Keep DEERS Up to Date to Use TRICARE
Being able to use TRICARE depends on you keeping your information up to date in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). DEERS is a database of active duty and retired service members, their family members, and others who are eligible for TRICARE. TRICARE eligibility shows up in DEERS based on the sponsor’s status. It’s essential to keep your DEERS record up to date to get timely and effective TRICARE benefits.
When to Update DEERS
Service members are automatically registered in DEERS when they join the military. However, service members have to add their eligible family members in DEERS. Your Social Security number (SSN) and the SSN of each of your covered family members must be included in DEERS for your TRICARE coverage to be accurate.
You should update DEERS anytime you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). A QLE can include marriage, divorce, birth or adoption, or retirement from active duty. Make sure to check that your address, duty status, phone numbers, and email addresses are correct. If you don’t, you may miss important information and enrollment deadlines.
How to Update DEERS
Changing your contact information in DEERS is easy, and you have a few options to do so. You can make changes online, by phone, fax, or mail, or in person at an ID card office. Find an office near you using the RAPIDS Site Locator. To add or remove family members, you must visit a local ID card office. To update contact information, choose one of these options:
– Online: Log in to milConnect
– Phone: Call the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) at 1-800-538-9552 (TTY/TDD: 1-866-363-2883)
– Fax: Fax updates to DMDC at 1-800-336-4416
– Mail: Mail updates to:
Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office
Attention: COA
400 Gigling Road
Seaside, CA 93955-6771
Remember, only sponsors can add a family member in DEERS. Family members age 18 and older may update their own contact information.
If you want to use TRICARE, take command of your health. Keep your and your family’s information up to date in DEERS. Learn more about when and how to update your DEERS information on the TRICARE website.
Last reviewed on September 1, 2019
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