Can I use TRICARE Reserve Select instead of FEHB?

Asked by: Levi Kshlerin DVM  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (53 votes)

Selected Reserve and Retired Reserve members who are eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program don't qualify to purchase TRS or TRR. ... Premiums apply to those using TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, TRICARE Young Adult, and the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.

Can I use TRICARE instead of FEHB?

If under the age of 65, TRICARE can be used for health insurance coverage instead of joining the FEHB program. ... In many cases, the coverage is as good and may cost less. Upon reaching age 65, retirees are eligible for TRICARE for Life.

What type of insurance is TRICARE Reserve Select?

TRICARE Reserve Select is: A premium-based plan. Available worldwide. For qualified Selected Reserve members and their families.

Is TRICARE Reserve Select a good deal?

If you're a reservist or Guardsman in search of an affordable and comprehensive health care offering, then Tricare Reserve Select may be the best plan for you and your family.

What is not covered by TRICARE Reserve Select?

In general, TRICARE excludes services and supplies that are not medically or psychologically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of a covered illness (including mental disorder), injury, or for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy or well-child care.

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How does TRICARE Reserve Select work?

With TRS coverage, you pay monthly premiums, a yearly deductible, and applicable copayments or cost-shares for covered services. Learn more about TRS costs and view them on the TRICARE website. You may choose to end TRS coverage at any time.

Can I go to a military hospital with TRICARE Reserve Select?

One of the advantages of TRS, TRR and TRICARE Select programs is an almost unrestricted choice of providers. ... Military Hospitals and Clinics – As a TRICARE beneficiary, you have access to some of the best medical care in the country. You can get care at military hospitals and clinics on a space available basis.

Are reservists considered federal employees?

No. Military members are not considered federal employees. Federal Employee IS what all Civil Service, Armed Serveice, and Uniformed Service members are.

Who is eligible for FEHB?

General Eligibility for Coverage

Family members eligible for coverage under your Self and Family enrollment are your spouse (including a valid common law marriage) and children under age 26, including legally adopted children, recognized natural (born out of wedlock) children and stepchildren.

Can federal employees get TRICARE Reserve Select?

This final rule implements the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA-2020), which removes the permanent eligible exclusion for TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) coverage for a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve who is enrolled or eligible to enroll in a Federal Employees Health ...

Is TRICARE Reserve Select an HMO or PPO?

TRICARE Select is a self-managed, preferred provider organization (PPO) plan available in the United States. You must show eligible for TRICARE in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. You need to register in DEERS to get TRICARE..

What is the difference between TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select?

With TRICARE Prime, your provider will file claims for you in most cases. Under TRICARE Select, you aren't required to have a PCM. You manage your own health care and can receive care from any provider. However, you can save money with TRICARE Select if you see a TRICARE-authorized network provider.

Is TRICARE part of Blue Cross Blue Shield?

TRICARE (TriWest Healthcare Alliance) Contract

TriWest Healthcare Alliance is owned by a holding company, TriWest Alliance, comprised of not-for-profit health care organizations (including Blue Shield of California) and the university hospital systems located throughout the TRICARE West Region.

Is TRICARE a federal program?

Tricare (styled TRICARE) is a health care program of the United States Department of Defense Military Health System. ... The Department of Defense operates a health care delivery system served approximately 9.4 million beneficiaries in 2018.

Do I have to use FEHB?

The FEHB provides comprehensive health insurance to federal retirees and their spouses. If you qualify for FEHB as a retiree, optional Medicare coverage can lower your out-of-pocket costs, but you'll have to pay a premium for this extra coverage.

Does MRA 10 qualify for FEHB?

Health, Life, Dental, and Vision Insurance Coverage

Employees who separate from federal service after reaching their MRA with at least 10 years of creditable service are eligible to retain their FEHB (health insurance) and their FEGLI (life insurance) benefits in retirement.

Do reservists qualify for VA benefits?

Generally, all Reserve and National Guard members discharged or released under conditions that are not dishonorable are eligible for some VA benefits. ... State Active Duty is based on state law and does not qualify as “active service” for VA benefits.

Are reservists considered veterans?

Now, under the new law, anyone eligible for reserve component retirement benefits is considered a veteran, said Krenz. "Anyone who has reached 20 years of service, even if they were never activated on a [federal] order for more than 180 days outside of training, will now be considered a veteran," he said.

Is National Guard eligible for FEHB?

As a Federal employee, you are eligible to elect Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage, unless your position is excluded by law or regulation. As a National Guard or Reserve member, you may be called to deploy at any time.

Can I see any doctor with TRICARE Select?

Tricare Select is a fee-for-service insurance plan that lets you see any doctor. If you visit a network doctor you normally will only have to pay a small copay when you visit. This plan is available to family members, veterans, and retirees.

Does TRICARE Reserve Select cover dental and vision?

The Tricare Reserve Select (TRS) program is a premium based health insurance plan that is available worldwide. ... TRS only covers health and vision benefits, not dental or pharmacy benefits.

What happens if you skip IRR muster?

IRR resisters (individuals who, for whatever reason, do not report) should expect to receive threatening letters and phone calls from the military for up to one year past their report date. ... The military often tells IRR members that a warrant for their arrest will be issued if they do not report.

Is TRICARE Reserve Select pre tax?

Service members who enroll in TRICARE Reserve Select do not pay their health insurance premiums with "pre-tax" dollars. As a result, their premiums may be at least partially tax-deductible, depending on their total income and their total medical expenses.