FALLS CHURCH, Va. –
Note: TRICARE Open Season isn’t affected by the current lapse in federal appropriations. Open season continues as scheduled from Nov. 10 through Dec. 9.
TRICARE Open Season begins today, Nov. 10! Starting today, you have the opportunity to make changes to your TRICARE plan. This year’s open season lasts through Tuesday, Dec. 9. This is your annual chance to sign up for a health plan or change your coverage. Any changes you make will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
“TRICARE Open Season is your chance to make any changes to your health plan for 2026,” said Zelly Zim, senior program analyst, TRICARE Health Plan Policy & Programs Division, at the Defense Health Agency. “Take time now to review your options and learn how to make enrollment changes, if necessary.”
Who can make changes during open season
Open season applies to you if you’re eligible for or enrolled in:
Some beneficiaries aren’t affected by open season. Active duty service members can’t make changes during this time. If you have TRICARE For Life, you don’t need to do anything. Those with premium-based plans like TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, or TRICARE Young Adult can buy coverage any time during the year.
Your choices during open season
You have three options during TRICARE Open Season:
- You can stay in your current plan. You don’t have to do anything to keep your plan.
- If you don’t have a plan now, you can sign up for one.
- You can switch to a different plan that better fits your needs.
Before you make changes, check that your family’s information is up to date in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. If you have questions, contact your service’s personnel office.
How to change your plan
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.
Dental and vision coverage
You may be able to get dental or vision coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. Federal Benefits Open Season also begins today, Nov. 10. But it ends Dec. 8—one day before TRICARE Open Season ends. You must have a TRICARE health plan to get FEDVIP vision coverage.
What happens if you miss open season
If you don’t make changes during open season, you’ll need to wait until next year’s open season to make changes to your plan. Or you may be eligible to make changes if you have a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event, like getting married or having a baby, as described in the TRICARE Choices in the United States Handbook.
Explore your health plan options today and decide if you want to make changes before Dec. 9. Visit TRICARE Open Season and the TRICARE Newsroom for the latest information, or contact your regional contractor for more details.
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