Troops: Update TRICARE or Stick with the Status Quo
Published Date: 9/18/2026
Notice
Summary
If you’re part of the Military Health System, get ready for some TRICARE updates in 2027! From January 1, 2027, you can enroll in or change your health, dental, and vision plans during Open Season from November 9 to December 8, 2026. Keep your info updated to avoid missing out, and remember, if you don’t make changes, your current coverage rolls over with no extra cost.
Analyzed Economic Effects
12 provisions identified: 10 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Prescription Copay Waiver for Remote Dependents
Active-duty family members enrolled in TRICARE Prime Remote in the United States who live more than 50 miles or a one-hour drive from a military pharmacy will not pay copayments for covered prescription medications filled at retail network pharmacies, effective February 28, 2026; the waiver is applied automatically at the pharmacy.
Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Extended
The Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) was extended for five years and now ends on December 31, 2031; until then, beneficiaries in the U.S. and overseas may access certified labor doulas, certified lactation consultants, and certified lactation counselors.
New Medical Treatments Now Covered
TRICARE expanded coverage for several treatments: ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (including certain pediatric indications), Optune Tumor Treating Fields for adults 22+ with newly diagnosed glioblastoma after surgery and radiation, ablative fractional laser for symptomatic scars (made permanent Feb 24, 2026), autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant cost-share for a single event for multiple sclerosis when criteria are met, stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampectomy per specialty guidelines, liver transplant for metastatic colorectal cancer with prior authorization and tumor board approval, and peripheral nerve stimulation including temporary devices for up to 60 days post-surgery.
Vertebral Body Tethering Covered for Adolescents
Vertebral body tethering, a minimally invasive alternative to spinal fusion, is covered under TRICARE's Provisional Coverage Program for certain adolescents with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
TENS Devices Mostly Excluded After July 1, 2026
Effective July 1, 2026, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices and supplies are excluded from TRICARE coverage for all conditions except acute post-operative pain.
Out-of-Pocket Costs Adjusted by COLA
Certain TRICARE enrollee out-of-pocket costs—enrollment fees, premiums, catastrophic caps, deductibles, and copayments—are adjusted annually by Federal law based on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) applied to Uniformed Service retired pay; amounts impacted by the 2026 COLA will be posted to the tricare.mil/changes web page before TRICARE Open Season (before November 10, 2026).
TRICARE Open Season Dates and Rollover
TRICARE Open Season for changing or enrolling in health plans runs from November 9 through December 8, 2026, and any changes you make then take effect January 1, 2027. If you remain eligible and do not make changes during Open Season, your current TRICARE coverage will stay the same for 2027 with no extra cost.
FEDVIP Dental & Vision Open Season
The Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) Open Season for dental and vision runs November 9 through December 7, 2026; changes made then take effect January 1, 2027. Qualified Military Health System beneficiaries, including TRICARE For Life enrollees, may enroll in or change FEDVIP plans during that period.
Unlimited Urgent Care for TRICARE Prime
For Plan CY 2027, TRICARE Prime enrollees may receive unlimited urgent care visits without referrals from TRICARE-authorized urgent care centers and certain network providers. Seeking urgent care from a non-network authorized provider may trigger Prime Point of Service deductible and cost-shares.
Competitive Plans Demo Options in Two Metro Areas
For 2027, eligible active duty family members, retirees, and retiree family members in certain ZIP Codes in metro Atlanta, GA, and metro Tampa, FL, may voluntarily enroll in a Competitive Plans Demonstration (TRICARE Prime Demo) regardless of current TRICARE Prime or Select enrollment.
Pre-Hospital Blood Transfusion Demonstration
Beginning January 1, 2027, a five-year nationwide demonstration will evaluate a supplementary reimbursement for pre-hospital blood transfusions to see if it improves beneficiary access and clinical outcomes for patients in hemorrhagic shock.
Pharmacy Copayments and Filling Rules for 2027
TRICARE pharmacy copayments are unchanged for January 1, 2027: retail 30-day generic $16 and brand-name $48; mail-order 90-day generic $14 and brand-name $44; non-formulary $85. Active duty Service members (ADSMs) and active duty family members enrolled in TRICARE Prime Remote have a $0 copay for covered drugs. Select brand-name maintenance meds (except ADSMs) may only be filled twice at retail before requiring home delivery or military pharmacy.
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