TRICARE Young Adult Coverage Gets a Major Upgrade: Premiums Eliminated for Military Dependents

The Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2025 is a straightforward piece of legislation that delivers a significant win for military families. It focuses entirely on fixing the TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) program, which provides health coverage for dependents of service members who have aged out of standard TRICARE but aren't yet 26.

The $0 Monthly Difference

The biggest change here is the elimination of the separate monthly premium previously required for TYA coverage (SEC. 2, striking subsection (c) of section 1110b). For young adults—many of whom are navigating college, entry-level jobs, or career transitions—this premium was a substantial hurdle. Now, the cost of accessing this vital coverage is gone, removing a financial burden from both the young adult and their military family. This is a direct boost to affordability and access for dependents trying to stay covered during a critical, often financially unstable, period of their lives.

Expanding the Eligibility Circle

Beyond the cost savings, the bill also expands who can actually qualify for TYA coverage. It achieves this by removing an existing, unspecified restriction (SEC. 2, striking paragraph (3) from subsection (b) of section 1110b). While the specific restriction isn't detailed in the bill's summary, eliminating it opens the door to coverage for more dependents who might have been previously blocked by a technicality. This ensures that the program lives up to its purpose: providing a reliable healthcare bridge for military kids up to age 26, similar to what many civilian plans offer under the Affordable Care Act.

Why This Matters on the Ground

Think of a military family with a 24-year-old dependent who just graduated college and is job hunting. Under the old system, that young adult had to budget for the TYA premium, adding stress to an already tight financial situation. This bill removes that monthly expense, potentially saving the family hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. For a service member dealing with deployment or frequent moves, knowing their adult children have stable, accessible healthcare without the added premium cost is a huge relief. This legislation simplifies the process, expands who can use it, and makes healthcare coverage genuinely fair and affordable for this specific group of military dependents.