Minnesota National Guard & Reserve

TRICARE Reserve Select vs MNsure2026 Cost Comparison Guide

Is TRS at $57.88/month your best option? Compare TRICARE Reserve Select to MNsure marketplace plans with subsidies and find the right coverage for your situation.

Compare My Options See 2026 Costs

The 90-Day Enrollment Rule

After separating from active duty or when TAMP coverage ends, you have exactly 90 days to enroll in TRICARE Reserve Select without a break in coverage. Missing this window means waiting for a Qualifying Life Event. Mark your calendar!

TRICARE Reserve Select 2026 Costs

All TRS members follow Group B cost-sharing rules

Member Only

Single coverage

$57.88/month

$694.56/year

Member + Family

Covers spouse & dependents

$286.66/month

$3,439.92/year

Deductibles (E-5+)

Individual:$198

Family:$397

Catastrophic Cap:$1,324

Office Visit Copays

Primary Care:$19

Specialty Care:$33

Inpatient:$79/admission

Pharmacy (Home Delivery)

Generic (Tier 1):$14

Brand (Tier 2):$44

Non-Formulary:$68

TRS vs MNsure vs Employer Plans

Side-by-side comparison of your Minnesota options

Plan	Monthly	Deductible	Subsidies
TRICARE Reserve Select (Member Only) TRICARE network nationwide	$57.88	$198	No subsidies
TRICARE Reserve Select (Family) TRICARE network nationwide	$286.66	$397	No subsidies
MNsure Bronze (with subsidies) Minnesota networks	$0-150	$7,000+	Income-based
MNsure Silver (with subsidies) Minnesota networks	$50-250	$2,000-5,000	Subsidies + CSR
MinnesotaCare MinnesotaCare network	$0-80	Minimal	Under 200% FPL
Average Employer Plan Varies	$150-400	$1,500-3,000	Employer contribution

* MNsure costs shown are estimates with subsidies. Your actual costs depend on income, age, and plan selection.

Not Sure Which is Best for You?

Your best option depends on income, family size, health needs, and how often you travel. Let Navitize AI compare everything and give you a personalized recommendation.

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"I'm in the Minnesota National Guard, family of 3, household income $55,000. Should I keep TRS or switch to MNsure?"

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Which Option Wins? Real Scenarios

The best choice depends on your specific situation

Single, Drilling Status, $40,000 Income

TRS: $57.88/month = $694/year

MNsure Silver: ~$120/month with subsidies

Winner: TRS

TRS is cheaper with lower deductible ($198 vs $3,000+)

Family of 4, $65,000 Income

TRS: $286.66/month = $3,440/year

MNsure Silver: ~$200/month with subsidies = $2,400/year

Winner: MNsure

MNsure $1,000+ cheaper annually with similar coverage

Single, Income Under $30,000

TRS: $57.88/month

MinnesotaCare: $0-50/month

Winner: MinnesotaCare

MinnesotaCare is significantly cheaper for lower incomes

Frequent PCS/Travel

TRS: Nationwide TRICARE network

MNsure: Minnesota-only networks

Winner: TRS

TRS offers nationwide coverage for mobile lifestyles

Quick Decision Guide

Choose TRS If...

Income too high for MNsure subsidies (above ~$58,000 single)
You travel frequently or live near military facilities
You want lower deductibles ($198 vs $3,000+)
You prefer nationwide TRICARE network coverage
Family coverage at $286.66/month works for your budget

Choose MNsure If...

Income qualifies for subsidies (under ~$58,000 single)
You primarily live and work in Minnesota
Family and subsidies make MNsure cheaper than TRS
You qualify for Silver plan Cost-Sharing Reductions
Income under $30,000? Consider MinnesotaCare first

Important Notes for Guard & Reserve

Group B Cost-Sharing

All TRS members follow Group B deductibles and cost-shares, even if you joined before 2018. This is different from TRICARE Select where join date matters.

No Dental/Vision

TRS does not include dental or vision coverage. Enroll in FEDVIP separately during the Federal Benefits Open Season (November-December).

Activation Changes

When activated 30+ days, you switch to TRICARE Prime/Select at no premium cost. Resume TRS when you return to drilling status.

DEERS Must Be Current

Your DEERS record must show current unit assignment for TRS eligibility. Update through milConnect or your unit personnel office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does TRICARE Reserve Select cost in 2026?

TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) costs $57.88/month for member-only coverage and $286.66/month for member and family coverage in 2026. All TRS members follow Group B cost-sharing rules regardless of when they joined.

What is the 90-day enrollment rule for TRICARE Reserve Select?

Guard and Reserve members have a strict 90-day window to enroll in TRS after separating from active duty or after TAMP (Transitional Assistance Management Program) coverage ends. Missing this window means waiting for the next Qualifying Life Event.

Can National Guard members get MNsure subsidies?

Yes, Minnesota National Guard and Reserve members can qualify for MNsure premium subsidies based on household income. If your income is between 138-400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may get substantial subsidies that make MNsure cheaper than TRS.

Is TRICARE Reserve Select better than employer insurance?

It depends on your employer plan. TRS at $57.88/month (member-only) is often cheaper than employer premiums, but employer plans may have better networks or lower deductibles. Compare total costs including premiums, deductibles, and expected out-of-pocket expenses.

What is the TRICARE Reserve Select deductible for 2026?

For 2026, TRS annual deductibles (Group B, E-5 and above) are $198 for individual coverage and $397 for family coverage. The catastrophic cap is $1,324 per family, limiting your maximum out-of-pocket expenses.

Does TRICARE Reserve Select cover dental and vision?

TRS does not include dental or vision coverage. Guard and Reserve members can enroll in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) separately for these benefits.

Can I have TRS and employer insurance at the same time?

Yes, you can have both TRS and employer insurance. TRS would typically act as secondary coverage. However, paying for both may not be cost-effective unless your employer plan has significant gaps.

What are the TRS primary care and specialty care copays?

For 2026, TRS network copays are $19 for primary care visits and $33 for specialty care visits. Urgent care visits have specific rules and may require referrals depending on the situation.

How do I enroll in TRICARE Reserve Select?

Enroll through milConnect (milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil) or by submitting a paper enrollment form. You must be registered in DEERS with your current unit information. Premiums are typically collected through allotment from drill pay.

What happens to my TRS if I get activated?

When activated for more than 30 consecutive days, you transition from TRS to TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select at no premium cost. Your TRS can resume when you return to drilling status.

Does MinnesotaCare cover National Guard members?

Yes, Minnesota National Guard members can qualify for MinnesotaCare if their household income is under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $30,000 individual or $62,400 for family of 4 in 2026). MinnesotaCare premiums are very low, often under $80/month.

What is the TRS pharmacy copay for 2026?

TRS pharmacy copays for 2026 are $14 for generic (Tier 1) home delivery, $44 for brand-name formulary (Tier 2), and $68 for non-formulary (Tier 3). Retail pharmacy copays are higher. Home delivery offers the best value.

Helpful Resources

TRICARE Reserve Select Official

Official TRS information and enrollment

milConnect

Enroll in TRS and update DEERS

Minnesota National Guard

13,000+ soldiers and airmen in 61 communities

MNsure Marketplace

Minnesota's health insurance marketplace

Find Your Best Coverage Option

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Disclaimer: Navitize is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to TRICARE, the Defense Health Agency, the Department of Defense, MDVA, or any branch of the U.S. military. This guide is compiled from publicly available information for educational purposes only and does not constitute official TRICARE or government guidance. For official information, visit tricare.mil or mn.gov/mdva. Coverage, costs, and eligibility rules may change. Always verify current information with official sources before making healthcare decisions.