Cost for RCSBP Coverage:
• No premiums are collected for election into the RCSBP until the reservist begins receiving retired pay.
• If either Option B or C are elected, there is an additional Reserve Portion Cost (RPC) computed to account for the added level of coverage provided to the member prior to reaching age 60. The RPC is based on a percentage of the RCSBP Base Amount, the reservists age, and the age of the beneficiaries at the time the RCSBP election is made. If an election is made to provide coverage for children, the RPC continues for the life of the retiree.
• The calculation for RCSBP costs is based on a formula set by law.
Examples of Cost:
Election of Option B for Spouse and Child - RCSBP Base $777.00: Spouse & Child Cost $39.87, Reserve Portion Cost $23.01, for a total of $62.88 per month.
Election of Option C for Spouse and Child - RCSBP Base $800.00: Spouse & Child Cost $43.18, Reserve Portion Cost $ 40.08, for a total of $83.26 per month.
Note: The child cost is minimal (for spouse and child) and is included in the cost shown above.
Misc. Rights
If you have no spouse or children at the 20-year point, and later acquire a spouse and/or children you may elect to enroll your new beneficiaries in the RCSBP. You must request enrollment in writing, within one year of obtaining a spouse and/or child. A copy of the marriage and/or birth certificate must accompany request.
If you elect spouse coverage under Option B or C, and your spouse dies, you may suspend your RCSBP spouse coverage. You must provide notification of the death and a copy of the death certificate. If you elected coverage for both spouse and children, your RCSBP child coverage would continue.
If you elect spouse coverage under Option B or C, and later divorce, you have the following rights:
• You may suspend your RCSBP spouse coverage by providing a copy of your divorce decree.
• You may voluntarily elect to cover your former spouse under the RCSBP. Submit a written request, with a copy of your divorce decree.
If you remarry after losing your RCSBP spouse beneficiary, you have the following rights within one year of your remarriage:
• Provide the same RCSBP coverage you had for your previous spouse.
• Terminate your RCSBP spouse coverage. • Increase your RCSBP Base amount up to full retired pay. (Additional costs will apply.)
• Elect Supplemental RCSBP (at additional cost).
Medical and Other Benefits
If you are eligible for retired pay at age 60, but die before age 60, space-available military medical care, CHAMPUS, and unlimited commissary and exchange benefits are provided to your spouse and/or eligible dependents beginning when you would have been age 60. However, from the date of your death until the date when you would have been age 60, your spouse and/or eligible dependents continue to receive the same commissary (24 visits per year) and exchange benefits in effect at the time of your death.
Above Information Courtesy of the United States Coast Guard Reserves
