TMA Fact Sheet - The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)

Since 08-31-05

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Subj: TMA Fact Sheet: The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)-

Updated August 30, 
Date: 8/30/2005 2:51:38 PM Eastern Standard Time
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UPDATED August 30, 2005 The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) DEERS is a computerized database of military sponsors, families and others worldwide who are entitled under the law to TRICARE benefits.  DEERS registration is required for TRICARE eligibility. 

Registration in DEERS
Active-duty and retired service members are automatically registered in DEERS, but they must take action to register their family members and ensure they are correctly entered into the database.  Errors in the DEERS database can cause problems with TRICARE claims, so it is critical to maintain your DEERS information. 


Verifying and Updating DEERS Information        
Beneficiaries can verify their DEERS information by contacting their regional TRICARE regional contractor,* local TRICARE service center or the nearest uniformed services personnel office (ID card facility).   

Sponsors or registered family members may make address changes; however, only the sponsor can add or remove a family member from DEERS, and proper documents are required such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree and/or birth certificate.  There are several ways beneficiaries can update their DEERS information.   Visit the local uniformed services personnel office or contact the Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office (DSO) at 1-800-538-9552. 

You can find the nearest uniformed services personnel office at: http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl.§       Fax address changes to DEERS at 1-831-655-8317.§       Mail the address change to the Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office, ATTN: COA, 400 Gigling Road, Seaside, CA 93955-6771.§       Go online at: www.tricare.osd.mil/DEERSAddress to update your information. 

 DEERS Verification Changes for Unremarried Former Spouses
The Social Security number (SSN) used to verify TRICARE eligibility in the DEERS for unremarried former spouses has changed. As of Oct. 1, 2003, DEERS reflects TRICARE eligibility for these beneficiaries using the unremarried former spouse's own SSN and not the former sponsor's. Health care information is filed under the unremarried former spouse's own SSN and name.

These beneficiaries now use their own name and SSN to schedule medical appointments and to file TRICARE claims. The current Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card, DD Form 1173, held by the unremarried former spouse is still valid until it expires. Upon renewal, the unremarried former spouse will be issued a replacement Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card, DD Form 2765.      

Unremarried former spouses may contact or visit the nearest identification card issuing facility (locations may be found online at www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl for questions or assistance.     Unremarried former spouses should always keep their DEERS information current.  For questions regarding their medical records, they should contact the military treatment facility and medical records department where their DoD medical records are stored.  


Uniformed Services Family Members and Survivors Over Age 75 Receive Permanent Identification Cards   

A permanent United States Uniformed Services Identification (ID) card will be available September 2005 for all eligible Uniformed Services family members and survivors of deceased personnel, who are age 75 and over.       

Beneficiaries currently in possession of a valid ID card may obtain the new permanent ID card within 90 days of expiration.  The availability of the new permanent ID card does not in any way invalidate a current ID card, nor will it impact any associated benefits/entitlements.  Beneficiaries should apply for a new ID card when their existing card is within 90 days of expiring.    

 It is important for surviving family members to update their personal information in DEERS when the active duty or retired sponsor dies.  For more information, beneficiaries may read the Aug. 25, 2005 Permanent ID Card News Release. 

Additionally, the DEERS Support Office can be reached by telephone at 1-800-538-9552, or information can be found online at www.tricare.osd.mil/DEERS.   

*See also: TRICARE Regional Contractors for the United States Fact Sheet