DEERS Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My LES states that my dependent will be terminated in DEERS or has been terminated in DEERS. I know this is not correct, because we just updated DEERS. Why is this statement on my LES?

A: The DEERS office in Alexandria Virginia sends a magnetic tape to all pay centers on a pay cycle bases. If your dependents DEERS record was updated after this tape was sent out, your LES will show that he or she will be terminated shortly. It will take about a month to a month and a half to remove this statement from your LES. If it remains on your LES for more than two months, contact the ID card office for assistance.

Q: I was transferred recently and my dependent(s) went to the doctor and I submitted my claim to CHAMPUS. It was returned not paid because CHAMPUS says I did not have my primary care doctor approve the visit. What does this mean?

A: If you are on a special CHAMPUS coverage, such as TRI-CARE, you must terminate this coverage BEFORE LEAVING FOR YOUR NEW DUTY STATION. TRI-CARE needs to change your dependent's codes on DEERS from (E) to (C). If this is not done, then CHAMPUS will reject any claims made because you are out of the area. They assume that you are just on vacation and you did not notify your primary care doctor of the visit and you did not get prior approval for the visit.

Q: I have been divorced for several years but DEERS just sent me a letter telling me that my spouse will be terminated on DEERS shortly and I must update him/her as soon as I can. What is going on?

A: You must go to the nearest ID card office and terminate your spouse in DEERS. This is the only way that DEERS knows that this dependent is no longer eligible. The ID card office is the only place that can notify DEERS of divorce, death, birth etc.

Q: I just placed my newborn on my BAQ form, will this place my child into DEERS?

A: No. You must take a copy of the BAQ form, or a copy of the birth certificate or a statement of live birth into the ID card office. This is the only way to enroll a child into DEERS.

Q: When must I notify DEERS of any change in dependent's status.

A: DEERS must be notified immediately upon a change in status of a dependent, such as a dependent enters the military, turned 21 but is not going to college, sponsor and spouse divorce, sponsor marries or re-marries, just to name a few.

Q: I am a widow or widower of a deceased military member and have obtained legal custody of a child or have adopted a child. Can I place that child in DEERS under my sponsors DEERS record?

A: NO!!! There is no relationship between the child and the sponsor at the time of the sponsor's death, the child is therefore NOT ELIGIBLE to be enrolled into DEERS.

Q: When will DEERS remove my eligibility for CHAMPUS or will I always be eligible for it?

A: All dependent's will be remove from CHAMPUS and placed on MEDICARE on the 1st of the month of their 65th birthday. If the birthday falls on the 1st of the month, then they will be removed from CHAMPUS and placed on MEDICARE on the 1st of the month of the preceding month.