Reserve or Guard Activation
When Reserve or National Guard members are called to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days, they and their families become eligible for active duty TRICARE benefits. This means access to TRICARE Prime with no enrollment fees, no copayments, and full coverage. Prior to activation, Reserve members on TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) transition to active duty TRICARE. Upon deactivation, members receive 180 days of TAMP coverage before transitioning back to Reserve benefits. Members activated for contingency operations may also qualify for early TRICARE coverage through the Pre-Activation benefit (up to 90 days before activation).
Timeline
Receive activation orders
Update DEERS with active duty status
Eligible for pre-activation TRICARE (if contingency operation)
Full active duty TRICARE benefits begin
Active duty coverage continues throughout activation
TAMP coverage begins upon deactivation
Transition back to TRICARE Reserve Select or other coverage
Action Checklist
- Update DEERS with activation orders immediately
- Notify current TRICARE plan (TRS) of activation
- Enroll in TRICARE Prime at duty station
- Ensure family members' DEERS records are current
- Select PCMs for family members near home station
- Review pre-activation benefit eligibility
- Refill prescriptions before reporting
- Inform civilian employer of military activation (USERRA protections)
- Plan for TAMP coverage upon deactivation
- Keep copies of all activation and deactivation orders
Plan Impact
Upon activation, Reserve/Guard members transition from TRICARE Reserve Select (or no TRICARE) to full active duty TRICARE Prime. Families gain active duty dependent benefits. Pre-activation TRICARE is available up to 90 days before reporting for contingency operations. Upon deactivation, 180 days of TAMP provides continued active duty-level coverage. After TAMP, members can re-enroll in TRICARE Reserve Select.
Cost Impact
Active duty TRICARE Prime has no enrollment fees, no copayments, and no cost-shares. This replaces TRS premiums (approximately $50/month individual or $225/month family). During TAMP, coverage remains free. After TAMP, TRS premiums resume. Pre-activation TRICARE is also free for contingency-related activations.
Required Forms & Documents
- DD Form 1172-2 (DEERS update with activation orders)
- Copy of activation/mobilization orders
- DD Form 2058 (State of Legal Domicile Certificate)
- TRICARE Prime enrollment form (if applicable)
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