Guardsmen activated for Katrina eligible for Tricare Published Sept. 15, 2005 FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFPN) -- Guardsmen federally activated for more than 30 consecutive days supporting Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and their Tricare-eligible family members can receive military health-care benefits.The deputy secretary of defense approved funding for use of the National Guard under Title 32 U.S. Code to support relief efforts effective Aug. 29. However, it is possible that some guardsmen may remain on state active duty.Guardsmen’s personnel offices should update the defense enrollment eligibility reporting system to reflect eligibility for Tricare benefits if their personnel are activated under or converted to Title 32 orders. In cases of conversion from state active duty to federal, the DEERS update could occur before orders are received.Guardsmen who are not sure if they are activated under Title 32 orders can contact their unit’s personnel office to clarify their status.After a DEERS update, family members will be covered automatically under Tricare Standard and may enroll in Tricare Prime or Prime Remote, if available in their area.Guardsmen serving on state orders are not eligible for Tricare health benefits, although they may be eligible for certain health-care benefits through their state.For more information about DEERS enrollment, people can visit the Tricare Web site at www.tricare.osd.mil/deers or call the DEERS support office at (800) 538-9552. Beneficiaries can also find the nearest ID card-issuing facility at www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/owa/home. (Courtesy of Tricare Management Activity)