How to Choose Before Dec. 8

Tricare describes its Prime option as managed care and its Select option as self-managed.

The practical differences between Tricare Prime and Tricare Select:

• Primary care manager (PCM). Prime requires one. Tricare says the PCM “will coordinate most of your care.” Select does not require one.
• Referrals. Prime requires referrals for most specialty care. Select does not require them for primary care and most specialty care.
• Providers. Select lets you see any Tricare-authorized provider, but you pay less with network providers.
• Availability. Prime is available only in Prime Service Areas. Select is available stateside and overseas.
• Deductible. Prime has no deductible and generally uses copayments. Select has an annual deductible, plus copayments or cost-shares.
• Tricare’s summary is that Prime suits people who want a PCM overseeing their care and predictable costs, with more rules. Select suits people who want flexibility, with fewer rules and higher costs.

Read More: Military Benefits Open Enrollment

What the Plans Cost

The 2027 numbers were not out yet as of Nov. 3.

Active-duty family members pay no enrollment fee for either plan. For retirees, their families and others, 2026 annual enrollment fees for the Group A category are $381.96 for an individual and $765 for a family under Prime; and $186.96 for an individual and $375 for a family under Select. Group B fees are higher: $462.96 and $927 for Prime; and $594.96 and $1,191 for Select.

The Defense Health Agency told Military.com that Prime and Select rates are calculated from the annual cost-of-living adjustment, which the Social Security Administration had just released, and that the 2027 figures were being determined. DHA said in an article dated Oct. 29 that the 2027 Tricare costs will be available in early November.

The open enrollment period for 2027 coverage is Nov. 9-Dec. 8, 2026.

Because the costs page will not update until after open season ends, families should look for DHA’s end-of-October article before deciding.

Related: What Is Tricare Open Season? A Guide to Enrollment

Who Can Change Plans

Open Season applies to people who have or qualify for a Prime option, including the U.S. Family Health Plan and the Tricare Prime Demonstration, or Select. It does not apply to active-duty service members, Tricare for Life beneficiaries, or people in Tricare Reserve Select, Tricare Retired Reserve or Tricare Young Adult.

DHA clarified some points about changing plans:

• Tricare Prime Remote: Open season rules do not apply. DHA said it works the same as active-duty Prime.

• Tricare Overseas Program: Prime Overseas and Select Overseas fall under open season.

• U.S. Family Health Plan: USFHP is a Prime option. Moving between USFHP and Select must happen during open season. Someone already in Prime can move to USFHP, or the other way, at any time, and DHA said the move counts as a PCM change.

Related: Tricare Open Season: Who Can Change Plans, and Who Can’t

If You Do Nothing

Tricare says enrolled beneficiaries who do not act stay in their current plan as long as they remain eligible. People who are not enrolled in a plan are eligible for care only at a military hospital or clinic, if space is available.

Outside open Sseason, you can enroll or change plans only after a qualifying life event, such as marriage, the birth of a child or retirement. A qualifying life event opens a 90-day window for eligible changes.

Related: What Is a Qualifying Life Event for Tricare?

How to Enroll or Change

Beneficiaries can make changes online through milConnect, by phone with their Tricare regional contractor or designated provider, or by mail or fax with an enrollment form.

Dental and vision coverage run on a separate clock. Federal Benefits Open Season, which includes coverage under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), is Nov. 9-Dec. 14, 2026. Vision coverage through FEDVIP requires a Tricare health plan.

Related: New Debit Card Coming for Military’s Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts

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