TRICARE health coverage for Retired Reservists

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Montse Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Whiteman members of the Retired Reserve who are not yet age 60, in the so-called "gray area," can purchase TRICARE health coverage for themselves and their eligible family members with the Sept. 1 launch of TRICARE Retired Reserve.

"This new program offers a health coverage opportunity for 'gray area' Guardsmen and Reservists who served America honorably, setting a proud example for today's forces," said Rear Adm. Christine Hunter, deputy director of the TRICARE Management Activity. "TRICARE Retired Reserve will provide an outstanding health benefit."

Retired Reservists may qualify to purchase TRR coverage if they are under the age of 60 and are not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.

They also must be members of the Retired Reserve of a Reserve component and qualified for non-regular retirement. For instructions on how to qualify for and purchase TRR go to www.tricare.mil/trr.

"TRR now provides retired National Guard and Reserve members the opportunity
to purchase Tricare coverage," said Austin Camacho, Tricare public affairs chief. "This means these qualified retired members can acquire health care coverage regardless of their health status, or if their employer doesn't offer health insurance."

For calendar year 2010, the TRR member-only monthly premium is $388.31, or $4,659.72 yearly, and the member and family monthly premium is $976.41 or $11,716.92 yearly. Premiums will be adjusted annually.

"I think it's a great program for reservists," said James Hill, director of the Whiteman Retiree Activities Office. "For those who can't afford the commercial insurance, this program will allow Reservists to obtain insurance at a reasonable price and will offer the services what they deserve."

The comprehensive health care coverage provided by the premium-based TRR is similar to TRICARE Standard. After purchasing TRR, members will receive the TRICARE Retired Reserve Handbook, which includes details about covered services, how to get care and who to contact for assistance. For more information, visit www.tricare.mil/trr.

For more information contact TRICARE management activity at (703)681-1770.