The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2005, enacted into law on October 28, 2004, has made permanent some provisions from previous legislation to improve the readiness of our fighting force.
Reserve Component Members
When on military duty, Reserve Component members are covered for any injury, illness or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, including traveling to and from military duty, under line-of-duty procedures. Medical coverage (direct care at the Military Treatment Facilities) is available when the member is activated. When ordered to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days, Reserve Component members have comprehensive health care coverage under TRICARE.
When ordered to active duty for more than 30 days in support of a contingency operation, Reserve Component members are also eligible for "early" and transitional (demobilization) benefits:
Reserve Component Family Members
When the Reserve Component sponsor is on orders for more than 30 consecutive days, his/her family's medical and dental care needs are covered under several TRICARE options:
Reserve Component Retirees become eligible for TRICARE benefits when they reach age 60 and are receiving retirement pay. Members of the Retired Reserve below age 60--so-called "gray area" retirees--are not eligible for TRICARE health care benefits. However, gray area retirees are eligible for the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program. For more information about RC retirement eligibility, qualifying years of service, and exceptions, please consult your personnel center or visit the Web site of your Reserve Component, available at the Reserve Affairs "Links" Web site page.
For Reserve Component questions not listed in the Frequently Asked Questions database, please e-mail reservebcac@tma.osd.mil. For questions related to Reserve Component members stationed overseas, please e-mail overseasreservebcac@tma.osd.mil. Remember: TRICARE policies and benefits are governed by public law; thus changes to the health care plan are continuous and benefits are added regularly.
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