TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)

What TRR Is

TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) is a premium-based health plan for Reserve members who have completed 20 qualifying years but have not yet reached age 60 (or reduced retirement age) when retirement pay begins.

This category fills the bridge years. A reservist might complete 20 years at age 42 but not draw retirement pay until age 60. Eighteen years pass without active drill or retirement healthcare. TRR covers those years.

Eligibility

Per 10 USC 1076e, eligibility requires.

• 20 qualifying years of service for retirement
• Member of the Retired Reserve (transferred from drilling status)
• Not yet eligible for retirement pay (typically not yet age 60, or reduced age if applicable)
• Not eligible for FEHBP through civilian government employment
• Pays the monthly premium

Family members of eligible TRR members also enroll.

Coverage Provided

TRR coverage matches TRICARE Select for retirees.

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

Premium Structure

TRR premiums are higher than TRS premiums (reservists not actively drilling pay more).

Specific rates published annually. Reference current TRICARE rate schedule.

When TRR Coverage Stops

TRR coverage transitions when.

• Member reaches age 60 (or reduced retirement age) and receives retirement pay (transitions to TRICARE for Life if age 65+, or other TRICARE plan)
• Member becomes eligible for Medicare
• Premiums not paid (after grace period)
• Member returns to drilling status (transitions to TRS)

Enrollment Process

Enrollment process parallels TRS but with retirement-specific verification.

Step 1 - Verify Retirement Status

Confirm the member is in Retired Reserve status with 20 qualifying years.

• Pull MCTFS for component verification
• Verify CRCR shows 20 qualifying years
• Confirm retirement pay status (awaiting pay vs receiving pay)

Step 2 - Direct to BWE

Member enrolls via Beneficiary Web Enrollment.

• Login to milConnect or BWE
• Select TRR enrollment
• Choose coverage type
• Enter family member information

Step 3 - Set Up Premium Payment

Premium options for retired members.

• Direct billing
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
• Allotment from any drill pay if returning to drilling status

Step 4 - Verify Enrollment

Coverage starts after premium received.

Common TRR Questions

"When does TRR end and TFL start?"

TRR transitions to TRICARE for Life (TFL) when the retiree becomes Medicare-eligible at age 65 (with Medicare Part A and B enrollment). Some retirees might have other transitions based on retirement pay age.

"I keep TRR and not enroll in Medicare?"

Medicare-eligible retirees should enroll in Medicare Part A and B to qualify for TFL. TRR does not continue past Medicare eligibility for most members.

"What if my civilian job offers FEHBP?"

FEHBP eligibility through civilian government employment makes the member ineligible for TRR. Member must choose between FEHBP and TRR.

"How does TRR compare to civilian COBRA?"

TRR is similar to civilian COBRA. It bridges coverage but requires premium payment. TRR generally costs less than COBRA from civilian employers.

Coordination with Other TRICARE Programs

Members might transition through multiple programs.

I&I admin coordinates through retirement transition.

Common I&I Errors on TRR

These hit at the I&I shop.

1. Telling member TRR is automatic at retirement. TRR requires enrollment and premium payment. Not automatic.
2. Confusing TRR eligibility with TFL. TRR is for awaiting pay. TFL is for Medicare-eligible. Different programs.
3. Wrong premium quoted. Rates change annually. Always reference current schedule.
4. Telling member with FEHBP they qualify. FEHBP eligibility blocks TRR. Member must choose.
5. Enrollment timing miscommunicated. Coverage starts after premium received, not at enrollment.

Coordination Touchpoints

TRR questions touch.

• TRICARE Regional Office: Plan administration
• DFAS: Premium payment coordination
• MCRSC: For Retired Reserve status
• Social Security Administration: For Medicare coordination
• Member's civilian employer HR: For FEHBP coordination

Related Roles

TRR affects retiring reservists during the bridge years.

• Marines (retiring reservists) enroll in TRR for the bridge years before retirement pay begins.
• Leaders brief retiring members on TRR option as part of pre-separation counseling.
• Commanders at I&I support retirement transition counseling.