If you or your soldier just returned from active duty, you have an important deadline that you do not want to miss. The Federal government authorized a 90-day extension on Tricare for reservists returning from duty without any premium charges. In addition, reservists are eligible for one year of coverage for every three months served on active duty. If you served 18 months, you would be eligible for six years of coverage. There is a price involved, but the benefits may be worth it for you and your family.
As soldiers demobilize, they will complete necessary forms to select the Tricare extension. You must complete your enrollment form and mail it with your first premium payment to the nearest Tricare office 30 to 60 days prior to your deadline. My husband was discharged from active duty on December 21, 2005. His deadline is March 21, 2006 to have the enrollment process completed. We just mailed it this week.
To purchase, visit https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/Guard-ReservePortal and follow the instructions. You will have to print the enrollment form from the website and mail it to the address at the bottom of the form. Do not forget to include your first month’s premium or include a credit card number.
If you have questions for Tricare, call the phone number on your Tricare ID card or visit www.tricare.osd.mil/.