CHC TRS: Understanding CHCBP and TRICARE Reserve Select | TRICARE.com
Explanation of CHCBP and TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) for military transitions, including 2026 costs and eligibility rules.
CHC TRS: Understanding CHCBP and TRICARE Reserve Select
## Quick answer **CHC TRS** refers to the **Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP)** and **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)**. These are two distinct premium-based health plans for military members and their families transitioning out of active service or serving in the National Guard and Reserve.
## Details While the terms are often searched together, they serve very different purposes and populations within the TRICARE system. TRICARE.com is an independent reference site; for official policy, visit TRICARE.mil.
### TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) TRS is a premium-based plan available to qualified Selected Reserve members of the Ready Reserve and their families. * **Cost (2026 rates):** Monthly premiums for TRS are approximately $51.95 for individuals and $256.46 for families (subject to annual adjustment). * **Coverage:** It mimics much of the TRICARE Select coverage, allowing users to see any TRICARE-authorized provider. * **Eligibility:** You must not be on active duty orders and must not be covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP). You are ineligible for TRS if you are eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
### Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) CHCBP acts as a "bridge" between military health benefits and civilian insurance. It is essentially military COBRA. * **Cost (2026 rates):** CHCBP is significantly more expensive than TRS. Currently, quarterly premiums are approximately $1,813 for individuals and $4,539 for families. * **Duration:** Typically, you can use CHCBP for 18 to 36 months after losing TRICARE eligibility (e.g., after separating from the military or losing TAMP coverage). * **Administration:** It is managed by **Humana Military**, regardless of whether you live in the East or West region.
### Key Differences | Feature | TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) | Continued Health Care (CHCBP) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Who it's for** | Selected Reserve members | Separating members/divorced spouses | | **Contractor** | Humana (East) / TriWest (West) | Humana Military (Nationwide) | | **Cost Basis** | Monthly low-cost premium | Quarterly high-cost premium | | **Provider Network** | TRICARE Authorized Providers | TRICARE Authorized Providers |
## Who this affects * **National Guard and Reserve members:** Specifically those in the Selected Reserve. * **Separating Service Members:** Those leaving active duty who do not qualify for retirement and have exhausted TAMP. * **Former Spouses:** Those who lose TRICARE eligibility due to divorce. * **Adult Children:** Those who have aged out of regular TRICARE but need temporary bridge coverage.
## Sources * TRICARE.mil: TRICARE Reserve Select [https://www.tricare.mil/trs](https://www.tricare.mil/trs) * TRICARE.mil: Continued Health Care Benefit Program [https://www.tricare.mil/chcbp](https://www.tricare.mil/chcbp) * Humana Military (CHCBP Administrator): [https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/plans/chcbp](https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/plans/chcbp) * TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region): [https://www.triwest.com](https://www.triwest.com)