Payroll deduction is not available to about 8,000 reserve-component troops who are on orders to active-duty for more than 30 days. They won't lose coverage, but they will have to remember to pay the bill themselves.

Defense officials say they are working with TRICARE Management and MetLife to find a long-term solution. Servicemembers who think they may be affected should check their leave and earnings statements and contact MetLife if they've missed a payment.

This story is part of Federal News Radio's daily DoD Report brought to you by United Health Military and Veterans Services. For more defense news, click here.