State Active Duty TRICARE Eligibility and Rules (2026) | TRICARE.com

## Quick answer TRICARE does not provide coverage for National Guard or Reserve members while they are on **State Active Duty (SAD)**. When called up by a Governor for state-level emergencies or disasters, you are considered a state employee, not a federal employee, making you ineligible for TRICARE during that specific period.

## Details State Active Duty is distinct from federal orders (Title 10 or Title 32). Because SAD orders are funded and directed by the state government, federal military benefits—including TRICARE medical and dental—do not apply.

### The Gap in Coverage If you are a member of the Selected Reserve currently enrolled in **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)**, your coverage technically remains active as long as you continue to pay your monthly premiums. However, the time spent on State Active Duty does not count toward earning "Active Duty" TRICARE benefits (TRICARE Prime).

* **Injury on State Orders:** If you are injured or become ill while on State Active Duty, you are typically covered by **State Workers' Compensation**, not TRICARE or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). * **Paying Premiums:** You must ensure your TRS premiums are paid while on SAD. If your state pay system does not allow for automatic allotment, you must pay Express Scripts or your regional contractor (Humana Military in the East; TriWest in the West) directly to avoid a break in coverage.

### Transitioning Between Orders The transition between federal and state status is a common source of confusion: * **Federal Activation (Title 10/32):** You and your family become eligible for TRICARE Prime or Select as active duty status. * **State Activation (SAD):** Eligibility reverts to whatever you had as a civilian or drilling Guardsman (usually TRS).

### 2026 Monthly Premium Rates (TRS) If you maintain your TRICARE Reserve Select coverage during your state activation, your 2026 costs are: * **Member Only:** $77.62 / month (2026 rate) * **Member & Family:** $351.48 / month (2026 rate)

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense. For official policy, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Who this affects * **National Guard Members:** The primary group called for State Active Duty (e.g., riots, floods, snow storms). * **State Guard/State Defense Forces:** Often serving alongside the National Guard but generally never eligible for TRICARE. * **Family Members:** Families of Guardsmen who lose access to military treatment facilities (MTFs) or federal coverage during SAD periods.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [National Guard/Reserve Members](https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility/NGRMandFamilies) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [TRICARE Reserve Select Costs](https://www.tricare.mil/Costs/HealthPlanCosts/TRS) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region):** [Provider Resources](https://www.triwest.com) * **Humana Military (East Region):** [Beneficiary FAQ](https://www.humanamilitary.com)