The deadline for registering for medical insurance, which is crucial for U.S. military personnel, is fast approaching. It’s important not to overlook the upcoming health insurance deadlines.
Tricare Open Season
Tuesday, December 9th: The Tricare open season wraps up at midnight ET. Beneficiaries have the opportunity to alter their Tricare health care plan, such as transitioning from Tricare Prime to Tricare Select. It’s advisable to review costs and plans before registering. You can register online through the Beneficiary Web Registration Portal.
If beneficiaries miss this chance, their next opportunity to make changes will be next year during open season or in case of a qualifying life event, like having a baby.
This open season also introduces new options for beneficiaries in urban areas like Atlanta, Georgia, and Tampa, Florida, offering a Tricare Prime plan that doesn’t require referrals to in-network specialists.
Any new or changed coverage during this period will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Beneficiaries should verify that their information is current using the Online Defense Registration Eligibility Reporting System.
If you’re content with your existing health plan, there’s no need for action.
The Tricare Open Season pertains to those enrolled in or eligible for various Tricare options, including Tricare Prime, Tricare Select, and others.
However, open season does not apply to active-duty personnel or those already enrolled in Tricare for Life, which automatically covers Medicare Part A and Part B enrollees.
Eligible individuals for premium-based plans like Tricare Reserve Select or Tricare Retired Reserve can acquire a plan at any time throughout the year.
Dental, Ophthalmology, Tax-Saving Accounts
Monday, December 8th: The federal benefits open season concludes at 11:59 PM ET. Military personnel can enroll in dental and vision insurance via the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
Monday, December 8th: Military members can sign up for tax-saving accounts like Medical Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts. These pre-tax accounts allow service members to set aside funds for medical expenses that aren’t covered by Tricare. The IRS permits individuals to allocate a set amount annually for dependent care expenses, which can be helpful if you have children.
It’s worth noting that participation in these flexible spending programs does not carry over automatically, so individuals must enroll each year.
New Tricare Prime Demo Starts in 2026
Next year, around 150,000 Tricare beneficiaries in the Atlanta and Tampa regions will have access to a new Tricare Prime option through a demonstration project by the Defense Health Agency.
Those interested need to register during the open season. For additional information and to register, there are online resources available as well as a hotline.
As of now, the number of beneficiaries who have enrolled in this demonstration project isn’t clear.
The CareSource Military and Veterans group from Dayton, Ohio, is set to implement three-year demonstration projects across two regions with contracts totaling $110 million.
This initiative targets working family members, those of activated National Guard or Reserve officers, retirees, and those in transitional programs.
One major advantage of registering for Tricare Prime through this project is the elimination of the referral requirement for in-network specialty care, which is often a condition with standard Tricare Prime plans.
According to CareSource, feedback has been encouraging from beneficiaries in similar programs, particularly regarding ease of accessing specialists without referrals.
All fees will be waived for the first year of this demonstration for retirees and their families; active duty members and their families also won’t incur enrollment fees.
Currently, Tricare Select members don’t require a referral either, but those who wish may switch to the new Tricare Prime demo option, offering further benefits for those needing case management.
CareSource aims to assist Tricare families in finding healthcare providers and scheduling appointments to enhance personal support.
CareSource Military and Veterans is part of a national nonprofit managed care organization with a membership exceeding two million.
