TRICARE Reserve Select vs. Employer Insurance: Cost Comparison
TRICARE Reserve Select is available to qualified Selected Reserve members who are not on active duty. With premiums significantly below civilian employer plans, TRS offers exceptional value. But you should compare it to your employer's plan before deciding.
Eligibility
TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)
Selected Reserve members not on active duty orders, registered in DEERS, not eligible for Federal Employee Health Benefits.
Employer Insurance
Employees of companies offering group health insurance.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) | Employer Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Provider Choice | Any TRICARE-authorized provider | Plan-specific network |
| Referrals | No (similar to Select) | PPO: No, HMO: Yes |
| Military Pharmacy | Yes | No |
| Prescription Mail Order | Express Scripts home delivery | Varies by plan |
| Dental | Separate TRICARE Dental Program | Often bundled |
Cost Comparison
| Cost | TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) | Employer Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium (Member Only) | ~$50/month | $100–$250/month |
| Monthly Premium (Family) | ~$230/month | $400–$1,500/month |
| Annual Deductible | $150/individual, $300/family | $500–$5,000 |
| Catastrophic Cap | $1,000 | $5,000–$16,300 |
Pros & Cons
TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)
Pros
- Dramatically lower premiums
- Low deductibles and catastrophic cap
- Military pharmacy access
- Nationwide provider network
Cons
- Must maintain reserve membership
- No employer HSA contributions
- Must pay premiums yourself (no employer subsidy)
Employer Insurance
Pros
- Employer pays portion of premium
- May include dental/vision bundled
- HSA/FSA options available
- No military service requirement
Cons
- Much higher premiums
- Higher deductibles
- Higher out-of-pocket maximums
- No military pharmacy access
Best For
TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)
Guard and Reserve members whose employers don't offer strong health benefits, or who want to save significantly on healthcare premiums.
Employer Insurance
Reserve members whose employers cover 70%+ of premiums with low deductibles, or who value bundled dental/vision and HSA contributions.