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This rule created an exception to the usual rule that TRICARE Prime enrollment fees are uniform for all retirees and their dependents. Survivors of Active Duty Deceased Sponsors and Medically Retired Uniformed Services Members and their Dependents are part of the retiree group under TRICARE rules. In acknowledgment and appreciation of the sacrifices of these two beneficiary categories, the Secretary of Defense has elected to exercise his authority under Title 10 of the United States Code, section 1097(e) to exempt Active Duty Deceased Sponsors and Medically Retired Uniformed Services Members and their Dependents enrolled in TRICARE Prime from paying future increases to the TRICARE Prime annual enrollment fees. Section 1097(e) states, "The Secretary of Defense may prescribe by regulation a premium, deductible, co-payment, or other charge for health care provided under this section.” The Prime beneficiaries in these categories have made significant sacrifices for our country and are entitled to special recognition and benefits for their sacrifices. Therefore, the beneficiaries in these two TRICARE beneficiary categories who enrolled in TRICARE Prime prior to 10/1/2013 will have their annual enrollment fee frozen at their current annual rate (FY2011 rate $230 per single or $460 per family, FY2012 rate $260 or $520, or the FY2013 rate $269.38 or $538.56). The beneficiaries added to these categories on or after the effective date of this regulation will have their fee frozen at the rate in effect at the time they are classified in either category and enroll in TRICARE Prime or, if not enrolling, at the rate in effect at the time of enrollment. The fee remains frozen as long as at least one family member remains enrolled in TRICARE Prime and there is not a break in enrollment. The fee charged for the dependent(s) of a Medically Retired Uniformed Services Member would not change if the dependent(s) was later re-classified a Survivor.