Skip main navigation

Military Health System

Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene

Emergency procedures are in place in multiple states due to Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene. >>Learn More

National Guard and Reserve Members: Explore Plan Options With This TRICARE Handbook

Image of National Guard and Reserve Members: Explore Plan Options With This TRICARE Handbook. The TRICARE Choices for National Guard and Reserve Handbook provides an overview of the TRICARE plans available to you and your family members. Your plan options depend on your sponsor’s status, location, and age.

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.

You also may be interested in...

Article
Aug 17, 2023

Stay on Top of TRICARE Prescriptions with Express Scripts App

Stay on Top of TRICARE Prescriptions With Express Scripts App

Do you need help managing your prescriptions? Express Scripts, the TRICARE pharmacy contractor, has a free, easy-to-use app that can help. The Express Scripts Pharmacy mobile app is a secure way to stay on top of taking your medication. The app is full of useful features, like dose reminders and the ability to approve refills. Here’s a look at some of ...

Article
Aug 15, 2023

Have Other Health Insurance? Here’s How It Works With TRICARE

Have Other Health Insurance? Here’s How It Works With TRICARE

Your TRICARE plan might be only part of your health care coverage. If you have additional coverage through your employer, your spouse’s employer, or a private insurance program, you have other health insurance (OHI). Here are six tips to help you learn how TRICARE works when you also use OHI.

Article
Aug 2, 2023

Before Natural Disasters Strike, Know Your TRICARE Benefits

Before Natural Disasters Strike, Know Your TRICARE Benefits

In case of a natural disaster, one of the most important preparations is to ensure you and your family have your prescription drugs and access to health care services. When the government issues a state of emergency, TRICARE may temporarily change its procedures to ensure that you receive timely medical care.

Article
Jul 25, 2023

Beat the Back-to-School Rush: TRICARE Preventive Health Checks for Kids

Beat the Back-to-School Rush: TRICARE Preventive Health Checks for Kids

Summer is a great time to take care of health checkups for your kids. Your child’s school likely requires students to get an annual health exam and be up to date on vaccines. With a new school year around the corner, don’t delay medical appointments for your kids.

Article
Jun 20, 2023

TRICARE Preventive Health Services for Men of All Ages

TRICARE Preventive Health Services for Men of All Ages

Did you know that June is Men’s Health Month? If you’re a man, it’s a good time to take stock of your overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the life expectancy for men in the U.S. is nearly six years less than that for women. And that gap is getting wider. However, men can still live long, healthy lives by eating ...

Skip subpage navigation
Refine your search
Last Updated: August 16, 2024
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on X Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery