Today's Federal Register has published the fees that will be charged for the Tricare Young Adult Program (TYAP). Effective today, the Tricare Young Adult program will be available for the following premiums:
Tricare Standard/Extra: $186 per month
Tricare Prime: $213 per month
TYAP is designed to provide a health care option for unmarried former military dependents who have aged out of regular Tricare coverage but have not yet reached the age of 26. The beneficiaries must not be eligible for any other employer-sponsored health care coverage. Under TYAP, the beneficiary is eligible for the Tricare program of their choice based on the military sponsor's status (active duty, retired, reserve or retired reserve) and the availability of particular plans in their geographic area.
There will be open enrollment, allowing beneficiaries to enroll in TYAP at any time. At this time, a qualified young adult is eligible to purchase coverage retroactively to cover the period beginning 1 January 2011. This option is available until 30 September 2011.
Once enrolled, beneficiaries will be subject to the same deductibles, cost-shares and catastrophic caps as other beneficiaries based on their sponsor's status and the Tricare plan selected.
Premiums will change annually to reflect the changing costs of the program.
This Tricare Young Adult Program Coverage will not be inexpensive, but it does provide a way for military families to help their young adult children maintain medical insurance for a few years longer than the regular Tricare eligibility. Will your family use this coverage?
