TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) Explained: 2026 Guide

*TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not an official government agency or the TRICARE program. For official policy and enrollment, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) is a premium-based health plan for qualified National Guard and Reserve members and their families. It offers comprehensive coverage similar to TRICARE Select, allowing you to see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral while paying monthly premiums and cost-shares.

Details

TRICARE Reserve Select functions as a "pay-as-you-go" plan for "gray area" reservists and those not on active duty orders. Because you are not on active duty, the government does not provide this coverage for free; instead, you pay a monthly premium to maintain coverage for yourself or your family.

### 2026 Monthly Premiums For the 2026 plan year, premiums are adjusted annually. While exact figures are updated every January 1st, the 2026 rates follow this structure: * **TRS Member Only:** Varies by plan year — check TRICARE.mil for current rates. * **TRS Member and Family:** Varies by plan year — check TRICARE.mil for current rates.

### How Coverage Works TRS is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) style plan. * **No Referrals:** You do not need a referral for most specialty care. * **Provider Choice:** You can see any TRICARE-authorized provider. However, you will pay significantly less out-of-pocket if you use a provider in the TRICARE Network. * **Deductibles:** You must meet an annual outpatient deductible before TRICARE begins to share costs. * **Catastrophic Cap:** This limits the total amount you pay out-of-pocket for covered services each year, providing financial protection against major illnesses or injuries.

### Eligibility Restrictions The primary "catch" with TRS eligibility is the **Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB)** rule. If you are eligible for or enrolled in the FEHB program under your own employment, you are legally disqualified from purchasing TRICARE Reserve Select. Note: Congress has passed legislation to phase this restriction out by 2030, but as of May 2026, the restriction remains in place for most federal employees.

### Pharmacy Benefits TRS includes full pharmacy coverage managed by **Express Scripts**. You can fill prescriptions via military pharmacies (at no cost), through the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery, or at retail network pharmacies.

### Regional Contractors Your claims and authorizations are handled based on your geography: * **East Region:** Humana Military * **West Region:** TriWest Healthcare Alliance * **Overseas:** International SOS

## Who this affects * **National Guard & Reserve members:** Specifically those in the Selected Reserve (SELRES). * **Family members:** Spouses and children of qualified SELRES members. * **Survivors:** Qualifying family members of deceased Guard/Reserve members. * **Excluded:** Those on active duty orders (who move to TRICARE Prime) and those eligible for FEHB.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [TRICARE Reserve Select Overview](https://www.tricare.mil/trs) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [Benefits and Eligibility Plans](https://health.mil) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance:** [West Region Portal](https://www.triwest.com) * **Humana Military:** [East Region Benefits](https://www.humanamilitary.com)