The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) offers a temporary health coverage solution when you lose eligibility for TRICARE. Operating as a premium-based plan, CHCBP is designed to bridge the gap between your military health benefits and the start of your new civilian health plan. It’s crucial to understand what CHCBP provides, especially if you’re transitioning out of TRICARE coverage.
Who is Eligible for CHCBP?
To be eligible for CHCBP individual coverage, you generally need to 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 your loss of TRICARE benefits.
Qualifying scenarios for purchasing CHCBP coverage include:
- Active Duty Service Members: Upon release from active duty, you may be eligible for up to 18 months of coverage.
- Full-time National Guard Members: Separation from full-time status can qualify you for up to 18 months of coverage.
- Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) Recipients: Loss of TAMP coverage makes you eligible for up to 18 months of CHCBP.
- Selected Reserve Members (TRS): Losing TRICARE Reserve Select coverage can qualify you for up to 18 months of CHCBP.
- Retired Reserve Members (TRR): Loss of TRR coverage before age 60 can provide up to 18 months of coverage.
- Dependent Spouses and Children: Losing TRICARE coverage as a dependent can qualify spouses and children for up to 36 months of CHCBP.
- Unremarried Former Spouses: Loss of TRICARE coverage as an unremarried former spouse can lead to up to 36 months of coverage, with potential for extended periods under certain conditions. It’s advisable to verify the specifics with Humana Military.
It’s important to note that in all eligibility cases, the service member’s separation from service must be under conditions other than adverse (“other than “honorable” or “general””).
What Coverage Does CHCBP Offer?
CHCBP provides coverage that mirrors TRICARE Select, ensuring a smooth transition in your healthcare benefits. This comprehensive coverage includes prescription medication benefits, offering continued access to necessary prescriptions. Furthermore, CHCBP meets the minimum essential coverage requirements set by the Affordable Care Act, which is a vital consideration as you plan for your healthcare needs after CHCBP ends. It’s important to explore your healthcare options to ensure continuous coverage once your CHCBP benefits conclude.
Enrollment and Contacting CHCBP Contractor
If you determine you are eligible for CHCBP, you must enroll within 60 days of losing your TRICARE eligibility. Humana Military is the contractor responsible for administering the CHCBP. They handle enrollment processes, authorizations, claims processing, and customer service inquiries.
For detailed information about CHCBP, to verify your eligibility, or to enroll, you can:
- Visit the CHCBP website for comprehensive online resources.
- Contact Humana Military directly by phone at 1-800-444-5445 to speak with a customer service representative.
Understanding your options for health coverage as you transition from military to civilian life is crucial. CHCBP serves as a valuable resource, offering a bridge to ensure continuous health coverage for you and your family during this period.
