Retired Reserve health coverage launches

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — For the first time, members of the Retired Reserve who are not yet age 60, the so-called “gray area” retirees, can purchase TRICARE health coverage for themselves and their eligible family members with the Sept. 1 launch of TRICARE Retired Reserve.

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.

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.

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 .