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If you’re having trouble deciphering health care benefits, you’re not alone. Transitioning from TRICARE’s free coverage as an active-duty member to coverage as a civilian, with costs and

unfamiliar jargon, may feel overwhelming.   According to recent research, the majority of Americans said they’re “completely lost when it comes to understanding health insurance.” Here’s a

straightforward guide that breaks down coverage, so the next time you’re deciphering a PCP from an HMO, you’ll own the basics. SECURING HEALTH CARE BENEFITS TRICARE provides 180 days of free

transitional health care when you transition from active-duty member to veteran. You should apply for VA health care. All veterans are eligible for extensive free services that include

preventive care, inpatient hospital services, urgent and emergency care services, mental health services, prescriptions (written by or approved by a VA doctor), and routine eye exams and

preventive tests. Only some will qualify for added benefits, such as dental care.  Many vets secure coverage through their employer (a monthly premium is deducted from paychecks). If your

employer doesn’t offer it or if you’re self-employed, you’ll select a plan through the government’s marketplace or an insurance provider. Coverage and costs vary. Universal coverage does not

exist. Every year in November and December, you can select a plan based on the coverage and amounts. Even if you roll over your current plan, costs usually increase. Additionally, when you

experience a life change such as a change of address, you become eligible to update your health care coverage during the year outside of annual open enrollment. SELECTING YOUR EMPLOYER’S

COVERAGE If you are in the process of getting a new job, ask the employer when your health coverage eligibility starts: Is it the first day of employment or the first day of the subsequent

month? For instance, if you start on April 10, will it begin on April 10 or on May 1?  In case emergencies arise, there shouldn’t be gaps in coverage from your current coverage to your new

coverage. Depending on your plan, it may be employee-only, or you may be eligible to add dependents.