Published Jul 6, 2026, 11:40 AM EDT
Tricare Retired Reserve is not the right choice for everyone, but it fills an important need.
Tricare Retired Reserve is a health coverage plan for National Guard and reserve members who have stopped drilling but have not yet reached age 60. The plan fills the gap between the end of Tricare Reserve Select and the start of regular retired Tricare coverage at age 60. Although it is expensive, it can be an important option for many military families. Many Guard and reserve members use Tricare Reserve Select while they are actively drilling. Because the government pays part of the premium, that coverage is relatively affordable. Once a member moves to the retired rolls, Tricare Reserve Select is no longer available. At age 60, reserve retirees become eligible for the standard Tricare retiree plans. Tricare Retired Reserve is designed to provide coverage during the years between leaving drilling status and becoming eligible for retired pay and regular retiree Tricare. Read More: Tricare Retired Reserve Coverage
Who Is Eligible for Tricare Retired Reserve?
Not every reserve retiree qualifies for Tricare Retired Reserve. They may also be eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits, or FEHB, program through current or former federal employment. If they are eligible for FEHB, they cannot purchase Tricare Retired Reserve, even if they choose not to enroll in the federal plan. Simply being eligible makes them ineligible for Tricare Retired Reserve. Eligible family members can also enroll. Spouses and dependent children must be properly listed in DEERS, the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, because that database determines who qualifies for coverage. Incorrect or outdated information in DEERS can delay or prevent enrollment. In some cases, surviving family members may also continue Tricare Retired Reserve if the retiree was enrolled before their death and other eligibility requirements are met. Eligible retirees must sign up for the plan through the military's enrollment system or by working with their regional Tricare contractor. When enrolling, they must pay the first two months of premiums up front. After that, premiums are automatically withdrawn each month from a bank account or payment card. If payments stop, coverage ends, and regaining coverage may require waiting for a future enrollment opportunity or qualifying life event.
