Commencing October 1, 2003, unremarried former military spouses will use their own Social Security number to verify Tricare eligibility under the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) program, instead of using their former spouse’s Social Security number.

Henceforth, these unremarried former spouse beneficiaries will use their own name and SSN for scheduling medical appointments, filing TRICARE claims and their health care information files.

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 government will replace it with a new ID card - DD Form 2765

The Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office is sending a letter to all beneficiaries affected by this change. The letter explains the new DEERS eligibility verification procedures and serves as official notification from DoD regarding this change. The letter does not, however, provide proof of
continued eligibility for TRICARE health care benefits.

After Oct. 1, 2003, unremarried former spouses may contact or visit the nearest identification card issuing facility for information and assistance.

Unremarried former spouses should always keep their DEERS information current and up-to-date. For questions regarding their medical records, they should contact the Military Treatment Facility and medical records department where their DoD medical records are stored.