Military families have until December 9 to make important decisions regarding their health care during Tricare’s open season.
Officials from Tricare recently shared details about the anticipated increases in health insurance costs for 2026, aiming to assist families in assessing their choices between Tricare Prime and Tricare Select. Notably, those residing in the Atlanta, Georgia, and Tampa, Florida areas now have new health care options available to them.
The open season is relevant for individuals enrolled in or eligible for Tricare Prime or Select. During this timeframe, beneficiaries can adjust their health insurance plans, like switching from Tricare Prime to Select or changing from individual to family coverage. Costs associated with these plans can include enrollment fees and copayments, depending on the chosen option.
Generally, anyone who incurred out-of-pocket medical expenses with Tricare in 2025 should expect increased costs in 2026, according to the upcoming fee schedule.
Additionally, some Tricare beneficiaries qualify for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), with its open season concluding on December 8—just one day prior to the end of Tricare’s open season.
This period also allows active duty military personnel to enroll in the Dependent Care and Health Care Flexible Spending Programs, which are currently accessible.
Any modifications made during this open season will take effect on January 1.
Open season doesn’t include individual active military members or those utilizing Tricare for Life, nor does it cover premium-based plans such as Tricare Reserve Select, Tricare Retired Reserve, and Tricare Young Adult. These premium-based options can be obtained any time throughout the year, though adjustments to Tricare Young Adult plans can only occur during open enrollment or as a result of a qualifying life event.
If an eligible beneficiary misses the open season, they’d need to wait for a life event—like a marriage or the arrival of a new child—to enroll.
For those who are content with their existing plan, no action is necessary.
However, individuals in the Atlanta and Tampa regions now have additional options to consider. They can enroll in the Healthcare Demonstration Project under Tricare Prime, recently contracted out to CareSource Military and Veterans, a nonprofit organization. This project represents a $110 million investment over three years aimed at enhancing health care in those areas.
One significant advantage for those engaging in Tricare Prime via this demonstration is the elimination of the referral requirement for in-network specialty care, which is typically necessary.
Plan Overview
Tricare Prime operates as a managed care system where most care is coordinated by a primary care manager, but referrals are needed for specialty services. Generally, there are no copays for active-duty members and their families except in specific situations, such as non-emergency visits without referrals or utilizing unauthorized providers. In contrast, retirees and their families, along with other beneficiaries, face enrollment fees and copays for covered services, excluding preventive care.
On the other hand, Tricare Select is a preferred provider organization model, allowing beneficiaries to select their provider without the majority needing a referral. However, there are costs tied to deductibles and copayments.
Notably, costs can differ based on when a person enlisted; those who joined before January 1, 2018, belong to Group A, while Group B consists of those who enlisted after.
Upcoming Cost Changes
Fortunately, there are no copays for preventive care for either group.
Beginning January 1, copays for certain covered services will increase, with hikes of $1 to $3 per visit for primary and specialty care. The exception, however, is in the out-of-pocket costs for emergency room visits, where Group A Tricare Select beneficiaries will see a $2 reduction per in-network visit.
Furthermore, retirees and their families participating in the demonstration project won’t have to pay the registration fee for Tricare Prime for their first year—a potential saving of $381.96 for individuals and $765 for families.
For those in Group A, registration fees for 2026 are set to increase by $9.96 for individuals and $21 for families when compared with 2025 rates.
Pharmacy Changes
Pharmacy costs for prescriptions filled outside of military medical facilities will also see a rise in 2026, increasing by 12% to 15.8% from current fees set for early 2024.
Most beneficiaries will be facing additional costs ranging from $1 to $9 for medications through Tricare Pharmacy Home Delivery or retail network pharmacies, valid until the end of 2027.
However, active duty personnel will continue to incur no costs for covered medications sourced from military pharmacies or delivery services.
Premium-Based Plans
Monthly premiums for Tricare Young Adult Prime will rise by 9% in 2026, shifting from $727 to $794 monthly, while Young Adult Select premiums will increase by 8%, moving from $337 to $363.
This plan is specifically available to eligible former dependent children up to the age of 26, and premiums are determined by the Defense Health Agency, ensuring the program remains cost-neutral to the government.
Premiums for Tricare Reserve Select and Tricare Retired Reserve will also be increasing, with service member premiums for Reserve Select rising by 8% to $57.88 per month, and family premiums increasing by 4% to $286.66 per month.
Tricare Retired Reserve members will now face a 2% surcharge for January membership, leading to a $645.90 monthly fee.
Enrollment or Change Process
For those looking to make updates online, by phone, or via mail, visit Tricare.mil/openseason. Beneficiaries can also explore options through milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil.
If interested in enrolling in the CareSource demonstration project in Tampa or Atlanta, further details can be found on their websites or by contacting customer service at 833-230-2080.
Tricare Select beneficiaries don’t require a referral at this time, but through the demonstration project there’s the added option to switch to Tricare Prime, which also allows access without a referral.
Dental Coverage
Families of active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members, including non-active members, qualify for the Tricare dental program, which requires separate registration. Premiums will stay the same until February 28, 2026.
Retirees and their families typically qualify for dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), a separate registration process.
Visit benefeds.gov for more information on dental plan options and enrollment, as the open season for FEDVIP ends on December 8.
Vision Coverage
Eligible members of the military and their families can avail themselves of FEDVIP Vision coverage, provided they are enrolled in a Tricare health plan.
Once again, benefeds.gov is the go-to site for comparing vision plans and making any necessary changes before the close of the open season.
Flexible Spending Accounts
This is an opportune moment to consider establishing a flexible spending account to cover medical expenses and dependent care costs.
Such accounts, managed by the Office of Personnel Management, allow military personnel to set aside pre-tax funds, diminishing their taxable income. This marks the third year service members can enroll in accounts for dependent care, following the launch of health care FSAs in March 2025.
Open season for these accounts ends at midnight ET on December 8. Families can set aside between $100 and $7,500 for dependent care and up to $3,400 for health-related expenses.
Many medical costs qualify for reimbursement, from over-the-counter medicines to treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care.
To explore the details and initiate your 2026 account setup, visit the designated website.
It’s also advisable to leverage the Department of Defense’s free counseling services, which include financial guidance from personal management counselors and tax counselors available year-round through Military One Source, alongside free FSAFEDS benefits counseling.
