Tricare Reserve Select Overview

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FILE – A doctor examines a patient while another doctor oversees the procedure, at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jack Sanders)
A doctor examines a patient while another doctor oversees the procedure, at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jack Sanders)

The Tricare Reserve Select (TRS) program is a premium-based insurance plan that is available worldwide. It is available to qualified members of the Selected Reserve and their families. TRS is considered minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

Who is Eligible

Members of the Selected Reserve and their families who meet the following qualifications:

  • Not on active-duty orders
  • Not covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
  • Not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under FEHB, either under their own eligibility or through a family member

Note: Those members in the Individual Ready Reserve, including Navy Reserve Voluntary Training Units, do not qualify to purchase Tricare Reserve Select.

What You Pay

You are responsible for paying:

  • A monthly premium
  • A co-pay or cost share for certain medical services
  • An annual deductible 

Getting Treatment

TRS provides only health and vision benefits, not dental or pharmacy benefits. TRS also does not cover reservists who are on active-duty orders (or their families), or retirees. There are separate programs for those personnel.

You can schedule an appointment with any Tricare-authorized provider but like all insurance, if you visit an out-of-network provider, your share of the costs will be higher. No referrals are needed, but you may need prior authorization from your regional contractor for some types of services.

It is generally best to go to an in-network provider: If you go to an out-of-network provider, you may end up stuck with a very large bill. Also, you will have to pay the entire cost yourself then file a claim with Tricare to get reimbursed.

Premiums

The 2024 premiums are:

  • Member only: $51.95
  • Member plus family: $256.87

The premiums change every year on Jan. 1. Your initial premiums can be paid by check, money order or credit/debit card. After that, you need to set up a recurring electronic funds transfer from your bank or a recurring payment on your credit/debit card. If you stop paying, your benefits will terminate the month after your last payment is received.

Cost Share/Copay

A copay is what you are usually required to pay when you visit a doctor or the hospital, or you receive any health-care service.

Service

Cost

In-Network Provider

  • Primary Care: $18
  • Specialist: $31
  • Urgent Care: $25

 

Out-of-Network Provider

  • Primary Care: 20% of allowable charge
  • Specialist: 20% of allowable charge
  • Urgent Care: 20% of allowable charge

 

For more cost information, go to the TRICARE website.

Catastrophic Cap

This is the maximum amount you will pay out of pocket annually for all health care, no matter what. The catastrophic cap changes each year. For Tricare Reserve Select in 2023, the catastrophic cap is $1,058.

For More Information and to Apply for Coverage

Visit Tricare's website for more information. 

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