OCTOBER 30, 2026 – TRICARE Open Season 2026 is approaching, making now a good time to review your health plan options and consider whether your current coverage continues to meet your family’s needs.
TRICARE offers several health plan options. Each plan has different features related to provider choice, out-of-pocket costs, referrals, and pre-authorizations. Understanding these differences can help you choose the plan that best fits your healthcare priorities.
“Each TRICARE plan has distinct features that beneficiaries should consider,” said Valerie Palmer, management and program analyst, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “Your preferred providers, expected healthcare costs, and rules around referrals or pre-authorizations may all play a role in choosing a plan.”
TRICARE Open Season begins Monday, Nov. 9, and ends Tuesday, Dec. 8. During this period, you can enroll in a TRICARE plan or change your existing plan. Any changes made during open season will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or reviewing your coverage because your needs have changed, learning about your TRICARE options before open season can help you make an informed decision for yourself and your family.
Understanding your options
Use these tools to help understand your TRICARE health plan options:
- Use the TRICARE Plan Finder. Answer a few questions and see which plans may be available in your area.
- Compare plans using the TRICARE Compare Plans Tool. Note differences in coverage, provider networks, and referral requirements.
- Review your family’s 2026 costs carefully. 2027 costs will be available in early November.
Want a quick, at-a-glance resource that explains how to enroll? Check out the new Enrolling in TRICARE Fact Sheet. It explains the steps to enroll, as well as your options for making changes outside of open season if you have a qualifying life event.
There’s no need to compare plans if you’re on active duty or have TRICARE For Life. TRICARE Prime coverage is automatic for active duty service members. TFL coverage is automatic beginning the first day you have Medicare Part A and Part B.TRICARE plans at a glance
TRICARE offers health plans designed to meet your needs. Two of the most common options are TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select.TRICARE Prime
TRICARE Prime works like a health maintenance organization. It typically offers lower out-of-pocket costs, but your care is managed through a primary care manager. You’ll usually need referrals for specialty care. If you don’t mind a structured approach, TRICARE Prime is a good fit.TRICARE Select
With TRICARE Select you don’t need a PCM, and you can see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral. This plan is good for those who want more flexibility with providers, though it generally has higher out-of-pocket costs.
If you’re interested in comparing TRICARE Prime to TRICARE Select, check out the TRICARE Open Season roadmap.Other options
In addition to these options, TRICARE offers several others that may be a good fit, depending on where you live.Overseas
For those stationed or living abroad, TRICARE offers both TRICARE Prime Overseas and TRICARE Select Overseas, depending on your location.
(Note: TRICARE Prime Overseas is only available to ADSMs, activated National Guard and Reserve members, and their command-sponsored family members.)
These plans follow similar rules as in the U.S. but are tailored to those living overseas.Uniformed Services Family Health Plan
USFHP is a TRICARE Prime option available in six U.S. regions. USFHP enrollees get care through the plan’s network of providers.Live in the Atlanta or Tampa areas?
The TRICARE Prime Demo by CareSource Military & Veterans brings choices to eligible beneficiaries living in the Atlanta and Tampa areas. Enrollees get care through CSMV’s network of care providers. Benefits of enrolling include:
- If you’re a retiree, a retiree family member, or survivor, your enrollment fees are waived for the first 12 months, regardless of when you enroll with CSMV. After the first year, you’ll pay TRICARE Prime enrollment fees.
- You don’t need referrals to see network providers.
What about dental and vision?
You may be eligible for dental and vision coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. These plans are separate from your TRICARE health coverage. To enroll in FEDVIP:
- You must be eligible under your beneficiary category.
- You must be enrolled in a TRICARE health plan to qualify for FEDVIP vision coverage.
- Visit BENEFEDS.gov to enroll or make changes to your dental and vision coverage.
You can make FEDVIP changes Nov. 9 through Dec. 14.How to make changes
First, you’ll want to make sure your information is up to date. Even if you don’t plan on making changes, it’s always a good idea to log in to milConnect and verify your personal information is right for you and your family members.
Planning to make enrollment changes online? You’ll sign in to milConnect with myAuth. Make sure you can sign in before you need to, so you’re not troubleshooting close to the Dec. 8 deadline. Need help? Visit DMDC myAuth Help or contact DMDC Customer Connect at 800-368-3665. You can also enroll by phone with your regional contractor or by mail.Mark your calendar
With so many plans available, it’s important to take the time to evaluate which one best aligns with your healthcare needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Remember, TRICARE Open Season is your chance to enroll in a TRICARE health plan or make changes to your current plan for 2027. Mark the dates—Monday, Nov. 9, through Tuesday, Dec. 8.
Courtesy Story
Defense Health Agency