Guardsmen Activated for Katrina Eligible for Tricare

Members of the National Guard who were federally activated for more than 30 consecutive days supporting Hurricane Katrina relief and their Tricare-eligible family members can receive military health care benefits. The Defense Department approved funding for the eligibility under Title 32 U.S. Code effective Aug. 29. Guardsmen’s personnel offices should update the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System to reflect eligibility for Tricare benefits for those who fall under the Title 32 orders. After a DEERS update, family members will be covered automatically under Tricare Standard and may enroll in Tricare Prime or Prime Remote, if available in their area. Guardsmen serving on state orders are not eligible for Tricare health benefits, although they may be qualify for certain health care benefits through their state. For more information about DEERS, visit www.tricare.osd.mil/deers or call (800) 538-9552. To find the nearest ID card-issuing facility go to www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/owa/home.