Adding Your Parents to Tricare- A Comprehensive Guide for Eligibility and Enrollment

Can you add your parents to your Tricare insurance? This is a common question among military families, especially those who are not yet aware of the benefits and coverage options available under the Tricare program. Tricare is a healthcare program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families, and it offers a wide range of services and coverage. In this article, we will explore the possibility of adding parents to your Tricare insurance and the conditions that must be met to do so.

The Tricare program primarily covers the immediate family members of service members, which includes the spouse and children. However, there are certain circumstances under which parents may be eligible for coverage. One such situation is when the parent is the surviving spouse of a deceased service member. In this case, the surviving spouse can add their parent to their Tricare insurance as a dependent.

Another scenario where parents may be eligible for Tricare coverage is when they are the surviving parents of a service member who has been killed in action or died while on active duty. In such cases, the surviving parents can be added to the service member’s Tricare insurance as dependents.

It is important to note that not all parents are eligible for Tricare coverage. For a parent to be added to your Tricare insurance, they must meet specific criteria. Firstly, the parent must be the biological or legally adopted parent of the service member. Secondly, the parent must be at least 65 years old or disabled, and must not be eligible for Medicare. Lastly, the parent must not have been covered by Tricare before the service member’s death.

The process of adding a parent to your Tricare insurance is relatively straightforward. The service member must submit a completed DD Form 2687, “Application for Family Member Military Identification Card,” to their installation’s Tricare Service Center. The form must be accompanied by proof of the parent’s relationship to the service member, such as a birth certificate or adoption papers, and proof of the parent’s age and disability status, if applicable.

Once the application is approved, the parent will be issued a Tricare identification card, which they can use to access healthcare services covered under the program. It is important to remember that the coverage provided to parents under Tricare may be different from that provided to immediate family members, and it is essential to review the coverage details carefully.

In conclusion, while it is possible to add your parents to your Tricare insurance under certain circumstances, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements and the process involved. By ensuring that your parents meet the necessary criteria and following the proper procedures, you can help them access the healthcare services they need through the Tricare program.