TRICARE Open Season

TRICARE Open Season: Nov. 9–Dec. 8, 2026

  • Changes you make during open season take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
  • Want to keep your current plan? You don’t need to take action. Your coverage will automatically continue in 2027 as long as you remain eligible.

Need dental or vision coverage? If you’re eligible, you can buy coverage during Federal Benefits Open Season (Nov. 9–Dec. 14, 2026). Changes you make during this time take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Does TRICARE Open Season apply to me?

TRICARE Open Season applies to you if you have or are eligible for:

It doesn’t apply to you if you:

  • Are an active duty service member
  • Have TRICARE For Life, TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, or TRICARE Young Adult coverage

What can I do during TRICARE Open Season?

  • Keep your current plan. You don’t need to do anything if you want to stay in your plan.
  • Enroll in a plan. If you’re eligible for a TRICARE Prime option or TRICARE Select but aren’t enrolled, you can enroll.
  • Change plans. You can switch between eligible TRICARE Prime options and TRICARE Select. You can also switch between individual and family enrollment.

What if I don’t enroll? If you aren’t already in a plan and you don’t enroll in one during open season, you’ll only be eligible for care at a military hospital or clinic, if space is available.

Which TRICARE plan is right for me?

Your health plan options depend on who you are and where you live. Before choosing a plan, think about how you prefer to get care and what you’ll pay.

  1. TRICARE Plan Finder: See which plans you may be eligible for.
  2. Compare Plans: Compare TRICARE health plans side by side.
  3. Health Plan Costs: Review enrollment fees, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs.

Explore the differences between TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select:

Open Season Road Map (PDF)

More About TRICARE Open Season

You can enroll or change your TRICARE health plan in one of three ways:

  1. Online: Sign in to milConnect.
  2. By phone: Call your TRICARE regional contractor or designated provider.
  3. By mail or fax: Send an enrollment form to your TRICARE regional contractor or designated provider.

Looking for step-by-step instructions, contact information, and enrollment forms?

Go to Enroll or Purchase a Plan, choose the plan you want to enroll in, and follow the steps to enroll.

Outside of TRICARE Open Season, you only can enroll in or change enrollment to a TRICARE Prime option or TRICARE Select if you have a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event.

Last Updated 11/13/2026