-444-5445 for personalized assistance and answers to your questions.
By understanding the Continued Health Care Benefit Program, transitioning individuals and families can secure crucial health coverage during periods of change, ensuring peace of mind and access to healthcare services.
