Reserve Retirement Health Care and Identification

Three Retirement Status Phases

Per MCRAMM Chapter 12, Reserve retirees move through distinct phases with different healthcare and ID privileges.

Phase 1 - Reserve Retired Awaiting Pay

Member completed 20 qualifying years but has not reached retirement pay age (typically age 60 or reduced age).

• ID card: Reserve Retired (specific category)
• Healthcare: TRR (premium-based) or civilian insurance
• Base access: Limited
• No retirement pay

Phase 2 - Reserve Retired Receiving Pay (Under 65)

Member has reached retirement pay age and draws retirement pay.

• ID card: Retired (full benefit category)
• Healthcare: TRICARE Select retiree or other plan
• Base access: Full retiree access
• Retirement pay active

Phase 3 - Reserve Retired with Medicare (Age 65+)

Member is age 65 or older and Medicare-eligible.

• ID card: Retired (full benefit category)
• Healthcare: TRICARE for Life (TFL) with Medicare
• Base access: Full retiree access
• Retirement pay continues, coordinated with Medicare

ID Card Categories

Per DoDI 1000.13DoDI 1000.13, military ID cards designate the holder's category and benefits.

Reserve Retired Awaiting Pay ID

Reserve retirees not yet receiving pay receive a specific ID card.

• Indicates Reserve Retired status
• Limited base access privileges
• Limited commissary and exchange privileges per current policy
• Healthcare access through TRR if enrolled

Retired ID (Full Privileges)

Retirees drawing pay (Reserve or Active component) receive standard Retired ID.

• Full base access
• Full commissary and exchange privileges
• Healthcare per applicable TRICARE plan
• All standard retiree benefits

Dependent ID Cards

Eligible family members receive dependent ID cards.

• Spouse: Full retiree dependent ID
• Children under 21 (or 23 if full-time student): Dependent ID
• Disabled adult children: Continued dependent ID
• Each requires separate enrollment and verification

Healthcare by Phase

During Awaiting Pay

Members elect coverage from these options.

• TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR): Premium-based, similar to TRS structure
• Civilian insurance (employer or marketplace)
• Some other federal coverage if eligible

When Pay Begins (Under 65)

Coverage typically transitions to.

• TRICARE Select retiree: Premium-based, broader provider access
• TRICARE Prime retiree: Limited geographic availability for retirees
• Other federal coverage if eligible (FEHBP through civilian government work)

Age 65 with Medicare

Coverage transitions to.

• Medicare Part A and B (member enrolls separately)
• TRICARE for Life (TFL): Wraparound to Medicare
• DEERS must reflect Medicare enrollment
• TRICARE pharmacy benefits continue

Performance Steps for I&I Admin

Step 1 - Identify Member's Phase

When a Reserve retiree contacts the I&I.

• Verify member status in MCTFS (Awaiting Pay, Receiving Pay, etc.)
• Verify age for Medicare considerations
• Verify family status for dependent benefits

Step 2 - Brief on Current Phase Benefits

Provide phase-appropriate information.

• ID card category and how to obtain
• Healthcare options for the current phase
• Base access privileges
• Family member benefits

Step 3 - Coordinate Transitions

For members approaching phase transitions.

• Pre-retirement pay transition (around age 60)
• Pre-Medicare transition (around age 65)
• Brief on changes 90 days in advance
• Coordinate updates with DEERS and DFAS

Step 4 - Process ID Card Updates

When member needs new ID.

• Verify member identity and current status
• Coordinate appointment at RAPIDS facility
• Provide documentation for ID category
• Update DEERS as needed

Step 5 - Coordinate Family Updates

For family member changes.

• New marriage after retirement
• Family death
• Children aging out of dependent status
• Adult disabled child documentation

ID Card Renewal

Retired ID cards are typically issued without expiration (INDEF). Earlier ID cards had expiration dates.

• Members with expiration dates renew at age 65 (transition to permanent)
• Damaged or lost cards replaced through RAPIDS
• DEERS must remain current for valid cards

Base Access Privileges

Privileges depend on phase.

Specific privileges vary by installation and current DOD policy.

Common Member Questions

"I still use the commissary?"

Yes for retirees drawing pay. Limited access for awaiting pay members per current policy.

"What about MWR facilities?"

Generally yes for all retirees. Specific facilities might have access rules.

"my spouse keep their ID?"

Yes. Dependent ID continues while spouse remains married to retired member.

"What happens to my family if I die?"

Spouse and eligible dependents continue to have ID and benefits as surviving family. SBP might provide annuity. TRICARE might continue depending on category.

"I be recalled to active duty?"

Yes. Reserve retirees remain subject to recall in time of war or national emergency. Specific authority varies by retirement category.

Common I&I Errors on Retirement Benefits

These hit at the I&I shop.

1. Wrong ID category issued. Awaiting Pay vs Receiving Pay vs Retired have different categories. Verify before requesting.
2. Phase transitions not coordinated. Member transitions from awaiting pay to receiving pay but DEERS not updated. Coordinate.
3. Medicare enrollment timing missed. Member should enroll in Medicare 3 months before age 65 to avoid coverage gap. Brief in advance.
4. TRR vs TFL confusion. Different plans for different phases. Clarify with member based on current phase.
5. Family member benefits not addressed. Spouse and dependents need separate updates. Coordinate all family changes.

Coordination Touchpoints

Retirement benefits administration touches.

• RAPIDS: ID card issuance and DEERS updates
• DEERS: Authoritative database for benefits eligibility
• DFAS: Retirement pay and TRICARE premium coordination
• TRICARE Regional Office: Plan enrollment and questions
• Social Security Administration: Medicare enrollment
• Veterans Affairs: VA-specific benefits

Pre-Retirement Counseling

I&I admin provides pre-retirement counseling per MCRAMM standards.

• Brief on retirement pay calculation
• Brief on TRR option for awaiting pay phase
• Brief on SBP election at retirement
• Brief on transition timing for Medicare
• Brief on ID card and base privileges
• Brief on family member benefits

This counseling sets the retiree up for success across decades of retirement.

Related Roles

Retirement benefits affect every Reserve retiree's life.

• Marines (retiring reservists) elect benefits and use them throughout retirement.
• Leaders counsel members during pre-retirement on benefit options.
• Commanders at I&I support thorough pre-retirement counseling.