TRICARE Beneficiaries: A Family Member’s Passing Can Impact Health Coverage

PHOENIX (August 15, 2025) — After a family member passes away, it takes time to deal with the emotional impacts that follow. It can be difficult to handle important personal affairs that can affect a family’s future.

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) understands health coverage may not be an immediate concern, but advises a few steps in the following weeks to ensure TRICARE coverage continues uninterrupted.

A family member’s passing is a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event (QLE), which can impact a family’s health coverage and future, DHA says.

Family members need to prepare for their future by making appropriate health plan changes within 90 days of a loved one’s passing.

DHA has published the TRICARE QLE Fact Sheet for understanding the steps and options following a family member death, DHA says.

It provides information and advice on necessary steps for continued TRICARE coverage and helps ensure health care services are not interrupted.

TRICARE sponsors and beneficiaries should also read this TRICARE Newsroom article on how a family member death can impact TRICARE coverage.