Gray area
20-year letter, no paycheck yet.
Gray-area retirees have a Notification of Eligibility and have not started non-regular retired pay. No regular retiree TRICARE until 60 (or reduced age). You can still buy TRR and often FEDVIP dental.
01
Keep the 20-year letter
Notification of Eligibility is the document. Points statements and a Facebook rumor are not. If you do not have the letter, that is a personnel problem, not a TRICARE problem.
02
Medical: TRR, VA, or civilian
Under 60 and Retired Reserve, TRICARE Retired Reserve is the premium plan. It is not TRS money. VA health care is a separate door if you already qualify as a veteran.
03
Dental: BENEFEDS, not TDP
TDP is the drilling product. Gray-area and many retirees buy FEDVIP dental on BENEFEDS during Open Season or when first eligible.
04
ID card at RAPIDS
Privileges follow the card DEERS prints. Book a RAPIDS appointment. Do not argue with a gate guard from memory.
05
Reduced retirement age is earned
After 28 January 2008, qualifying active duty in 90-day blocks can knock three months off age 60, not below 50. Annual training and weekend drill generally do not count. HRC / your retirement points are the authority.