Us Army Reserve Health Insurance Overview and Enrollment Process

The US Army Reserve offers comprehensive health insurance to its members, providing financial protection and peace of mind. The TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) plan is the primary health insurance option for Army Reserve members.

To be eligible for TRS, you must be a member of the US Army Reserve with a minimum of 20 years of qualifying service or be a drilling member with a minimum of 20 years of qualifying service.

TRS is a premium-based plan, meaning you pay a monthly premium to maintain coverage. The cost of TRS varies depending on your age, family size, and other factors.

To enroll in TRS, you must submit an application through the TRICARE website or by contacting a TRICARE representative.

A unique perspective: Axa Private Medical Insurance

To be eligible for Tricare Reserve Select, you must be a member of the Selected Reserve and not on active-duty orders. You also can't be covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program or the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.

See what others are reading: Sehat Sahulat Program

To get started, make sure you're not in the Individual Ready Reserve, including Navy Reserve Voluntary Training Units, as this group doesn't qualify for Tricare Reserve Select.

You can purchase Tricare Reserve Select coverage any time during the year by phone or online through the milConnect portal. To do this, you'll need to have an updated DEERS profile and complete a reserve component health coverage request form.

Expand your knowledge: United Healthcare Mental Health Coverage Copay

To be eligible for Tricare Reserve Select coverage, you must meet certain qualifications. You must be a member of the Selected Reserve and not be on active-duty orders. Additionally, you must not be covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program.

You and your family are eligible if you're a non-active duty member of the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Naval Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, or Marine Corps Reserve.

Retired reservists aren't eligible for Tricare Reserve Select, but they may transition into Tricare Retired Reserve or other private options. Once retired reserve and National Guard members reach age 65, they'll become eligible for the Tricare for Life program.

Intriguing read: If a Health Insurance Claim Is Not Promptly Paid Legal

You can enroll in Tricare Reserve Select any time during the year by phone or online through the milConnect portal. To get coverage, you must complete a reserve component health coverage request form and make a premium payment to the appropriate Tricare regional contractor.

Here's a summary of the eligibility requirements:

If you're entering active duty military service or active duty training for more than 30 days, your employing office must give you a notice explaining your enrollment options.

You'll need to continue paying the employee share of premiums for the first 12 months, and 102 percent of the premium afterwards. This notice will also inform you of your responsibility to notify your employing office in writing if you terminate your enrollment during your active duty military service.

You'll be considered to be on military furlough for the 24-month period if you continue to be eligible for reemployment rights under 5 CFR Part 353 or similar authority. This is important to keep in mind when planning your enrollment and coverage.

See what others are reading: Medical Service Insurance

To be entitled to the additional 12 months of coverage, you must continue to be eligible for reemployment rights. This means you'll need to stay in touch with your employing office and ensure you meet the necessary requirements.

If you separate from Federal service to enter active duty military service, you'll be entitled to continued coverage for up to 12 months in leave without pay status.

A fresh viewpoint: Can Health Insurance Companies Deny Coverage

To get a Tricare Reserve Select plan, you'll need to pay a monthly premium, which can range from $51.95 for an individual plan to $256.87 for a family plan.

In addition to the premium, you'll also have to pay an annual deductible, which varies based on your pay grade and plan type. For example, if you're an E1-E4, the deductible is $62 per individual and $125 per family, while E5 and above pay $188 per individual and $377 per family.

You'll also have to pay copayments for certain medical services, which can range from $18 to $76 for in-network services. Some services, like newborn care, may be free. Out-of-network visits will cost you 20% of the cost of care.

For more insights, see: How Much Do Companies Pay for Health Insurance

Here are the premium costs for Tricare Reserve Select:

You can pay your premiums by check, money order, or credit/debit card, and you'll need to set up a recurring payment method after your initial payment. If you stop paying, your benefits will terminate the month after your last payment is received.

You'll have to pay a monthly premium to keep your health insurance active. This premium can vary depending on your plan type and family size.

For Tricare Reserve Select, the monthly premiums are $51.95 for an individual plan and $256.87 for a family plan. These premiums are paid every month, and you'll need to make sure you have a way to pay them on time to avoid any issues.

The annual deductible is another cost you'll need to consider. This deductible is based on your pay grade and plan type, with E1-E4 individuals and families paying $62 and $125, respectively, and E5 and above individuals and families paying $188 and $377, respectively.

You might like: Fehb and Medicare Part B

Copayments are what you'll pay when you visit a doctor or hospital, or receive any health-care service. These copayments usually range from $18 to $76 for covered in-network medical and pharmacy services, but some services can be as low as $0, such as newborn care.

Out-of-network visits are a different story, and you'll need to pay 20% of the cost of care for most services. It's always a good idea to check Tricare's website for the most up-to-date information on copayments and cost-shares.

You can pay your premiums by check, money order, or credit/debit card, but you'll need to set up a recurring electronic funds transfer from your bank or a recurring payment on your credit/debit card after your initial payment.

Here's a breakdown of the Tricare Reserve Select premiums:

Remember to review your premiums and deductibles carefully to make sure you understand what you're paying for and when.

Activation and deactivation headaches are a real concern for some Tricare program members. Problems or delays with orders can create coverage gaps, which is a significant issue.

If you're a reserve or guard member, you may face more difficulties due to changes in duty status. This can lead to more hands-on involvement with your insurance during transitions to ensure coverage remains stable.

Enrollment and disenrollment in different Tricare programs can be automatic in some cases, but not always. It's essential to be proactive and monitor your coverage during transitions to avoid any gaps.

Additional reading: Bcbs Michigan Coverage