News update: Tricare for gray-area reservists — enrollment starts now
September 1st, 2010 | TriCare Help | Posted by Military Times
Military Times reports: Enrollments begin Sept. 1 for a new Tricare insurance plan aimed at so-called “gray area” National Guard and reserve retirees who are eligible for, but not yet receiving, military retired pay. The program is launching about a month earlier than Tricare Management Agency officials previously had predicted. Read the full story.
Looking forward to coverage for gray-area retirees
November 11th, 2009 | TriCare Help | Posted by Military Times
Q. We were reading the Army Times and came across an article that mentioned Tricare for gray-area retirees. We are interested to know whether my husband will qualify for Tricare now, at age 58, and if so, what the cost will be. Also, could I be covered under his plan as well? The article stated that the Defense Department still must set premiums and enrollment rules. We would love to get some information on this, including what we have to do, the cost, and where to sign up.
Your question primarily concerns Tricare eligibility. Although it may seem strange, Tricare has no authority in the matter of Tricare eligibility. Only the services have the authority to make individual determinations about Tricare eligibility.
Before you do anything else, call the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), to determine whether you and your family are eligible for Tricare — what you are eligible for, and when. DEERS is an official computerized database of all DoD beneficiaries and the benefits to which each is entitled by law. DEERS’ toll-free number is 1-800-538-9552. Put that number in your Rolodex. You will very likely need it again.
Ask DEERS any questions you might have regarding eligibility. Find out what you must do to enroll in Tricare — to become registered in DEERS as eligible for the program.
There will be things regarding the Tricare Program itself, such as benefits and claims, that DEERS will be unable to answer. DEERS deals only with eligibility issues. I suggest you make a checklist before calling so you don’t forget anything, and keep notes of what you are told.
Then, after you have resolved all your questions with DEERS, get back to me so we can discuss any other questions.