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Total Force: TRICARE Reserve Select plan changes Oct. 1

By Brian Smith, TriWest Healthcare Alliance / Published August 23, 2007

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Beginning Oct. 1, the three-tiered TRICARE Reserve Select program for guard and reserve servicemembers ends, meaning now qualified members will have access to a streamlined TRS program with simplified enrollment requirements and a new premium structure. 

Current members (except those with survivor benefits) must re-enroll in TRS before Sept. 30 to ensure continuous coverage. 

The New TRS Program
All TRS enrollees will need to log on to the National Guard and Reserve Web Portal at www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/trs/index.jsp to:
-- Verify eligibility;
-- Select "purchase coverage" and choose individual or family coverage;
-- Print the TRS request form (DD Form 2896-1); and
-- Sign and submit the form and one month's premium payment to TriWest. Healthcare Alliance (P.O. Box 42048, Phoenix, AZ 85080-2048), the TRICARE West Region contractor.
-- A continuous open TRS enrollment period--qualified members may purchase coverage at any time when not on active duty orders.
-- Continuing coverage--after the loss of a non-premium TRICARE program (for instance, losing coverage coming off of active duty), eligible beneficiaries must enroll in TRS within 60 days to avoid a break in coverage.
-- A choice of coverage start date--for example, if the enrollment form (with payment) is mailed to TriWest and postmarked Nov. 29, the member can choose to start coverage on either Dec. 1 or Jan. 1.

TRS coverage
Health care coverage under TRS is similar to coverage under TRICARE Standard and Extra and includes deductibles, cost-shares and a $1,000 cap on the yearly maximum out-of-pocket expenses for covered medical services. 

TRS enrollees (individuals and family members) have the freedom to access care from any TRICARE-authorized, certified or network provider or hospital and may request care at a military treatment facility, or MTF, on a space-available basis. TRS enrollees also have access to pharmacy and dental benefits. 

Pharmacy Benefits
The TRICARE pharmacy program is administered by Express Scripts, Inc. at www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE and has minimal co-payments. 

Dental Coverage
Qualified Reserve Component members may purchase TRICARE Dental Program coverage, administered by United Concordia Companies, Inc. at www.tricaredentalprogram.com.  

Key Facts
-- Current TRICARE Reserve Select enrollees must re-enroll with TriWest before September 30 to ensure continuous coverage.
-- Reservists eligible for coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefit program are not eligible for coverage under the restructured TRS program.
-- Enroll by printing out, signing and mailing in the TRS Request Form (DD Form 2896-1) from the National Guard and Reserve Web Portal at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/trs/index.jsp.
-- Contact TriWest Healthcare Alliance 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378) or www.triwest.com.
-- Reserve Component points of contact can be found at http://www.defenselink.mil/ra/html/tricare.html.
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