SMART WORLD - If you are a retired Reserve member or a survivor of one, you may be wondering what your health care options are. In this blog post, we will explain what Tricare Retired Reserve (TRR) is, who can participate, how much it costs and how to enroll.
What is Tricare Retired Reserve?
Tricare Retired Reserve is a premium-based health plan that provides comprehensive coverage for qualified retired Reserve members and their families. It is similar to Tricare Select, which means you can see any Tricare-authorized provider without a referral. You can also use military hospitals and clinics on a space-available basis.
: How long does TRICARE Reserve Select last after retirement?
Who can participate?
To be eligible for TRR, you must be:
- A member of the retired Reserve of a Reserve Component who is qualified for non-regular retirement under 10 U.S.C., Chapter 1223
- Under age 60
- Not eligible for, or enrolled in, the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program
Family members of qualified retired Reserve members can also participate in TRR. This includes spouses and children under age 21 (or 23 if full-time students).
Survivors of retired Reserve members can also participate in TRR if:
- The sponsor was covered by TRR when he or she died
- They are immediate family members of the deceased sponsor (spouses cannot have remarried)
- TRR coverage would begin before the date the deceased sponsor would have turned 60 years old
How much does it cost?
TRR requires monthly premiums that vary depending on whether you enroll yourself only or yourself and your family. The premiums are adjusted annually based on the cost of providing coverage.
For 2022, the monthly premiums are:
- $484.83 for member-only coverage
- $1,165.01 for member-and-family coverage
In addition to premiums, you will also pay cost-shares and deductibles when you receive care. The cost-shares and deductibles depend on your sponsor's status (retired or survivor), your beneficiary category (Group A or B) and whether you see network or non-network providers.
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For example, for Group A retirees who see network providers:
- The annual deductible is $150 per individual or $300 per family
- The cost-share for outpatient visits is 20% of the allowable charge
- The cost-share for inpatient admissions is $250 per day or 25% of billed charges (whichever is less)
You can find more details about TRR costs on the Tricare website.
How to enroll?
To enroll in TRR, you must complete an application form and submit it along with proof of eligibility and payment information to your regional contractor. You can find the application form and instructions on how to submit it on the Tricare website.
You can enroll at any time during the year, but your coverage will start either on the first day of the month following receipt of your enrollment request or on another future date that you specify.
You must pay your premiums by electronic funds transfer (EFT) from a U.S. bank account or by recurring credit/debit card payments.
You must also keep your information updated in DEERS to ensure continuous coverage.
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Summary
Tricare Retired Reserve is a health plan option for retired Reserve members and their families who are not yet eligible for Tricare Prime or Tricare For Life. It offers comprehensive coverage with flexible provider choices but requires monthly premiums and cost-shares.