A summary of the rules pertaining to the Department of Defense's
Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) coverage
Enrollment
What is CHCBP?
∙ Implementation of the CHCBP was directed by Congress
∙ In order to enroll in the CHCBP, an eligible individual
in section 4408 of the National Defense Authorization Act
must request enrollment via an application or letter to:
for Fiscal Year 1993. This law directed the
CHCBP ADMINISTRATOR
implementation of a program of temporary continued
PO BOX 1608
health benefits coverage comparable to the benefits
ROCKVILLE MD 20849-1608
provided for former civilian employees of the Federal
government. The CHCBP is a premium based temporary
∙ Although beneficiaries have sixty (60) days to enroll in
health care coverage program that will be available to
the CHCBP, the period of coverage must begin on the
qualified beneficiaries. Medical benefits under this
day after entitlement to a military health care plan ends
program will mirror the benefits offered via the basic
(including transitional health care under TAMP).
CHAMPUS program. The CHCBP is not part of the
∙ The application must also include payment for the
CHAMPUS program; however, it functions under most
premium for the first quarter (three months) coverage
of the rules and procedures of CHAMPUS.
under the CHCBP.
How long does CHCBP coverage last?
∙ Applications must be accompanied by proof of
∙ For any member discharged or released from active duty
eligibility such as DD 214, Defense Enrollment
or full-time National Guard duty, whether voluntarily or
Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) or any other
involuntarily, coverage under the CHCBP is limited to
official statement of service, and/or proof of
eighteen (18) months.
dependency status.
∙ For an unmarried dependent child of a member or former
What does CHCBP cost?
member, coverage under the CHCBP is limited to thirty-
∙ Premium rates are established by the Assistant Secretary
six (36) months.
of Defense (Health Affairs) for two rate groups,
Who is eligible?
individual and family. The rates are based on Federal
Employee Health Benefit Program employee and
A person who:
agency contributions which would be required for a
∙ is discharged or released from active duty, whether
comparable health benefits plan, plus an administrative
voluntarily or involuntarily, under other than adverse
fee. The premium rates may be updated annually and
conditions, and was entitled to medical and dental care
will be published when updated. the rates are also
under military health care plan; and
available from CHCBP Administrator.
∙ is not eligible for any benefits under CHAMPUS or
∙ Members discharged or released from active duty or
TAMP.
full-time National Guard duty must select their rate
A person who:
group at the time they enroll, either individual or family.
∙ ceases to meet requirements for being considered an
After enrollment, beneficiaries may change from family
unmarried dependent child of a member or former
to individual at any time by notifying CHCBP
member of the Uniformed Services;
Administrator in writing. Changes made from
individual to family may not be made.
∙ on the day before ceasing to meet those requirements, was
covered under CHAMPUS or TAMP as a dependent of
∙ Premiums are to be paid quarterly by check or money
the member or former member; and
order. Payment must be received no later than thirty
(30) days after the start of the quarter.
∙ would not otherwise be eligible for any benefits under
CHAMPUS.
Additional Information
A person who:
∙ write or call:
∙ is an unremarried former spouse of a member or former
member of the Uniformed Services;
CHCBP ADMINISTRATOR
PO BOX 1608
∙ on the day before the date of the final decree of divorce,
ROCKVILLE MD 20849-1608
dissolution, or annulment was covered under a health
1-800-809-6119
benefits plan under CHAMPUS or TAMP as a dependent
of the member or former member; and
∙ is not eligible for CHAMPUS as a former spouse of a
member or former member
Previous Page
