Everything Military Families Need to Know About TRICARE in 2026

Navigating military healthcare can feel like learning a new language. TRICARE, the health care program serving uniformed service members, retirees, and their families, offers comprehensive coverage but comes with its own set of rules, options, and procedures. Understanding how to maximize your TRICARE benefits can save money, reduce frustration, and ensure your family receives the care it needs.

This guide breaks down the key aspects of TRICARE that every military family should understand, including recent changes that took effect in 2026.

Understanding Your TRICARE Options

Active duty service members are automatically enrolled in TRICARE Prime, which provides comprehensive coverage with no enrollment fees or annual deductibles. Care is coordinated through a primary care manager, typically at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF), and referrals are required for specialty care.

Family members of active duty personnel can choose between TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select. Prime offers lower out-of-pocket costs but requires using the Prime network and obtaining referrals. Select provides more flexibility to see any TRICARE-authorized provider without referrals but involves higher cost-sharing.

For retirees and their families, the same Prime and Select options are available, though with different cost structures that include enrollment fees and annual deductibles.

Recent Changes for 2026

Several significant changes took effect this year. TRICARE Select enrollment fees increased for Group A retirees (those who enrolled before January 1, 2018), though they remain lower than civilian insurance premiums. Annual deductibles were also adjusted for inflation.

On the positive side, mental health parity requirements expanded, ensuring that mental health and substance abuse treatment receive the same coverage as physical health conditions. Telehealth coverage was also permanently expanded following the success of pandemic-era telehealth programs.

Maximizing Your MTF Benefits

Military Treatment Facilities offer significant advantages for those who can access them. There are no copays for care received at MTFs, and the quality of care is often excellent. However, MTF availability varies significantly by installation, and appointment availability can be limited.

To improve your MTF experience, establish relationships with your assigned primary care team. Use the patient portal to schedule appointments, request prescription refills, and communicate with your healthcare team. For routine care, booking appointments in advance is essential at busy installations.

When MTF care is not available, TRICARE provides access to civilian network providers. Understanding how referrals and authorizations work prevents unexpected bills and ensures continuity of care.

Prescription Drug Coverage

TRICARE offers prescription coverage through multiple channels. MTF pharmacies provide medications at no cost, the mail-order pharmacy offers 90-day supplies at reduced rates, and retail network pharmacies are available for convenience at higher cost-shares.

The most cost-effective approach for maintenance medications is using the home delivery option through Express Scripts. Prescriptions are mailed directly to your home, and the cost is significantly lower than retail pharmacies.

Dental and Vision Coverage

Active duty members receive dental care through their MTF. Family members of active duty must enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program, a separate insurance plan with its own premiums and coverage structure.

Vision coverage is limited under TRICARE. Active duty members receive annual eye exams as part of their medical care, but dependents have limited routine vision benefits. Many military families choose to purchase supplemental vision insurance for comprehensive coverage.

Navigating the System Effectively

TRICARE customer service can answer questions about coverage and help resolve issues. The TRICARE website provides tools for finding providers, understanding benefits, and managing enrollment. Beneficiary counseling and assistance coordinators (BCAAs) at MTFs can help with complex situations.

Keep copies of all referrals and authorizations, and verify coverage before receiving care, especially from civilian providers. Understanding your explanation of benefits statements helps identify billing errors before they become collection issues.

Special Programs to Know About

TRICARE offers specialized programs that many families do not know about. The Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) provides additional benefits for dependents with qualifying disabilities. The Autism Care Demonstration expands coverage for children with autism spectrum disorders. The Cancer Clinical Trials Program allows beneficiaries to participate in approved clinical trials.

Resources for Questions

When questions arise, start with the TRICARE website and mobile app. Your MTF patient advocate can help resolve care access issues. For billing problems, contact the Defense Health Agency directly. Military OneSource can also help navigate healthcare questions as part of its comprehensive support services.

Understanding TRICARE takes effort, but the reward is access to comprehensive healthcare for you and your family. Take time to learn the system, and do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it.