TRICARE Open Season is almost here, running from Nov. 11 to Dec. 10, giving you a chance to review and update your healthcare plan for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2025. With new regional TRICARE contracts starting in the U.S. next year, it’s a great time to take action and ensure you have the coverage that best meets your needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare for TRICARE Open Season

1. Determine if TRICARE Open Season Applies to You

Open season is available for those enrolled in or eligible for:

• TRICARE Prime (including overseas & remote options)
• TRICARE Select (including overseas options)
• US Family Health Plan

Note:

• Active duty service members and TRICARE For Life beneficiaries do not need to take action.
• Open season doesn’t apply to active duty service members. 
• Premium-based plans (such as TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, TRICARE Young Adult) are available year-round.

Even if open season doesn’t apply to you, residents in the new West Region, or in states transitioning to the West Region, may need to update payment details for TriWest Healthcare Alliance, which becomes the new West Region contractor on Jan. 1.

2. Review Your Current Coverage

Take time to review your current plan’s benefits, out-of-pocket costs, and any necessary referrals or authorizations. Consider your anticipated health needs for the coming year to decide if any changes would benefit you.

3. Explore Your Options

Utilize TRICARE’s Plan Finder and Compare Plans Tool to see what options are available. Review the 2024 costs and stay tuned for updated 2025 costs to understand any potential adjustments in fees or copayments. Check your regional contractor’s directory to confirm that your preferred providers are in-network.

4. Verify Personal Information in DEERS

Log into milConnect to confirm that your information (name, address, phone number, and email) is accurate for all family members. Accurate information ensures you receive important notifications and updates.

5. Update Health Plan Enrollment Details

If you’re making changes to your plan:

• Call your regional contractor if you’re in the U.S., as online changes via milConnect will not be available from Oct. 28 to Dec. 31.
• For enrollment changes effective Jan. 1, 2025:
  • East Region: Call Humana Military at 800-444-5445.
  • New West Region: TriWest call center opens Nov. 11. Contact TriWest at 888-TRIWEST (888-874-9378).

6. Consider FEDVIP Dental and Vision Plans

Explore your eligibility for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) to add or update dental and vision coverage. Open Season for FEDVIP runs until Dec. 9, so be sure to check options early.

7. Key Dates to Remember

• Nov. 11: TRICARE and Federal Benefits Open Season begins
• Dec. 9: Federal Benefits Open Season ends (last day for dental and vision updates)
• Dec. 10: TRICARE Open Season ends (last day to make healthcare plan changes)
• Jan. 1, 2025: Coverage for your new selections takes effect

8. Understand Qualifying Life Events (QLEs)

If you experience a QLE (such as marriage, birth, or retirement), you may make changes to your plan outside of open season. Keep these in mind as they allow you flexibility throughout the year.

Important Changes for 2025

• West Region: TriWest becomes the contractor on Jan. 1, 2025, for Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin.
• East Region: Humana Military remains the regional contractor.
  • If you live in the new West Region, update your payment details with TriWest if paying by bank EFT or credit card. If using a military pay system allotment, payments will transfer automatically.

For more details and to sign up for updates, visit the TRICARE website. By preparing now, you can be confident in your healthcare coverage for 2025.