When life happens, do a TRICARE ‘checkup’ Published March 25, 2008 By Richard Carlson 21st Medical Group PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Few would argue that free or low-cost health care isn't one of the most valuable benefits of military service. However, life events, to include a newborn baby, adoption or even divorce, mean beneficiaries must stay on top of eligibility, co-payments and deductibles to make the most of health benefits and to avoid unexpected charges and denied claims. After his wife gave birth to their first son, a senior airman was so excited about his new namesake that he told everyone: his section leader, the squadron first sergeant and even the group commander. He told everyone ... except DEERS. It's important to enroll newborns and adopted children in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System, or DEERS, to establish TRICARE eligibility for well-baby and pediatric health care. By enrolling a newborn or adopted child in DEERS, sponsors may avoid potential claim problems. Enrollment in DEERS is a separate step required before sponsors can enroll the child in TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime remote for active-duty family members or TRICARE Reserve Select. If a child is not registered in DEERS within one year of his or her birth or adoption, DEERS will show "loss of eligibility" on day 366 and the child will no longer be able to receive TRICARE benefits until he or she is registered in DEERS. Once you have registered your newborn or adopted child, you must enroll him or her into TRICARE Prime within 60 days. Your newborn or adopted child is considered TRICARE Prime for the first 60 days from date of birth or adoption. If you do not enroll your child by that time, they will revert to TRICARE Standard benefits that can be very costly with deductibles and cost-shares. TRICARE Standard beneficiaries are only eligible to be seen in a military treatment facility on a space available basis only. To establish a newborn, adopted or pre-adoptive child's TRICARE eligibility in DEERS, submit the following to the local ID card office at the nearest military personnel flight. · An original or certified copy of a birth certificate or certificate of live birth (signed by the attending physician or other responsible person for a U.S. hospital or military treatment facility) or consular report of birth (FS-240) for children overseas. · A record of adoption or letter of placement of the child into the home by a recognized placement/adoption agency of the court before the final adoption. · An application for Department of Defense Common Access Card and DEERS enrollment (DD form 1172) To learn more about DEERS enrollment, visit www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/LifeEvents.