Can a military veteran receive TRICARE benefits?

Posted by Sylvius Von Saucken

Question:
I have a client who is a military veteran. Is it possible he could still be receiving TRICARE benefits or does one automatically switch over to VA services when leaving active duty?

-Georgia Attorney

Answer:
It depends on when he left active service. If the service member signed on to continue TRICARE coverage as a veteran, there may be a limited window of coverage before VA completely takes over (similar to COBRA interim coverage). However, if he is a combat veteran, specifically one who served in Iraq, the military (VA) would cover him for 5 regardless of situation.