MAY 8, 2026 – Becoming an adult comes with a lot of new responsibilities—including starting to manage your healthcare. If you’re a young adult who’s about to age out of regular TRICARE coverage from your parent or step-parent, you still have options.
“TRICARE Young Adult lets you keep TRICARE benefits while you are building for your future,” said Debra Fisher, Health System Specialist, Policy & Programs Branch, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “TYA-Prime and TYA-Select can keep your health covered as you move into the next phase of your life.”
Who’s eligible for TYA?
As described in the TRICARE Young Adult Program Fact Sheet, to be eligible for TYA plan, you must be:
- An adult child of an eligible sponsor
- Not married
- At least 21 but not yet 26 years old
- Ineligible to enroll in an employer-sponsored health plan
- Not otherwise eligible for TRICARE coverage
If you’re enrolled in college full time, and your sponsor provides more than 50% of your support, your eligibility may not begin until age 23—or upon graduation—whichever comes first.
Make sure you verify that your information is up to date in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, including your student status. This is especially important if you move to a different TRICARE region or live outside a Prime Service Area.
Your TYA plan options
There are two types of TYA plans: TYA-Prime and TYA-Select. Remember that both plans include medical and pharmacy benefits, but exclude dental and comprehensive vision coverage. Here’s an overview of some things to consider when deciding which plan is right for you.
TYA-Prime
TYA-Prime works like TRICARE Prime. You’ll get most of your care from a primary care manager who coordinates your appointments, gives you referrals for specialists when needed, and files claims for you. Additionally:
- You’ll pay a monthly premium and TRICARE Prime copayments.
- You must live in a Prime Service Area—usually near a military hospital or clinic.
- Referrals are required for specialty care.
TYA-Prime may be a good option if you want predictable costs and like having a PCM to manage your care.
TYA-Select
TYA-Select works like TRICARE Select. You can see any TRICARE-authorized provider without needing a referral for most services.
- You’ll pay a monthly premium—plus cost-shares and an annual deductible—when you get care.
- You choose your providers and don’t need to live in a specific area.
TYA-Select may be a good option if you want more flexibility in how you get care, travel often, or live away from military hospitals or clinics.
When do you become ineligible for TYA?
Your TYA coverage ends the day before your 26th birthday—or sooner if you:
- Get married
- Become eligible for an employer-sponsored health plan
- Become eligible for another TRICARE program
- Your sponsor loses TRICARE eligibility
If you become eligible again, you can reenroll later.
You can also choose to end TYA coverage at any time. You’ll need to fill out the TRICARE Young Adult Application (DD Form 2947) and submit it to your TRICARE regional contractor.
Keep in mind, if you terminate TYA coverage, you’ll be locked out from purchasing TYA coverage for 12 months from the date of termination. The lockout doesn’t apply if you lose access to an employer-sponsored health plan or if you gain other TRICARE coverage.
Learn more and stay covered
TYA can help you stay covered while you focus on life’s next big steps. To find out which plan is right for you, visit TRICARE Young Adult to compare options, check eligibility, and learn how to enroll.