A March 30 Defense Health Agency webinar will offer expert advice for servicemembers nearing military retirement, including an overview of your TRICARE plan options.

The hourlong webinar, set for 1 p.m. Eastern, will address coverage needs of members retiring from active duty (after 20 years or earlier via medical retirement) as well as National Guard and Reserve members with 20 or more years of qualifying service at age 60 and retired reservists who may qualify for retirement pay at age 60. Participants will be able to ask questions at the end of the presentation; space is limited, so register early.

The presentation will address ways to avoid a gap in coverage, as well as vision and dental plan options available to new retirees. It will also outline the process of changing your coverage plan – retirement from uniformed service is a TRICARE qualifying life event (QLE), opening a 90-day window for enrollment changes.

“Knowing your health plan options and how to enroll after a QLE is a great way to plan ahead for retirement,” said Zelly Zim, webinar presenter and a program analyst with TRICARE Policy and Programs at the Defense Health Agency, in a TRICARE.mil piece promoting the event. “Joining this webinar will help you understand what steps you need to take if you’d like to keep your TRICARE coverage.”

MOAA Resources

Along with the webinar and materials available at TRICARE.mil, you may find some of the answers you’re seeking in one of many MOAA products:

• MOAA’s TRICARE Guide includes a section on this process, which offers a step-by-step guide to transitioning into retiree status.
• A You Ask, MOAA Answers video (and transcript) covers some of the most frequently asked questions about the transition.
• MOAA’s TRICARE Toolkit offers a regular look at all facets of the TRICARE program, including special focus on Guard and Reserve benefits.