TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)

What TRS Is

TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) is a premium-based health plan available to Selected Reserve members and their families. Per 10 USC 1076d and MCRAMM Chapter 12, TRS provides health coverage similar to TRICARE Select but for drilling reservists not on active duty orders.

I&I admin sees TRS questions weekly. Drilling reservists need to know.

• Whether they qualify
• How much it costs
• What it covers
• How to enroll

Eligibility

A reservist qualifies for TRS when meeting all of these.

• Member of the Selected Reserve (drilling SMCR or active drilling IMA)
• Not on active duty orders covering more than 30 days continuously
• Not eligible for the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) through civilian government employment
• Pays the monthly premium

Family members of eligible TRS members also enroll.

Coverage Provided

TRS coverage matches TRICARE Select.

• Inpatient and outpatient care
• Emergency services
• Mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Maternity care
• Preventive services
• Prescription drug coverage through pharmacy benefits

Network and non-network providers available with different cost-sharing.

Premium Structure

TRS premiums update annually per the TRICARE rate schedule.

Specific rates published annually. Always reference current TRICARE rates rather than memorized numbers.

Cost-Sharing

After premiums, TRS members pay.

• Annual deductible (network and non-network rates differ)
• Cost-share for services (percentage or fixed copay depending on service)
• Catastrophic cap limiting total out-of-pocket per year

The structure parallels TRICARE Select cost-sharing.

Enrollment Process

I&I admin guides reservists through enrollment.

Step 1 - Verify Eligibility

Confirm the reservist meets all TRS criteria.

• Drilling SMCR status in MCTFS
• Not on extended active duty orders
• Not enrolled in FEHBP
• Family members eligible if applicable

Step 2 - Direct to BWE

The reservist enrolls via Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE).

• Login to milConnect or BWE
• Select TRS enrollment
• Choose coverage type (member only or family)
• Enter family member information if applicable

Step 3 - Set Up Premium Payment

Premium payment options.

• Allotment from drill pay (preferred for many reservists)
• Direct billing
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) from bank account

Step 4 - Verify Enrollment Confirmation

Coverage starts after.

• Enrollment processed
• First premium received
• Confirmation issued

Coverage typically starts 30 to 60 days after initial enrollment.

When TRS Coverage Stops

TRS coverage ends when.

• Reservist transfers to IRR and loses SELRES (Selected Reserve, what most Marines call SMCR or the Reserves) status
• Reservist activates to active duty over 30 days (transitions to active duty TRICARE)
• Reservist becomes eligible for FEHBP through civilian employment
• Premiums not paid (after grace period)
• Reservist separates or retires

Common TRS Questions

I&I admin fields these regularly.

"I afford TRS for my family?"

Premiums are lower than most civilian family plans. Specific rates change annually. Direct member to current TRICARE rate schedule for current numbers.

"Will my civilian doctor accept TRS?"

TRS uses the TRICARE Select network. Members might use network or non-network providers. Network providers cost less. Direct member to TRICARE provider directory.

"What happens during AT or mobilization?"

During active duty orders over 30 days, coverage transitions to active duty TRICARE Prime. TRS premiums not charged during the active duty period. Coverage returns to TRS when active duty ends.

"Does TRS cover my pre-existing condition?"

TRS does not exclude pre-existing conditions. Coverage applies to all medical conditions per TRICARE rules.

"What about dental?"

TRS does not include dental. Reservists might purchase TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) separately.

Related Plans

TRS is one of several reservist health options.

Common I&I Errors on TRS

These hit at the I&I shop.

1. Telling member they have automatic coverage. TRS requires enrollment and premium payment. Not automatic.
2. Wrong premium quoted. Rates change annually. Always reference current schedule.
3. Not coordinating with employer FEHBP. Member with FEHBP is ineligible for TRS. Verify before recommending.
4. Family enrollment assumed. Family coverage requires separate enrollment and higher premium. Confirm with member.
5. Coverage start date misstated. Coverage starts after first premium received, not at enrollment. Set member expectation.

Coordination Touchpoints

TRS questions touch.

• TRICARE Regional Office: Plan administration and provider questions
• DFAS: Premium allotment from drill pay
• MCRSC: For IRR transition (loses TRS eligibility)
• Member's civilian employer HR: For FEHBP coordination
• Healthcare providers: For network status verification

Related Roles

TRS affects every drilling reservist's family.

• Marines (reservists) enroll for TRS, pay premiums, and use the coverage.
• Leaders at SMCR units brief Marines on TRS as part of family readiness.
• Commanders at I&I support member benefits coordination.