Plan 60+ Days Before Separation

TRICARE to Civilian Health InsuranceMinnesota Transition Guide

Leaving the military doesn't mean leaving good health coverage behind. This guide helps you compare ALL Minnesota options and find the best fit for your family.

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You Have 180 Days of Transitional Coverage

The Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) provides 180 days of continued TRICARE coverage after separation. Use this time wisely to find the best civilian option - don't wait until the last minute!

Transition Timeline

Follow these steps to ensure seamless coverage during your transition.

60+ Days Before

Start Planning

Research options, estimate post-military income, gather family health information

45 Days Before

Compare Options

Use Navitize to compare MNsure, MinnesotaCare, employer plans based on your situation

30 Days Before

Apply for Coverage

Submit applications for your chosen coverage option to ensure timely processing

Separation Date

TAMP Begins

180 days of transitional TRICARE coverage starts automatically

Before TAMP Ends

Confirm New Coverage

Ensure civilian coverage is active before TAMP expires to avoid gaps

Not Sure Which Option is Best?

Tell our AI about your situation - income, family size, medications, health conditions - and get personalized recommendations comparing ALL Minnesota options.

Example question:

"I'm separating from the Army in March, moving to Minneapolis with my spouse and 2 kids. I have a job lined up paying $65,000 but no health benefits for 90 days. What should I do?"

Ask the AI Assistant

Your Minnesota Coverage Options

Compare the main health insurance paths available to transitioning veterans.

MNsure Marketplace

$0-500+/month depending on subsidies

ACA-compliant plans with income-based premium subsidies

Pros

✓Premium subsidies if income qualifies
✓Comprehensive coverage required by ACA
✓Multiple carrier choices (UCare, HealthPartners, Medica, Blue Plus)
✓Special Enrollment when losing TRICARE

Considerations

•Premiums can be high without subsidies
•Deductibles may be higher than TRICARE
•Network restrictions vary by plan

Best for: Veterans with moderate income ($25,000-$75,000) without employer coverage

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MinnesotaCare

$0-80/month

State program for lower-income Minnesotans with very low premiums

Pros

✓Very affordable premiums
✓Low cost-sharing
✓Comprehensive coverage
✓No enrollment periods - apply anytime

Considerations

•Income limits (up to 200% FPL)
•Must not have access to affordable employer coverage
•Single managed care network

Best for: Veterans with income under ~$30,000 (individual) or ~$62,400 (family of 4)

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Employer Coverage

Varies by employer

Health insurance through your or spouse's new civilian employer

Pros

✓Employer pays portion of premium
✓Often comprehensive coverage
✓Pre-tax premium payments
✓May cover family members

Considerations

•Dependent on employment
•May have waiting periods
•Less plan choice

Best for: Veterans with access to employer-sponsored plans

VA Healthcare

Free to low-cost based on priority group

Direct healthcare through VA medical facilities for eligible veterans

Pros

✓Free or very low cost
✓Comprehensive care for eligible veterans
✓No premiums for many
✓Specialized veteran care

Considerations

•Must meet eligibility requirements
•Limited to VA facilities/network
•May have travel requirements
•Wait times at some facilities

Best for: Veterans with service-connected disabilities or lower income

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CHCBP (Last Resort)

$550-2,000+/month

Continued Health Care Benefit Program - temporary coverage after TAMP

Pros

✓Guaranteed availability
✓Up to 18 months coverage
✓TRICARE-like benefits

Considerations

•Expensive (~$1,500-2,000/month for family)
•No subsidies available
•Only 18 months maximum
•Usually worse value than alternatives

Best for: Only if no other options available - compare first!

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You Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period

Losing TRICARE is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). You have 60 days from your coverage end date to enroll in MNsure - no need to wait for Open Enrollment!

Visit MNsure.org

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does TRICARE coverage last after leaving the military?

Most separating service members qualify for the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP), which provides 180 days of continued TRICARE coverage after your separation date. This gives you time to find civilian coverage without a gap.

Can I use COBRA to extend my TRICARE coverage?

No, COBRA does not apply to TRICARE because it's not employer-sponsored coverage. However, the 180-day TAMP coverage serves a similar purpose. After TAMP ends, you can purchase Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) for up to 18 months, though it's often more expensive than civilian alternatives.

Does leaving the military qualify me for a Special Enrollment Period?

Yes! Losing TRICARE coverage is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) that triggers a 60-day Special Enrollment Period on MNsure. You can enroll in marketplace coverage outside the normal Open Enrollment period.

What health insurance options do I have after leaving the military in Minnesota?

Minnesota veterans have several options: MNsure marketplace plans (with potential subsidies), MinnesotaCare (income-based state program), employer-sponsored coverage (if available), VA healthcare (for eligible veterans), or Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) as a last resort.

Will I qualify for subsidies on MNsure?

If your household income is between 138% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (roughly $20,000-$58,000 for an individual in 2026), you likely qualify for premium subsidies. Many transitioning veterans qualify, especially if starting a new civilian job.

Can I get VA healthcare even with other insurance?

Yes, if you qualify for VA healthcare based on service-connected disabilities, income, or other eligibility criteria, you can use VA care alongside other insurance. Many veterans use VA for some services and private insurance for others.

What is MinnesotaCare and do veterans qualify?

MinnesotaCare is Minnesota's state-sponsored health program for residents with income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $30,000 for an individual or $62,400 for a family of 4 in 2026). Veterans who qualify based on income can enroll regardless of military status.

How do I compare prescription drug coverage between TRICARE and civilian plans?

Use Navitize's AI assistant to compare medication costs. Simply tell the AI what medications you take, and it will show you how different Minnesota plans cover those specific drugs, including copays and coverage tiers.

When should I start looking for civilian health insurance?

Start at least 60 days before your separation date. This gives you time to compare options, gather income estimates, and apply for coverage so it begins as soon as your TAMP coverage ends or earlier.

What if I'm retiring from the military instead of separating?

Military retirees (with 20+ years of service) maintain TRICARE eligibility and can choose TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, or TRICARE For Life (at age 65 with Medicare). You may still want to compare these to civilian options depending on your situation.

Helpful Resources

Find Your County CVSO

Free benefits assistance in all 87 MN counties

Call 1-888-LinkVet

Statewide veteran resource hotline

MN Dept. of Veterans Affairs

State agency serving 294,000+ MN veterans

Apply for VA Healthcare

Check eligibility and apply online

Ready to Find Your Best Option?

Upload your TRICARE documents or describe your situation. Our AI compares ALL Minnesota options and gives you personalized recommendations.

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Disclaimer: Navitize is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to TRICARE, the Defense Health Agency, the Department of Defense, MDVA, or any branch of the U.S. military. This guide is compiled from publicly available information for educational purposes only and does not constitute official TRICARE or government guidance. For official information, visit tricare.mil or mn.gov/mdva. Coverage, costs, and eligibility rules may change. Always verify current information with official sources before making healthcare decisions.