🛡️ Why I Created This TRICARE Comparison Page

Hello,
My name is SSG Lee, Ho Yong, and I am a U.S. Army Recruiter currently serving at the Fairfax Recruiting Center in Virginia.

During real applicant consultations, I noticed that many people are confused about the differences between TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, and TRICARE Reserve Select.

There is already a lot of information online, but some of it may be outdated, incomplete, or difficult to understand. Because of this, applicants sometimes misunderstand important topics such as monthly premiums, out-of-pocket costs, family coverage, and healthcare benefits for Reserve Soldiers.

As an active-duty Soldier and a U.S. Army recruiter who works directly with applicants, I wanted to organize this information in a way that is easier to understand and more focused on real-world situations.

My goal is to help applicants living in the United States better understand military healthcare options so they can compare which benefits may apply to their own situation, family needs, and service option.

This page compares the differences between TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, and TRICARE Reserve Select based on monthly premiums, deductibles, provider flexibility, and overall healthcare benefits.

It provides realistic guidance to help military members and families understand which TRICARE plan may best fit their personal situation, family needs, and military service type.

U.S. Army TRICARE Prime, Select, and Reserve Select comparison including monthly premiums, deductibles, and catastrophic cap. 

Active Duty offers near-zero medical costs, while Reserve requires monthly insurance premiums.

Military healthcare coverage in the U.S. Army is structured very differently depending on 

whether you serve in Active Duty or the Army Reserve.

✔️ Active Duty (TRICARE Prime)

• Almost no out-of-pocket medical cost for the service member

• Family coverage is also very low cost

• No annual deductible in most cases

✔️ Active Duty and Families (TRICARE Select)

• Greater freedom to choose hospitals and providers

• Some copays and cost-sharing may apply

✔️ Army Reserve (TRICARE Reserve Select)

• Monthly premiums required

• Deductibles and copays apply

• Structured more similarly to civilian health insurance plans

What Are the Differences Between TRICARE Prime, Select, and Reserve Select?

Below is a detailed comparison of actual 2026 TRICARE costs, including premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses for TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, and TRICARE Reserve Select.

While Active Duty service members generally have very little healthcare cost responsibility, Army Reserve members typically pay monthly premiums along with deductibles and copays, creating a significant difference in overall healthcare structure and expenses.

✅ Simple Breakdown

👉 Active Duty = Healthcare coverage with little to no out-of-pocket cost
👉 Army Reserve = Monthly premium-based healthcare structure

One important detail many people overlook is that Active Duty service members typically have very little healthcare cost responsibility, while Army Reserve members generally pay monthly healthcare premiums.

Over time, this difference can result in a significant long-term cost difference for individuals and families.

If Healthcare Coverage for Your Family Is a Major Priority, 

Compare Active Duty as Well

Many applicants are interested in TRICARE Reserve Select because it can be a highly affordable healthcare option compared to many civilian insurance plans.

However, if reducing healthcare costs for yourself and your family is one of the primary reasons you are considering military service, it is important to compare Active Duty benefits as well.

In addition to healthcare coverage, Active Duty may provide stable full-time income, housing allowances (BAH), food allowances (BAS), and other long-term benefits that can significantly impact a family's overall financial situation.

For applicants with a spouse or children, the decision should not be based solely on monthly insurance premiums.

Healthcare expenses, housing costs, education benefits, and long-term financial goals should all be considered together.

Both Army Reserve and Active Duty can be excellent options.

The key is determining which path best supports your family's needs, priorities, and future plans.

Are you wondering which military healthcare plan may fit your situation best?

Healthcare benefit options can vary depending on factors such as:

• Green Card or citizenship status

• Family situation

• Civilian career and employment benefits

👉 Contact me for a free consultation to better understand your available options and eligibility.

👤 About

SSG Lee Ho Yong, US Army Recruiter, provides guidance based on official regulations.

All information is accurate and based on real standards.

📞 Contact

📞 703-594-6878
📧 hoyong.lee4.mil@army.mil

🔎 Google Search:
“SSG Lee Ho Yong”

SSG Lee, Ho Yong | Korean U.S. Army Recruiter

Fairfax Recruiting Center, Virginia
📍 Fairfax Recruiting Center
11240 Waples Mill Rd STE 110
Fairfax, VA 22030

Army MOS / Army Benefits / Enlistment Information for Korean Applicants

I currently serve at the Fairfax Recruiting Center in Virginia, where I assist applicants in the Northern Virginia area.

Because many parts of the U.S. Army enlistment process can be coordinated through online consultation, I also assist Korean applicants from other states across the United States, not only those living in Virginia.

Note: Actual MEPS processing and shipping procedures are generally handled based on the applicant’s residential area.