Important to keep DEERS updated

American Forces Press Service

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Important life events like moving or a child going off to college are milestones in military families’ lives. No matter where their journeys take them, it’s important for families to keep their Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System records up to date.

For TRICARE beneficiaries, keeping DEERS records up-to-date means uninterrupted access to TRICARE’s health care. DEERS is the worldwide computer database of uniformed services members, their family members and others eligible for military benefits, including TRICARE.

Mistakes or outdated information in DEERS can cause problems with a TRICARE beneficiary’s claims. For example, retail network pharmacies check TRICARE eligibility through DEERS, and prescriptions are filled only for beneficiaries listed in DEERS as eligible. Outdated addresses can also mean important direct mail is misdirected.

Along with changes of address, other life events that can affect DEERS records include additions to the family, either through births or adoptions; changes in a sponsor’s status such as retirement; marriage or divorce; becoming entitled to Medicare; or the death of a sponsor or family member.

Sponsors are automatically registered in DEERS, but it is critical they register their eligible family members as well. To register family members in DEERS and receive an ID card, the family member and sponsor must bring documentation, such as a marriage or birth certificate, to a military ID card issuing facility.

Locate ID card offices by ZIP code, city or state using the ID card office locator at http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl. Sponsors should call the ID card office first to confirm what documentation is needed and the hours of operation.

Contact information on DEERS can be updated in several different ways including in person at a military ID card issuing facility; online; and by phone, fax or mail. There are two online options via either the new myDODbenefits Web site at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/mydodbenefits, or the Beneficiary Web Enrollment Web site at: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/bwe.

Beneficiaries can call the Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office at 800-538-9552 (866-363-2883 TTY/TDD) to update addresses, e-mail addresses and phone numbers. Changes can also be faxed to 831-655-8317, or mailed to: DMDC Support Office, 400 Gigling Road, Seaside, CA 93955-6771.