TRS Coverage Extended for Tier 1-eligible Beneficiaries

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2007 (NDAA-07) and the TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) recommend an extension of coverage for Tier 1 beneficiaries who meet one of two criteria:

  1. Enrollees who had coverage effective October 16, 2006,who lost eligibility on or before January 31, 2007.

If you fall within this category, you must "opt-in" to receive the extended eligibility.You should have received a letter and TRS Information Update Form in mid-January 2007 that outlined two choices for your re-enrollment:

Please note that even though the deadline for this option has passed, eligible persons will be able to register during the open enrollment season beginning October 1, 2007.

  1. Enrollees who had TRS Tier 1 coverage prior to October 16, 2006, and are scheduled to lose eligibility before September 30, 2007.

If you are a reservist who falls within this second category, your eligibility and your family’s eligibility will be automatically extended to September 30, 2007 in the Tier 1 program and will continue to be billed monthly with your established fee.  A letter explaining the extended coverage was also sent by TMA to you mid-January 2007.

If you do not wish to continue your coverage, it is necessary to "opt-out" of the extension. Termination of Tier 1 coverage can be done at any time with submission of the completed TRS Information Update Form.  This form is posted on www.triwest.com under the "forms" tab.  Please be advised that simply stopping payment of your fees is not the proper way to discontinue coverage and may result in collection activity.

NOTE: Beneficiaries who are eligible for, or enrolled in FEHBP are required to terminate TRS coverage upon their original TRS Tier 1 expiration date or sooner if they choose. 

For more information on Tier 1 benefits, you may refer to beneficiary FAQs, visit www.triwest.com, or call 1-888-874-9378.