What is TRS? TRICARE Reserve Select Explained
*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program or a government agency; visit TRICARE.mil for official policy and enrollment.*
## Definition TRS stands for TRICARE Reserve Select, a premium-based health plan available for purchase by qualified members of the Selected Reserve and their families.
## What it means in practice TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) functions similarly to the TRICARE Select plan available to active-duty families, but with one major difference: it requires a monthly premium payment. It is designed specifically for "Part-Time" service members (National Guard and Reserve) who are not currently on active duty orders. If you are called to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days, your coverage will automatically transition from TRS to the "Free" active-duty benefits (TRICARE Prime or Select) and will revert to TRS eligibility once you transition back to civilian status.
In practice, TRS offers a high degree of flexibility. You do not need a referral for most specialty care, and you can see any TRICARE-authorized provider. However, you will pay lower out-of-pocket costs if you use a provider within the TRICARE network. For the 2026 plan year, beneficiaries must stay current on their monthly premiums to avoid a "lock-out" period, where you are barred from re-enrolling for up to 90 days if your coverage is terminated for non-payment.
Financial responsibilities under TRS include a monthly premium, an annual deductible, and cost-shares (percentages of the allowed amount) for medical services. For 2026, those in the "Group B" category (those who first joined the military on or after January 1, 2018) generally face different deductible structures than Group A. As of May 2026, TRS remains one of the most competitive health insurance options in the United States for those who qualify, often featuring lower premiums and lower deductibles than comparable employer-sponsored civilian plans.
The plan is managed by Humana Military in the East Region and TriWest Healthcare Alliance in the West Region. Pharmacy benefits are covered under the standard TRICARE pharmacy program managed by Express Scripts, allowing TRS members to use retail pharmacies, military pharmacies, or home delivery.
## Related terms * **Selected Reserve:** A sub-category of the Ready Reserve consisting of those who participate in regular training (drills) and are the first to be called to active duty. * **T-5 Contract:** The fifth generation of TRICARE managed care support contracts, which transitioned the West Region to TriWest Healthcare Alliance as of 2025. * **Qualifying Life Event (QLE):** A change in your life—such as marriage, birth of a child, or loss of other health insurance—that allows you to enroll in or change TRICARE coverage outside of Open Season. * **TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR):** A more expensive premium-based plan for "gray area" retirees who are under age 60 and not yet eligible for retired pay. * **Premium:** The fixed monthly amount you pay to keep your health insurance active, regardless of whether you use medical services.
## Sources * TRICARE.mil: TRICARE Reserve Select (https://www.tricare.mil/trs) * Defense Health Agency: TRICARE Costs and Fees (https://www.tricare.mil/costs) * TriWest Healthcare Alliance: West Region Provider Portal (https://www.triwest.com)