Active Duty and TRICARE Sharing Agreement: What You Need to Know
As a member of the military, your healthcare needs are likely covered by TRICARE, the healthcare program designed specifically for military personnel, retirees, and their dependents. However, if you`re on active duty, you may also be eligible for healthcare coverage from your employer. This can lead to questions about how your TRICARE benefits and your employer`s healthcare plan work together. In this article, we`ll examine the active duty and TRICARE sharing agreement, and what it means for you.
What is the active duty and TRICARE sharing agreement?
Under the active duty and TRICARE sharing agreement, military personnel who are on active duty and covered by their employer`s healthcare plan are allowed to enroll in TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) or TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR). These plans offer additional coverage options, including dental and vision coverage, and can be used in conjunction with your employer`s plan.
Who is eligible for TRS or TRR?
TRICARE Reserve Select is available to members of the Selected Reserve and their families who are not on active duty. TRICARE Retired Reserve is available to retired Reserve and National Guard members and their families who are not yet eligible for TRICARE for Life. However, under the active duty and TRICARE sharing agreement, active duty military personnel who are covered by their employer`s healthcare plan are also eligible to enroll in TRS or TRR, provided they meet certain criteria.
What are the criteria for eligibility?
To be eligible for TRS or TRR under the active duty and TRICARE sharing agreement, you must meet the following criteria:
– You must be a member of the Selected Reserve or the Retired Reserve.
– You must be on active duty.
– You must be covered under your employer`s healthcare plan.
– You must waive your employer`s healthcare coverage during the TRS or TRR enrollment period.
How does TRS or TRR work with my employer`s plan?
TRICARE Reserve Select and TRICARE Retired Reserve are secondary payers to your employer`s healthcare plan. This means that your employer`s plan pays first, and any remaining costs are then covered by TRS or TRR. However, TRS or TRR benefits may be limited depending on the terms of your employer`s plan. It`s important to check with your employer to see how your TRS or TRR benefits will work with your existing coverage.
In conclusion, the active duty and TRICARE sharing agreement allows military personnel on active duty and covered by their employer`s healthcare plan to enroll in TRICARE Reserve Select or TRICARE Retired Reserve, providing additional coverage options. However, it`s important to understand the eligibility criteria and how these plans work with your employer`s healthcare coverage. If you have any questions about your TRICARE benefits, be sure to contact your healthcare provider or a TRICARE representative for assistance.