Reserve Select

Definition

The Reserve Select term refers to the TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), which is a premium-based, voluntary health care plan offered to eligible reserve component members and their families. This plan provides coverage for servicemembers and their families when the member is not on active duty status. TRS serves as a supplement to the Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, offering comprehensive health care coverage including medical, dental, and vision services.

Key Takeaways

1. The Reserve Select is a premium-based health care plan for eligible Selected Reserve members, offering coverage similar to TRICARE Standard and Extra.
2. It requires a monthly premium, and the enrollee may receive care from any TRICARE network or non-network providers, but using network providers has additional benefits like lower out-of-pocket costs.
3. To be eligible for Reserve Select, members must meet specific criteria such as being a member of the Selected Reserve with no eligibility for Federal Employee Health Benefits coverage and not being on full-time active duty orders.

Importance

The term “Reserve Select” is important in the context of VA benefits because it refers to the TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) program, a premium-based health plan offered to qualified members of the National Guard and Reserve, as well as their eligible family members.

TRS serves as an essential resource for these individuals who may not have access to other health insurance options when they are not on active duty.

By providing comprehensive coverage, including medical, behavioral, and prescription drug benefits, Reserve Select plays a critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing of service members and their families, ultimately contributing to a more robust and resilient military force.

Explanation

The Reserve Select program serves as a critical support system for members of the Selected Reserve, fulfilling a crucial purpose in sustaining the well-being of service members and their families. As a vital component of the VA benefits package, the program aims to offer affordable and comprehensive health care solutions to those who dedicate themselves to protecting the United States.

Covering a wide range of services, including mental health, prescription medications, maternity care, and preventive services, Reserve Select enables eligible Selected Reserve members and their dependents to access much-needed health care without incurring exorbitant costs or undue financial strain. Consequently, the program safeguards the health and welfare of countless military families, ensuring they remain resilient while their loved ones serve the nation.

Apart from providing essential health care benefits, Reserve Select also serves as an incentive for attracting and retaining qualified and dedicated personnel in the military reserves. Together with other VA benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, housing allowances, and vocational rehabilitation services, Reserve Select forms an indispensable tool for both recruitment and retention efforts.

The promise of access to affordable, quality health care not only demonstrates the United States’ commitment to ensuring the well-being of its service members but also fosters a stronger and healthier national defense force. By empowering reservists and their families through quality health care resources, Reserve Select ultimately bolsters the effectiveness and readiness of America’s military reserves, thereby contributing to the overall security of the nation.

Examples of Reserve Select

The VA Benefits term “Reserve Select” refers to the TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) program, which is a health care plan specifically designed for qualified members of the National Guard and Reserve who are not on active duty or covered by the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP). Here are three real-world examples of how Reserve Select can be utilized:

College tuition assistance: A reservist enrolled in the TRS program can use their Reserve Select benefits to help pay for college education. This can include tuition, fees, and other educational costs. For example, a reservist attending a local community college can receive financial aid through the TRS program to ease their financial burden while they continue serving in the military.

Health care coverage while between jobs: A National Guardsman who has recently been laid off from their civilian job may be eligible to use their Reserve Select benefits to maintain health care coverage for themselves and their family members while searching for new employment. This can ensure that the guardsman’s family maintains access to medical care and avoids gaps in coverage during periods of job transition.

Dental care for families: A reservist with a spouse and children may utilize their Reserve Select benefits to obtain dental care for their entire family. This can include routine cleanings, dental exams, and other preventative care measures that are essential for maintaining good oral health. By using TRS, the reservist can provide these essential services to their family members at a lower cost than purchasing individual dental plans for each family member.

Reserve Select Benefits FAQ

1. What is the Reserve Select program?

The Reserve Select program is a premium-based healthcare plan offered by TRICARE to eligible members of the Selected Reserve and their families. It provides comprehensive health coverage and is considered an affordable alternative to other healthcare options.

2. Who is eligible for Reserve Select benefits?

Members of the Selected Reserve, including the National Guard and Reserve members, who are not eligible for or enrolled in the TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) program or other Federal health benefits programs, are eligible for Reserve Select benefits. Additionally, they must maintain a good standing in their Reserve component and cannot be on active duty orders.

3. What are the costs associated with Reserve Select?

Reserve Select has monthly premiums that vary depending on the plan level (individual or family coverage). There are also out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and a yearly catastrophic cap. More specific cost details can be found on the TRICARE website.

4. How can members enroll in the Reserve Select program?

Eligible members can enroll in Reserve Select online through the DMDC’s Beneficiary Web Enrollment portal or by submitting a Reserve Component Health Coverage (RCHC) Request Form to the appropriate TRICARE support office. A Qualifying Life Event (QLE), such as marriage, birth of a child, or a change in status, may trigger a window for enrollment outside of the open season.

5. Are dental and vision coverage included in Reserve Select?

Reserve Select does not include dental and vision coverage as part of the plan. However, eligible members may opt to purchase dental and vision coverage separately through the FEDVIP (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program).

6. What services and benefits are covered under Reserve Select?

Reserve Select covers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, hospitalization, prescription medications, preventative services, mental health care, urgent and emergency care, and maternity care, among others. Specific covered services can be found in the TRICARE Select Benefits A-Z list on the TRICARE website.

7. Can Reserve Select be used with other health insurance?

Yes, Reserve Select can be used with other health insurance. In this case, the other health insurance will be considered primary, and TRICARE Reserve Select will be secondary, providing coverage for any costs not paid by the primary insurance.

Related VA Benefit Terms

• TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)
• Selected Reserve (SELRES)
• Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP)
• Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
• Drilling Reservist

Sources for More Information

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The official homepage for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a valuable source for information related to Reserve Select and other veterans benefits.
• Military OneSource: A comprehensive and reliable resource for all things military-related, including detailed information on Reserve Select and other military benefits.
• TRICARE: The official military healthcare program website includes information about Reserve Select health care coverage and other related benefits.
• National Guard: As Reserve Select benefits are available to National Guard and Reserve members, the official National Guard website is another helpful source for information on Reserve Select and related benefits.