Health Benefits

Use your health benefits wisely.

Most National Guard or Reserve members keep private health insurance, if possible. After 30 days or more of active duty, Guard or Reserve members may be eligible for health care for themselves and their families.

TRICARE is the military’s response to rising health-care costs. All active duty National Guard or Reserve members’ families and retired National Guard or Reserve members under 65 and their families are eligible. TRICARE offers 3 health-care options:

• TRICARE PRIME will be the lowest in cost, but you have to choose your health-care provider from a pre-approved network of providers.
• TRICARE EXTRA will use the same deductible as CHAMPUS, but there is a 5% discount if you use network health-care providers.
• TRICARE STANDARD is basically the same as CHAMPUS.

What you pay depends on the type of coverage you want. Dental care depends on your status – in general, Guard members and their dependents are not eligible for dental care. They may be able to receive emergency dental care at military facilities if there is available space.

Talk to your health benefits advisor or TRICARE advisor regularly. Make sure your health-care providers participate in TRICARE. Always remember to bring your ID card with you.

To Claim Health Benefits You Will Need:

• A copy of your active duty orders.
• Your military ID card.