U.S. National Guard and Reserve Members: Understand Your TRICARE Coverage

PHOENIX (Aug. 4, 2025) — U.S. National Guard and Reserve member TRICARE sponsors should know that their health care coverage transitions upon activation and deactivation from their assigned units.

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) authorizes National Guard and Reserve member TRICARE enrollees the same benefits as active duty service when activated for more than 30 days on qualifying orders. These TRICARE sponsors and their family member beneficiaries should also know their coverage changes upon deactivation.

DHA emphasizes that Guard and Reservists should always review their TRICARE coverage options prior to activating for more than 30 days, and prior to deactivation.

TRICARE eligibility updates in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) upon activation of more than 30 days on qualifying orders. Similarly, eligibility transitions upon deactivation.

Sponsors activating for more than 30 days should review their TRICARE Pre-Activation Benefits, DHA advises.

National Guard and Reserve members should read this recent TRICARE Newsroom article on TRICARE coverage for National Guard and Reservists.