FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Are you a National Guard or Reserve member looking to learn more about your TRICARE plan options? The TRICARE Choices for National Guard and Reserve Handbook is a great place to start.
This handbook provides an overview of the TRICARE plans available to you and your family members. You’ll learn about your options, which depend on your sponsor’s status, location, and age. The handbook also defines common health plan terms related to costs, referrals, and pre-authorizations.
“The TRICARE Choices for National Guard and Reserve Handbook is a good starting point to see which plans are available to you stateside and overseas,” said Robert Agnello, deputy director of Digital Communications at the Defense Health Agency. “You’ll also find information about prescription drug coverage and options for dental and vision coverage.”
Here are some topics you can learn more about in the handbook.
TRICARE plan options
Your TRICARE health plan options depend on whether you or your sponsor is pre-activated/activated, inactive, deactivated, or retired. Your age and location also determine your options.
Based on these factors, you and your family members may be able to enroll in:
Not sure which plans you’re eligible for? Have questions about how to get care with a certain plan? Read the handbook for more details. You can also use the Compare Plans tool to figure out which plans work best for your family’s needs.
Pharmacy, dental, and vision coverage
All TRICARE beneficiaries have prescription drug coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. The handbook has information about how TRICARE covers different prescription drug categories, and your options for filling prescriptions.
You and your family may also be eligible to purchase dental or vision coverage. The handbook describes these options: the TRICARE Dental Program and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. In some cases, National Guard and Reserve members are eligible for the Active Duty Dental Program.
Other National Guard and Reserve resources
Have more questions about your benefits as a National Guard or Reserve member? TRICARE has answers. National Guard and Reserve Members and Families is your hub learning more about your eligibility and coverage options.
If you or your sponsor is retiring soon, check out the TRICARE Retiring from the National Guard or Reserve Brochure. This brochure explains what stays the same, what changes, and what actions you’ll need to take as you plan your retirement. It also includes details on dental and pharmacy coverage.
Looking for more information about certain plan costs, including enrollment fees or premiums, deductibles, or out-of-pocket costs? Visit the Compare Costs tool or check out the TRICARE Costs and Fees Fact Sheet.
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.