Q. My husband was medically separated in 2012 after 18 years of service, when we had no children and I was his only dependent. We lost military health coverage six months after his separation. Last year, the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records reversed the separation and placed him on the permanently retired list retroactive to 2012. Meanwhile, we had a baby. Is our child now eligible for Tricare since he wasn't in DEERS when my husband retired?

A. This is a relatively uncommon situation, but if your husband is eligible for military retirement benefits, then your child is eligible for Tricare coverage as his dependent. However, before your child can use Tricare, your husband must register him in DEERS. He can do that by visiting the ID Card/DEERS office on any military installation. You can get general information from the main DEERS support office in California at 800-538-9552.

Q. The father of my children is a Marine Corps veteran who refuses communication with me or them. Because I don't have ID cards for the kids, I have problems coordinating health care for them. Doctors seem to need information off these ID cards I don't have. They try to contact the father, he doesn't respond, and I'm turned away. What can I do?

A. Children of military sponsors normally don't get their own military ID cards until they reach age 10. That said, younger kids in situations like yours may get their own ID cards to use as verification of Tricare eligibility. However, the military sponsor — the father — must make that happen through the DEERS, the Defense Department's eligibility portal for military benefits, including Tricare.

If the father won't engage, your can, of course, consult an attorney. You can also check with your local child support enforcement agency. Almost every county has one, through which it may be possible to secure a judgment for paternity and support, retroactive to the date of the action's filing, that requires the father to maintain the child on health insurance and pay at least part of the birth expenses. Those services are free.

Q. I'm a 19-year-old girl covered under my father's Tricare. I was recently in a car accident and got a letter from Tricare with a form that I had to fill out and return within 35 days. I didn't have car insurance at the time of the incident; does that mean I stand to lose my Tricare?

A. Your lack of car insurance will not keep Tricare from covering your medical needs. As a dependent child under your father's military sponsorship, you remain eligible for Tricare until age 21, or age 23 if you are a full-time college student. After that, you may be eligible until age 26 for Tricare Young Adult, a premium-based program.

However, as you probably are already aware, you likely face other issues related to driving without insurance.

Email tricarehelp@militarytimes.com. Include the word "Tricare" in the subject line and do not attach files. Get Tricare advice any time at http://blogs.militarytimes.com/tricarehelp/.

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