Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 8/2/2008

Question
Hi,

I wanted to inquire about health insurance though the Coast Guard.  My husband has 9 active years in the USAF and is now considering the Coast Guard.  He's 30 & I 27.  He told me that when he retires from the CG that we both have Tricare for life.  My question is if worse case scenario were to happen to him am I still covered for life?  I was diagnosed with MS 2 years ago this month and it is extremely important that I have insurance.

Thanks so much and God Bless......  

Answer
Dear Casey --

As a widow of someone who dies on active duty, you would receive the servicemembers group life insurance payment (make sure he pays the fees), a monthly stipend (about $750), and Tricare health insurance, but you will have to pay a premium for that insurance.  If you remarry, you will lose the insurance benefits and the monthly stipend.

If the service member retires, the family continues Tricare (paying a monthly retiree premium).  The children lose their Tricare eligibility when they turn 18 (not enrolled full time in college) or 23 (enrolled full time in college).   When each adult family member becomes eligible to enroll in medicare, then they must also enroll in Tricare for Life.  As long as you do not divorce, or become widowed and remarry, you maintain this benefit based on your current marriage to a service member.

I hope this answers your question.  Good luck to you and your family.