FALLS CHURCH, Va. –
If you’re a TRICARE beneficiary, mark your calendar:
TRICARE Open Season begins
Monday, Nov. 10, and runs through
Tuesday, Dec. 9. This is your chance to enroll in or make changes to your TRICARE plan for 2026. Changes you make during this time will take effect on
Jan. 1, 2026.
“TRICARE Open Season is the time to review your coverage and choose the plan that best fits your family’s needs,” said Zelly Zim, senior program analyst, TRICARE Health Plan Policy & Programs, at the Defense Health Agency. “Even if you don’t plan to make a change, it’s good to check your information and confirm your plan still works for you.”
Federal Benefits Open Season, your chance to make changes to your Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program coverage, also begins Nov. 10, but ends a day earlier on Monday, Dec. 8.
Who can participate
TRICARE Open Season applies to anyone enrolled in or eligible for these TRICARE health plans:
If you’re eligible, you have three options:
- Stay in your current plan. If your plan still meets your needs, you don’t have to take any action to remain enrolled.
- Enroll in a plan. If you’re eligible for TRICARE but not currently enrolled, you can sign up during open season.
- Change your plan. If your health care needs or preferences have changed, you can switch plans during this time.
TRICARE Open Season doesn’t apply to
active duty service members, or those with
TRICARE For Life. TFL coverage is automatic if you have
Medicare Part A and
Part B.
You can purchase or change the following premium-based plans at any time throughout the year:
How to make plan changes
Online
You can use Beneficiary Web Enrollment—through milConnect—to make eligible changes to your health plan.
By phone
- U.S.: Call your regional contractor to make updates.
- Overseas: Call International SOS for support.
By mail
You can also submit a paper enrollment form to your regional contractor.
Verify your information is up to date
Even if you don’t intend to change your plan, TRICARE Open Season is a great time to log in to Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System and verify that your family’s information is current.
Log in to milConnect and verify:
- Names, Social Security numbers, and birthdates
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
Explore options
TRICARE offers many ways to compare plans and find the right plan for you:
- Use the TRICARE Plan Finder. Answer a few questions and see what plans you may be eligible for.
- Compare plans using the TRICARE Compare Plans Tool. Note differences in coverage, provider networks, and referral requirements.
- Review your family’s 2025 costs carefully. 2026 costs will be available in early November.
Live in the Atlanta or Tampa areas?
Starting in January 2026, the TRICARE Prime Demo by CareSource Military & Veterans will bring more choices to eligible beneficiaries living in the Atlanta and Tampa areas. Enrollees will get care through CSMV's network of care providers.
Check your eligibility and explore the benefits it offers—but be sure to enroll by the TRICARE Open Season deadline to secure coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
What about dental and vision?
You may be eligible for dental or vision coverage through FEDVIP. These plans are separate from your TRICARE health coverage.
To enroll in FEDVIP:
- You must be eligible under your beneficiary category.
- You must be enrolled in a TRICARE health plan to qualify for FEDVIP vision coverage.
Federal Benefits Open Season runs Nov. 10 through Dec. 8—note the earlier end date compared to TRICARE Open Season.
Don’t miss the deadline
Once TRICARE Open Season ends, you’ll only be able to make changes to your plan if you experience a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event—like getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new location. Otherwise, your next opportunity to change plans will be during next year’s open season.
Take time now to:
- Review your current plan and costs.
- Make sure your information is up to date in DEERS.
- Sign up for email updates.
Visit TRICARE Open Season for more details on eligibility, plan comparisons, and enrollment support.
TRICARE Open Season is your annual opportunity to make sure your health coverage fits your life. Don’t miss out! Mark your calendar for Nov. 10 and get it done early.
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions to get benefit updates, news, and more.