Group A Retiree
Quick Definition
Military retirees who initially enrolled in TRICARE Prime or Select before January 1, 2018.
Key Takeaways
- Retirees eligible for TRICARE before January 1, 2018
- Benefit from lower enrollment fees, deductibles, and catastrophic caps
- Group A status is permanent and applies to the entire family
Full Definition
A Group A Retiree is a military retiree (or family member of a retiree) who was enrolled in or eligible for TRICARE before January 1, 2018. Group A retirees benefit from a grandfathered fee structure with generally lower enrollment fees, deductibles, and catastrophic caps compared to Group B retirees.
Group A classification: • Must have been enrolled in or eligible for a TRICARE plan as of December 31, 2017 • Includes retirees and their eligible family members • Status is determined by the sponsor's initial TRICARE eligibility date
Group A cost advantages: • Lower annual enrollment fees for TRICARE Prime and Select • Lower annual deductibles for TRICARE Select • Lower catastrophic cap • Generally lower overall out-of-pocket healthcare costs
Maintaining Group A status: • Group A status is permanent once established • Does not change if you switch between plans • Applies to the entire family based on sponsor eligibility • Verified through DEERS records
Understanding your Group A or Group B classification is essential for accurately estimating your annual TRICARE healthcare costs and making informed decisions during Open Season enrollment periods.
Helpful Tips
- Verify your Group A status in DEERS to ensure you are being charged the correct rates.
- If you believe your group classification is incorrect, contact your regional contractor for review.
Related Questions
How much does TRICARE cost?
Costs vary by plan and beneficiary status. Active duty members have no costs. Retirees and their families pay enrollment fees and cost-shares.
How do I switch between TRICARE Prime and Select?
You can switch plans during the annual Open Season (Nov-Dec) or after a Qualifying Life Event like PCS, birth, or marriage.
What is the difference between Group A and Group B retirees?
Group A retirees retired before January 1, 2018 and pay higher deductibles and catastrophic caps. Group B retired on/after that date with lower costs.
Related Terms
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