TRICARE Fees Rise 2.8% for Military Families in 2026
Published Date: 11/9/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting January 1, 2026, TRICARE Prime and Select members will see updated out-of-pocket costs based on a 2.8% cost of living increase. Military families, retirees, and active duty members should expect small changes in deductibles and caps, helping keep healthcare affordable while adjusting for inflation. These updates keep your benefits in line with rising costs without surprise hikes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Retirees Face New CY2026 Enrollment Fees and Caps
For retiree beneficiaries in CY2026, annual enrollment fees and catastrophic caps are set for different TRICARE options: examples include individual enrollment fees of $186.96 and $594.96 (depending on plan), family fees such as $375 and $1,191, and catastrophic caps such as $4,381 and $4,635; Select Group A survivors/medically retired beneficiaries have a $3,000 catastrophic cap. These CY2026 rates are effective January 1, 2026.
2.8% COLA Raises TRICARE Costs
TRICARE out-of-pocket expenses for CY2026 were updated using the 2.8% retiree cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). These CY2026 rates take effect January 1, 2026 and change copays, deductibles, and caps across TRICARE Prime and Select.
Active-Duty Family Members Pay No Enrollment Fee
Active duty family members (ADFM) have an annual TRICARE enrollment fee of $0 for both individual and family coverage in CY2026. These CY2026 rates are effective January 1, 2026.
ADFM Deductibles and Catastrophic Caps Set
For active-duty family members in CY2026, annual deductibles are listed by rank (E1–E4 individual $50; E1–E4 family $100; E5 & above individual $150; E5 & above family $300) and calendar-year catastrophic caps include $1,000 and $1,324 for applicable plans. These CY2026 rates are effective January 1, 2026.
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