Most TRICARE plan options meet Affordable Care Act requirements Published Oct. 10, 2014 WASHINGTON -- Almost all TRICARE plan options meet Affordable Care Act requirements for minimum essential coverage, or MEC; however, people who are losing TRICARE eligibility, or transitioning to a new type of TRICARE coverage, need to know their options so they avoid any penalties for not having minimum essential health coverage under the ACA. The Affordable Care Act's MEC requirement means most Americans need to have basic health care coverage, or they will have to pay a penalty fee. People who are eligible for premium-free TRICARE Standard meet the act's MEC requirement, said TRICARE officials. This includes active-duty service members and their families, military retirees and their families, and others. People who qualify for TRICARE For Life and purchase Medicare Part B also meet MEC requirements. Those who are only eligible for premium-based coverage, like TRICARE Young Adult, TRICARE Retired Reserve and TRICARE Reserve Select, must purchase one of these options (or have other qualifying health coverage) in order to meet the MEC requirement. Simply being eligible for premium-based coverage or space-available care in a military hospital or clinic does not meet the MEC requirement, explained officials. There are several reasons people can lose TRICARE coverage, such as separating from military service, aging out, or choosing to stop paying for TYA, TRR, or TRS. When that happens, they may be eligible for transitional benefits, like the Transitional Assistance Management Program or Continued Health Care Benefit Program. However, TAMP and CHCBP only last between six and 18 months, and once this coverage expires, people will need other health care coverage or they may be in violation of the MEC requirement. People who are losing TRICARE coverage for any reason are encouraged to explore additional health coverage options, including the Health Insurance Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov. The "Life Events" section of the TRICARE website has more information on times in life when people might find themselves without TRICARE coverage. Most service members, and even their families, don't have to think much about health coverage while they have TRICARE. Officials said it is important for people to educate themselves on their options if their TRICARE eligibility ends, so that they are not left without health coverage. (Courtesy of TRICARE)