Who must have a DEERs record to qualify for TRICARE coverage?

To qualify for TRICARE coverage, a DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) record is primarily required for members of the military. This database is essential for determining eligibility for TRICARE benefits, which are available for active duty service members, retirees, and certain other categories of personnel.

DEERS acts as a centralized record-keeping system that ensures military personnel and their eligible dependents are correctly enrolled in the appropriate health care program. Active duty service members need to maintain accurate information in DEERS to access health benefits and coordinate care effectively.

While spouses, veterans, and family members of veterans may also have DEERS records for their benefits, the direct requirement for .TRICARE coverage primarily centers around the military members themselves, as they are the holders of the eligibility status that grants access to TRICARE services.