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.

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.
 
Pregnant woman sits in a doctor's office chair while speaking to a standing woman

Expecting a baby? Learn about TRICARE’s maternit...

News
Mar. 26, 2026

Pregnancy can be an exciting time. But it’s also a highly personal experience. Your maternity care choices can...
Read More
Female service member stands in the courtyard of a white building

Learn how to get care at overseas military hospi...

News
Mar. 24, 2026

Do you need to get care at a military hospital or clinic overseas? How you get care depends on whether you...
Read More
Mother and father playing with their child in a yard

TRICARE cost terms: What you need to know about ...

News
Mar. 17, 2026

Health care costs can feel confusing—but they don’t have to be. TRICARE uses specific terms to describe what...
Read More
Child stands in front of a bathroom sink and brushes her teeth.

Set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles

News
Mar. 13, 2026

Tooth decay is the most common chronic health problem affecting children in the U.S. today. When cavities...
Read More
Woman in dentist's chair smiles up at dentist who's wearing scrubs and gloves.

Coordinating other dental plan insurance with th...

News
Mar. 12, 2026

Do you or your spouse have another dental insurance plan in addition to the TRICARE Dental Program? Did you...
Read More
Man in a red polo shirt smiles while looking at his phone.

Easily manage your prescriptions with Express Sc...

News
Mar. 12, 2026

Life is busy, so it’s important you have the prescriptions you need when you need them. The TRICARE Pharmacy...
Read More
Woman in yellow shirt smiles while talking to someone on a phone

Teledentistry under the TRICARE Dental Program

News
Mar. 11, 2026

In our increasingly digital world, health care is evolving, and your dental care is no exception...
Read More
Uniformed service member stands over patient receiving intensive care. Text reads: "PATIENT SAFETY AWARENESS: TEAMING UP FOR PATIENT SAFETY." Defense Heatlh Agency logo.

Teaming up for patient safety strengthens milita...

News
Mar. 09, 2026

Every day, care teams at military hospitals and clinics work to keep patients safe. Patient safety is...
Read More

March 26, 2026

Expecting a baby? Learn about TRICARE’s maternity care options

Pregnancy can be an exciting time. But it’s also a highly personal experience. Your maternity care choices can make a meaningful difference throughout pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery. TRICARE covers a range of maternity care services and provider types. This coverage gives expecting mothers options while ensuring access to care.

March 24, 2026

Learn how to get care at overseas military hospitals or clinics

Do you need to get care at a military hospital or clinic overseas? How you get care depends on whether you live overseas or if you’re just visiting. This article explains how to get care at an overseas military hospital or clinic in both situations.

March 17, 2026

TRICARE cost terms: What you need to know about deductibles, catastrophic caps, and point-of-service fees

Health care costs can feel confusing—but they don’t have to be. TRICARE uses specific terms to describe what you pay and how your benefit works. You may see these terms on your explanation of benefits after getting care. Understanding them helps you plan ahead and avoid unexpected costs.

March 13, 2026

Set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles

Tooth decay is the most common chronic health problem affecting children in the U.S. today. When cavities aren’t treated, they create serious problems like pain and infections. Fortunately, you can prevent cavities completely through proper oral care. By following these useful strategies, you can help your child develop healthy dental habits that will benefit them throughout their life.

March 12, 2026

Coordinating other dental plan insurance with the TRICARE Dental Program

Do you or your spouse have another dental insurance plan in addition to the TRICARE Dental Program? Did you know you can use both? Not only could coordinating dental plans provide extra coverage, you could also lower out-of-pocket costs. If you’re wondering how to navigate your dental care between two plans, this article will explain what coordinating those plans means and point you to resources to answer your questions.

March 12, 2026

Easily manage your prescriptions with Express Scripts Pharmacy mobile app

Life is busy, so it’s important you have the prescriptions you need when you need them. The TRICARE Pharmacy Program, administered by Express Scripts, makes staying on top of your prescription drugs easy. How? Through the free Express Scripts Pharmacy mobile app. The app lets you locate TRICARE retail network pharmacies and securely manage your medications by ordering prescriptions, tracking orders, requesting and canceling refills, and completing other tasks.

March 11, 2026

Teledentistry under the TRICARE Dental Program

In our increasingly digital world, health care is evolving, and your dental care is no exception. Teledentistry offers a convenient and accessible way to receive dental care from the comfort of your own home. But what exactly is teledentistry, and what does it mean for you as a TRICARE Dental Program enrollee? Let's demystify teledentistry and clarify what’s covered under the TDP.

March 9, 2026

Teaming up for patient safety strengthens military readiness

Every day, care teams at military hospitals and clinics work to keep patients safe. Patient safety is everyone’s job across the Military Health System. Patient Safety Awareness Week takes place March 8–14. This year’s theme, “Teaming Up for Patient Safety,” shows how teamwork helps keep patients safe and improves care.

March 5, 2026

How TRICARE can help you screen for cancer

Did you know that it’s possible to detect some types of cancer before you show any signs or symptoms? Getting preventive screening tests makes this possible. TRICARE covers cancer screenings based on your age, sex, and certain risk factors. Learn about which tests may be recommended for you.

March 3, 2026

Understanding the TRICARE Dental Program: Network vs. non-network dentists

Do you get dental care through the TRICARE Dental Program? If so, you should know the difference between network and non-network dentists and how they affect your costs. Knowing how the TDP works can help you get care more easily while managing out-of-pocket costs.