TRICARE Beneficiaries: Understand How Getting Married Affects Coverage

PHOENIX (January 9, 2026) — Becoming married can bring many lifestyle changes, including health, wellness, and care considerations.

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) wants TRICARE beneficiaries to know that getting married also means changes impacting their health care coverage.

Marriage is a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event, requiring beneficiaries to make any changes to their health plans within 90 days from the date of marriage, DHA says.

Military spouses and stepchildren of active duty service members, retiree spouses, and National Guard and Reserve spouses are eligible for TRICARE coverage. However, they need to be added to the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), DHA explains.

After getting married, updating family member beneficiary information in DEERS within 90 days is one of the most important steps – or coverage won’t apply, DHA adds.

Learn more: This recent TRICARE Newsroom article shares how getting married affects TRICARE Coverage.