Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS); TRICARE Retired Reserve for Members of the Retired Reserve

This interim final rule establishes requirements and procedures for implementation of TRICARE Retired Reserve. This interim final rule addresses provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (NDAA-10). The purpose of this interim final rule is to establish the TRICARE Retired Reserve program that implements section 705 of the NDAA-10. Section 705 allows members of the Retired Reserve who are qualified for non-regular retirement, but are not yet 60 years of age, to qualify to purchase medical coverage equivalent to the TRICARE Standard (and Extra) benefit unless that member is either enrolled in, or is eligible to enroll in, a health benefit plan under Chapter 89 of Title 5, United States Code, as well as certain survivors. The amount of the premium that qualified members pay to purchase these benefits will represent the full cost as determined on an appropriate actuarial basis for coverage under the TRICARE Standard (and Extra) benefit including the cost of the program administration. There will be one premium for member-only coverage and a separate premium for member and family coverage. The rules and procedures otherwise outlined in Part 199 of 32 CFR relating to the operation and administration of the TRICARE Standard and Extra programs including the required cost-shares, deductibles and catastrophic caps for retired members and their dependents will apply to this program. The rule is being published as an interim final rule with comment period in order to comply with statutory effective dates.