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 | May 7, 2025

Defense Health Agency Announces TRICARE Prime Demo in Atlanta and Tampa, Competitive Plans Demonstration Options Starting in 2026

By TRICARE Communications

Do you live in the Atlanta, Georgia or Tampa, Florida metropolitan area? Your TRICARE health plan options are about to expand. Starting in January 2026, the TRICARE Prime Demo by CareSource Military & Veterans will bring more choices to eligible beneficiaries. Enrollees will get care from CSMV’s network of primary and specialty care providers.

“The TRICARE Prime Demo represents an innovative approach to advance access to care, enhance the patient experience, and strive for better health outcomes,” said Dr. David Krulak, Director, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “The data we get from this demonstration will inform future TRICARE innovations nationwide.”

TRICARE is always evolving. By participating in the demo, you can help determine how TRICARE continues to deliver quality health care for you and your family members.

So, what does this mean for you? If you participate by enrolling in the TRICARE Prime Demo, you’ll keep your comprehensive TRICARE coverage. But there are a few key differences from the traditional TRICARE Prime option. Keep reading to learn more, including when you may be able to enroll.

Q: What are the benefits of enrolling?

A:

  • Enrollment fees are waived for the first 12 months for retirees, their family members, and survivors, regardless of when they enroll with CSMV. After the first year, retirees, their family members, and survivors will pay TRICARE Prime enrollment fees. (Note: Active duty service members, their family members, and transitional survivors don’t pay TRICARE Prime enrollment fees.)
  • You won’t need to get referrals to see network providers.
  • CSMV will help you choose a primary care manager.
  • CSMV will also provide:
    • Care coordination
    • Disease and safety management programs
    • Virtual health services
    • A 24/7 nurse advice line

All care will be administered through CSMV’s provider network.

Note: If you participate by enrolling in the TRICARE Prime Demo by CSMV, you can only get care at a military hospital or clinic in an emergency. This also means you won’t be able to use the Humana Military provider network. You won’t be able to use the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line. CSMV has its own advice line for beneficiaries.

But you’ll still fill your prescriptions through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. This means you can still use military pharmacies and TRICARE’s retail network pharmacies, as described in the TRICARE Pharmacy Program Overview Fact Sheet.

Q: How do I know if I’m eligible?

A: You must live in the Atlanta or Tampa Bay metropolitan area. You’re eligible if you live in one of these designated geographic areas and you’re:

You aren’t eligible if you:

Q: When can I enroll?

A: If you’re eligible, you can enroll during the next TRICARE Open Season, which runs from November to December 2025. Your coverage starts on Jan. 1, 2026.

Q: How can I learn more?

A: If you’re eligible, you’ll hear more about how you can enroll later this year. For more information, keep an eye on TRICARE Prime Demo
 

Father and son hold hands while walking down a street

Unlock Your Health by Understanding the TRICARE ...

News
Aug. 26, 2025

Do you have TRICARE Prime? If so, you likely get most of your routine health care from your primary care...
Read More
Image of woman sitting on sofa on laptop. Text reads: "Participants needed for virtual tricare.mil usability study. Learn if you qualify." TRICARE logo

Share Your Thoughts on Tricare.mil in Upcoming U...

News
Aug. 22, 2025

Are you interested in shaping the future of TRICARE’s web presence? The Defense Health Agency Usability Lab is...
Read More
Smiling woman holds a baby.

How TRICARE Covers Breastfeeding Supplies and Se...

News
Aug. 21, 2025

Are you pregnant or did you recently have a baby? TRICARE covers certain breast pumps and supplies and...
Read More
Medical professional looks at dental x-rays

TRICARE Medical vs. Dental Coverage: Understandi...

News
Aug. 19, 2025

When you need care for your mouth, jaw, or teeth, you may have questions about whether you should use your...
Read More
Man in grey shirt speaks to a doctor

Medicare and TRICARE For Life: Finding Providers

News
Aug. 14, 2025

If you have TRICARE For Life, you’ll get health care from Medicare providers. Here’s what you need to know...
Read More
A hand places white flowers on a stone grave

How a Death in the Family May Affect Your TRICAR...

News
Aug. 12, 2025

When a family member passes away, it can feel overwhelming to deal with paperwork on top of the emotional...
Read More
Female teacher leads a group of young students into school

Get Your Child Ready for the New School Year: A ...

News
Aug. 07, 2025

Getting your child’s health care needs taken care of before school starts helps ensure they’re ready to focus...
Read More
Service member pours pills into a pill counter machine

TRICARE Coverage of Weight Loss Medications: Wha...

News
Aug. 05, 2025

Understanding the difference between TRICARE plans and coverage is key to knowing what to expect when filling...
Read More

Aug. 26, 2025

Unlock Your Health by Understanding the TRICARE Prime Referral Process

Do you have TRICARE Prime? If so, you likely get most of your routine health care from your primary care manager. But sometimes, you may need specialty care that your PCM can’t provide. This is when your PCM will give you a referral. In this article, you’ll learn about the TRICARE Prime referral process. We’ll highlight what’s new—and easier—for you and your family members if you’re moving this year.

Aug. 22, 2025

Share Your Thoughts on Tricare.mil in Upcoming Usability Study

Are you interested in shaping the future of TRICARE’s web presence? The Defense Health Agency Usability Lab is looking for participants for a tricare.mil usability study. The DHA Usability Lab will hold several studies to get feedback on the website.

Aug. 21, 2025

How TRICARE Covers Breastfeeding Supplies and Services

Are you pregnant or did you recently have a baby? TRICARE covers certain breast pumps and supplies and breastfeeding counseling at no cost for new mothers.

Aug. 19, 2025

TRICARE Medical vs. Dental Coverage: Understanding Key Differences

When you need care for your mouth, jaw, or teeth, you may have questions about whether you should use your TRICARE medical or dental plan. Knowing when to use your medical or dental coverage helps avoid unnecessary costs or delays in care.

Aug. 14, 2025

Medicare and TRICARE For Life: Finding Providers

If you have TRICARE For Life, you’ll get health care from Medicare providers. Here’s what you need to know about finding different types of Medicare providers.

Aug. 12, 2025

How a Death in the Family May Affect Your TRICARE Coverage

When a family member passes away, it can feel overwhelming to deal with paperwork on top of the emotional burden. This article provides a few steps you should take in the weeks following your family member’s death. Taking these steps can help ensure your coverage continues without interruption.

Aug. 7, 2025

Get Your Child Ready for the New School Year: A TRICARE Parent’s Guide

Getting your child’s health care needs taken care of before school starts helps ensure they’re ready to focus on learning. TRICARE covers the essential services that parents need to check off their back-to-school list.

Aug. 5, 2025

TRICARE Coverage of Weight Loss Medications: What To Know

Understanding the difference between TRICARE plans and coverage is key to knowing what to expect when filling your prescription. There are different rules about how TRICARE covers these drugs based on your plan.

July 31, 2025

TRICARE Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Members: Know Your Options

Are you or your sponsor in the National Guard or Reserve? Your health coverage changes when activating or deactivating. Here’s what you need to know.

July 29, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Check Your TRICARE Information in DEERS Today

When was the last time you looked to see if your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System is up to date? If it’s been a while, it’s extremely important to take time and log in to DEERS to review or update your information.