An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

There are emergency procedures in place in multiple states due to extreme weather. Learn More
Live in the West Region? There is now a referral approval waiver in place through March 31, 2025. Learn More. Also, you have until Feb. 28 to set up  your payment info if you pay by EFT, credit card, or debit card. This is for TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TYA, TRS, and TRR plans. If you miss this deadline, you will be disenrolled back to Jan. 1. Visit www.tricare.mil/west today.

News | Oct. 12, 2023

Choosing Between TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select

By TRICARE Communications

Want to learn more about choosing between TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select during TRICARE Open Season? Then join us for “Choosing Between Prime and TRICARE Select” webinar on Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. ET to learn more about this year’s open season.
 
“Open season is coming soon. This webinar will explore some of the differences in TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select,” said Zelly Zim, a program analyst with TRICARE Policy and Programs at the Defense Health Agency. “We’re here to help you learn about how to choose the best plan for you and your family.”
 
This year, TRICARE Open Season starts Nov. 13 and ends Dec. 12. Any enrollment changes you make will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. Remember that if you don’t act during this time, you may have to wait until next year’s open season before you can switch your coverage.
 
Besides TRICARE Open Season, Qualifying Life Events, such as getting married, moving, and retiring from active duty, are the only times you can make enrollment changes for TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select plans. You can learn more in the TRICARE Qualifying Life Events Fact Sheet.
 
Open season doesn’t apply to those in TRICARE For Life (TFL). Your TFL coverage is automatic if you have Medicare Part A and Part B. Open season also doesn’t apply to active duty service members, and those in premium-based plans like TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, and TRICARE Young Adult. You can purchase these health plans at any time throughout the year.
 
Join us for this webinar if you have questions about the differences in TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select. Especially if you are an active duty family member, retiree, or retiree family member who are enrolled in or eligible for:  
A Q&A with TRICARE experts will follow the presentation. Register for the Oct. 26 webinar today. Registration for the webinar is limited.
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit the TRICARE Subscriptions page today, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
 
Young woman smiles at dentist in dental chair

Learn How To Get Care From Dental Specialists Wi...

News
Feb. 11, 2025

If you’re a TRICARE Dental Program member, you might need to see different types of dentists for specific...
Read More
Woman smiles with a baby

TRICARE West Region Contractor Transition: What ...

News
Feb. 06, 2025

On Jan. 1, TRICARE began delivering health care under its new regional contracts. This means that TriWest...
Read More
Female pharmacist wearing white lab coat stands behind pharmacy counter speaking to female patient.

TRICARE Pharmacy Network Expands With Addition o...

News
Feb. 06, 2025

On Feb. 5, the Kroger Family of Pharmacies rejoined the TRICARE Pharmacy Program network. This means that...
Read More
Dental X-ray

New TRICARE Dental Program Contract Brings Updat...

News
Jan. 30, 2025

A new TRICARE Dental Program contract will bring changes and improvements starting March 1. United Concordia...
Read More
Female doctor. wearing white lab coat holds tablet in front of middle-aged patient sitting on an exam table.

Defense Health Agency Announces TRICARE West Reg...

News
Jan. 25, 2025

Are you enrolled in TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has waived the requirement...
Read More
Woman works on a laptop.

TRICARE Online Patient Portal Decommissioning: D...

News
Jan. 22, 2025

On April 1, the TRICARE Online Patient Portal will no longer be available. The Department of Defense’s new...
Read More
Map showing the West Region states with the TRICARE logo. Text reads, "Payment deadline extended: If you live in the West Region, you now have until Feb. 28 to make a payment to TriWest."

Act Now! Payment Deadline Extended for West Regi...

News
Jan. 21, 2025

The Defense Health Agency has extended the payment deadline for West Region beneficiaries who pay for TRICARE...
Read More
Nurse wearing white scrubs answers phone.

Unlock Your Health Through the MHS Nurse Advice ...

News
Jan. 16, 2025

Do you know what to do when you or a family member feels sick, but it’s outside of business hours or it’s the...
Read More

Feb. 11, 2025

Learn How To Get Care From Dental Specialists With the TRICARE Dental Program

If you’re a TRICARE Dental Program member, you might need to see different types of dentists for specific tooth and mouth problems. Luckily, the TDP, administered by United Concordia, offers a wide range of specialists in CONUS and OCONUS locations.

Feb. 6, 2025

TRICARE West Region Contractor Transition: What To Know if You Live in the West Region

On Jan. 1, TRICARE began delivering health care under its new regional contracts. This means that TriWest Healthcare Alliance is now the contractor for the TRICARE West Region, including six states that moved from the East Region. The Defense Health Agency is aware that some West Region beneficiaries have experienced challenges since Jan. 1. Together, the DHA and TriWest are actively implementing strategies to address these concerns.

Feb. 6, 2025

TRICARE Pharmacy Network Expands With Addition of Kroger Pharmacies

On Feb. 5, the Kroger Family of Pharmacies rejoined the TRICARE Pharmacy Program network. This means that TRICARE beneficiaries now have access to over 2,200 additional network pharmacies across 35 states.

Jan. 30, 2025

New TRICARE Dental Program Contract Brings Updates in March 2025

A new TRICARE Dental Program contract will bring changes and improvements starting March 1. United Concordia will continue to administer the TDP. However, they’ll offer new services and lower costs for many members. If you have TDP coverage, you'll see these changes in your February bill for coverage effective March 1.

Jan. 25, 2025

Defense Health Agency Announces TRICARE West Region Referral Approval Waiver

Are you enrolled in TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has waived the requirement to obtain approval for referrals to outpatient specialty care for TRICARE Prime enrollees in the West region. This means TRICARE-authorized specialty care providers don’t need to wait for TriWest to approve referrals issued by your primary care manager before providing outpatient care. However, you’ll still need to get a referral from your Primary Care Manager before getting that specialty care. This process will be in place through March 31 and is retroactive to January 1, 2025.

Jan. 22, 2025

TRICARE Online Patient Portal Decommissioning: Download Your Health Records Now

On April 1, the TRICARE Online Patient Portal will no longer be available. The Department of Defense’s new electronic health record—MHS GENESIS—has replaced the TOL Patient Portal. If you want to keep a copy of your legacy health records for personal use, you must download them from the TOL Patient Portal before April 1.

Jan. 21, 2025

Act Now! Payment Deadline Extended for West Region Beneficiaries

The Defense Health Agency has extended the payment deadline for West Region beneficiaries who pay for TRICARE coverage via bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card. You now have until Friday, Feb. 28 to provide your payment information to TriWest.

Jan. 16, 2025

Unlock Your Health Through the MHS Nurse Advice Line

Do you know what to do when you or a family member feels sick, but it’s outside of business hours or it’s the weekend? TRICARE has a service called the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line that can help when you need healthcare guidance.

Jan. 14, 2025

Check Out the Updated TRICARE Publications Suite

Are you looking for the latest details about your TRICARE health plan? TRICARE has updated its entire publications suite with information about your health plan. The new publications now include current details like how to find your TRICARE region, how to contact your regional contractor, and what you’ll pay for care.

Jan. 8, 2025

DHA Hospitals Earn Top Honors From the Leapfrog Group

The Leapfrog Group has named two Defense Health Agency hospitals among the best in the nation. This shows the military's strong focus on keeping patients safe and providing high-quality care.