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 | Nov. 26, 2024

TRICARE Open Season: Understanding Who’s Eligible

By TRICARE Communications

It’s that time of year again—TRICARE Open Season is here. Open season, which began Nov. 11, runs until Dec. 10. During this period, most beneficiaries with TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select can make changes to their health plan for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2025.

“TRICARE Open Season is your opportunity to make changes to your health plan that match your and your family members’ health needs,” explained Zelly Zim, a health systems specialist with the TRICARE Health Plan Policy & Programs Branch at the Defense Health Agency. “It’s important to know if you’re eligible since it’s the one time of year you can adjust your health plan without a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event.”

There will be changes to TRICARE’s regional contracts starting Jan. 1, 2025. These changes will affect beneficiaries in certain regions. To learn if you’re affected by these changes, visit TRICARE Changes.

Read on to learn more about open season eligibility.

Who’s eligible

Who exactly can take part in TRICARE Open Season? It applies to those eligible for:

Note that open season doesn’t apply to everybody. It doesn’t apply to you if you:

Dental and vision coverage

In addition to TRICARE health plan changes, open season is also when you can enroll or make updates to your dental and vision coverage. The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, managed by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, allows you to make changes to your coverage during Federal Benefits Open Season. Federal Benefits Open Season started Nov. 11. Your eligibility for FEDVIP depends on your TRICARE beneficiary status.

The TRICARE Open Season and Federal Benefits Open Season periods overlap, but they end on different dates. Federal Benefits Open Season ends one day earlier on Dec. 9. Be sure to review your options and make any needed changes before the deadlines.

Open season is also a good time to review your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System to ensure everything is up to date. You can also use this time to validate the payment information you have on file.

If you live in the West Region or in a state that’s moving to the West Region on Jan. 1, you may need to provide your payment information to TriWest Healthcare Alliance, the incoming West Region contractor, by Jan. 1. You must do this if you pay by bank electronic funds transfer or debit or credit card. You don’t need to do this if you pay by military pay system allotment. Allotment payments will transfer automatically. You can learn more at tricare.mil/west.

Whether you need to make changes or not, now is the time to review your TRICARE health plan and dental and vision coverage options for the coming year.

Looking for 2025 health plan costs? Read the article, “Check Out Your 2025 TRICARE Health Plan Costs” on the TRICARE Newsroom. You can also download the TRICARE 2025 Costs and Fees Preview.

Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
 
Doctor checks a patient's vitals

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different ...

News
Jul. 01, 2025

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident...
Read More
Older man and woman smile at each other

Unlock Your Health as You Approach Medicare Elig...

News
Jun. 26, 2025

Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible...
Read More
Uniformed service member holds thermometer in a patient's mouth.

4 Ways You Can Use Your TRICARE Benefits and Sta...

News
Jun. 24, 2025

What’s on your to-do list this summer? Maybe you’re planning to spend time at the pool, go to a barbecue, or...
Read More
Young girl wrapped in blue and white towel stands on a beach.

Getting Care While You Travel: A TRICARE Guide f...

News
Jun. 17, 2025

Do you have an upcoming trip? TRICARE covers you whether you travel across the country or around the world...
Read More
Man in white shirt reads papers while smiling.

A Quick Guide to Understanding Your TRICARE Dent...

News
Jun. 16, 2025

Understanding your TRICARE Dental Program dental explanation of benefits is important because it helps you...
Read More
Woman in dental chair, gums being examined by dentist wearing pink gloves

The Dentist Is In: Healthy Gums Mean a Healthier...

News
Jun. 13, 2025

Did you know there is a profound connection between gum health and serious medical conditions throughout the...
Read More
Older woman sits at desk looking at monitor with a doctor. TRICARE logo. Text reads, "Patients Needed on June 27 for a Focus Group Discussion about Osteoarthritis. Sign-up deadline is June 26. Learn if you qualify."

Provide Feedback for Clinical Practice Guideline...

News
Jun. 12, 2025

Did you know you can help improve health care for service members, veterans, and their family members? You’re...
Read More
Man in white shirt smiling

Mouth Taping: A New Trend–But What Are Its Effec...

News
Jun. 11, 2025

Mouth taping is the practice of using surgical tape to keep your mouth closed during sleep. It’s recently...
Read More

July 1, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different Types of Care

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident or an illness, TRICARE covers a range of health care services—but the type of care you need determines where you should go.

June 26, 2025

Unlock Your Health as You Approach Medicare Eligibility

Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible. Medicare Part A and Part B are required to remain eligible for TRICARE, with limited exceptions. Knowing how and when to sign up for Medicare will help you avoid gaps in coverage and late enrollment penalties.

June 24, 2025

4 Ways You Can Use Your TRICARE Benefits and Stay Healthy This Summer

What’s on your to-do list this summer? Maybe you’re planning to spend time at the pool, go to a barbecue, or take a vacation. But don’t take a vacation from your health this summer. Here are four suggested ways you can use your TRICARE benefits this summer.

June 17, 2025

Getting Care While You Travel: A TRICARE Guide for the U.S. and Overseas

Do you have an upcoming trip? TRICARE covers you whether you travel across the country or around the world. Whether you’re heading out for business or taking a family vacation, understanding your coverage options helps you stay prepared for any health issues that might arise.

June 16, 2025

A Quick Guide to Understanding Your TRICARE Dental Program Dental Explanation of Benefits

Understanding your TRICARE Dental Program dental explanation of benefits is important because it helps you track your coverage. This allows you to avoid any unexpected costs.

June 13, 2025

The Dentist Is In: Healthy Gums Mean a Healthier You — What You Should Know

Did you know there is a profound connection between gum health and serious medical conditions throughout the body? From heart disease to diabetes, the state of your gums can significantly impact your long-term health. This article explores the surprising links between oral hygiene and whole-body wellness, offering simple, practical steps you can take today to protect both your smile and your future health.

June 12, 2025

Provide Feedback for Clinical Practice Guidelines in Joint DOD, VA Patient Focus Groups: Osteoarthritis on June 27

Did you know you can help improve health care for service members, veterans, and their family members? You’re invited to join virtual focus groups! The next focus group will discuss osteoarthritis care on June 27 at 2 p.m. ET.

June 11, 2025

Mouth Taping: A New Trend–But What Are Its Effects on Oral Health?

Mouth taping is the practice of using surgical tape to keep your mouth closed during sleep. It’s recently gained popularity as a potential solution for mouth breathing and its related health issues. But is it supported by science or is it just another viral trend?

June 10, 2025

Keep an Eye on Your Vision Health With TRICARE

About 11 million Americans over age 12 need vision correction, according to the CDC. Do you know if you’re one of them? Getting routine eye exams to monitor your eyesight can help detect and prevent eye diseases early.

June 5, 2025

Unlock Your Health: How to Report Fraud and Abuse With TRICARE

Health care fraud and abuse harms everyone. TRICARE is committed to protecting the health information of service members, retirees, and their family members. You can help by knowing how to spot fraud or abuse—and by reporting it when you see it.