TRICARE, a comprehensive healthcare program available to active and former servicemembers and their families, is offering its open enrollment period from November 10 to December 9, 2025. During this time, if you are eligible, you may make changes to your plan. Changes made during this window will take effect January 1, 2026.
Changes Coming to TRICARE in 2026
If you are satisfied with your current TRICARE plan, no action is required. This is a good time to to ensure that your information in DEERS is updated.
How to Make Changes During Open Season
If you’re eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select but not currently enrolled, you may opt into the program during Open Season. If you’re already enrolled in a TRICARE Prime option or TRICARE Select, you can switch between those plans, move from individual to family coverage (or vice versa), or enroll in a US Family Health Plan if you live in an eligible service area.
You can make changes Nov. 10–Dec. 9, 2025 through one of the following methods:
- Online: Visit milConnect and select "Manage Health Benefits" under the "I want to" menu
- Phone: Call your regional contractor
- Mail or Fax: Download the appropriate enrollment form from the TRICARE website and send it to your regional contractor.
Don't miss the enrollment window — if you need to change plans or update your coverage, Open Season may be your only opportunity to do so for calendar year 2026 unless you qualify for a special enrollment due to a qualifying life event. If you’re not currently enrolled in a TRICARE health plan and you want to enroll in one between October 28 and December 31, 2024, you can do so online at milConnect by navigating to the “I want to” section and selecting “Manage Health Benefits.”
TRICARE Open Season is your chance to choose the health plan that makes sense for your family’s needs. Don’t wait—start thinking about your options today.
For further details, visit the official TRICARE website or reach out to your regional contractor.
This article was originally published October 25, 2024.
The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement. Courtesy Photo by Defense Health Agency. TRICARE Open Season is your chance to choose the health plan that makes sense for your family’s needs. Don’t wait—start thinking about your options today.