FALLS CHURCH, Virginia –
When is the last time you checked to see if your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, or DEERS, is up to date? If it’s been a while, take time to log in to DEERS and review your information.
Keeping information on you and your family current in DEERS is important. Inaccurate information in the DEERS database could prevent you from being able to use your TRICARE benefits properly.
“TRICARE eligibility and health plan enrollment are maintained in DEERS,” said Dr. Danita Hunter, chief of Policy and Programs for the TRICARE Health Plan. “Check the DEERS records for you and your family and make sure they’re current and accurate. If you see anything wrong, get it fixed right away. Incorrect information in your DEERS record can cause problems with TRICARE claims and other health care benefits.”
You can update your contact information yourself. But you’ll need to reach out to Defense Manpower Data Center for other updates and corrections. Follow these steps to help you maintain your information within DEERS.
1. Check your DEERS record
The first step is to check your DEERS record. You can do this online through the milConnect website. What are some things to check? As described in the TRICARE Qualifying Life Events Fact Sheet, your DEERS record lists your service status, family status, and other information like your TRICARE coverage. You want to look at your contact information, including phone number, address, and email, to make sure they’re current. You should also review the information for each family member and confirm your personnel, service, and eligibility status is accurate.
Keep in mind, each family member must be registered in DEERS. This means every person has to have a record in DEERS before any TRICARE benefits can be applied to the family member’s record. If you’re a sponsor, you’re automatically registered in DEERS, but you must register your eligible family members.
2. Update your DEERS record
If there is incorrect information on your DEERS record, the second step is to get it updated without delay. There are some updates sponsors and family members can make online or by phone, like updating contact information. If you need to add or remove family members, though, sponsors must do this in person promptly by going to your nearest ID card office. Don’t forget to take supporting documents with you, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
To update and correct information in DEERS, here are all your options:
- Online: Log in to the milConnect website
- Phone: Call 1-800-538-9552 (TTY/TDD: 1-866-363-2883) or fax updates to 1-800-336-4416
- In-person: Visit a local RAPIDS ID Card Office (Note: Call or check the website for operating hours and to make an appointment)
- Mail: Send updates to:
Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office
Attention: COA
400 Gigling Road
Seaside, CA 93955-6771
3. Maintain your DEERS record
Throughout the year, you may experience changes requiring you to update your DEERS record. So, the third step is to continue to update your information promptly as soon as a change occurs. You can do this by making sure every time you have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), you update your DEERS information. Common examples of QLEs include:
- Retiring or separating from active duty
- Getting married
- Giving birth or adopting
- Moving
- Becoming eligible for Medicare
- Gaining or losing other health insurance
You’re responsible for keeping your DEERS information current. Following these steps will help you avoid any break in your TRICARE coverage. Check out the DEERS page on the TRICARE website at www.tricare.mil/deers to learn more.