Changing TRICARE Plans: 2026 Guide to Open Season & QLEs | TRICARE.com

*Disclaimer: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program. For official policy and enrollment, visit [TRICARE.mil](https://www.tricare.mil).*

## Quick answer You can generally only change your TRICARE plan during the annual Open Season (mid-November to mid-December) or within 90 days of a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), such as getting married, having a baby, or moving. If you miss these windows, you must wait until the next Open Season to switch between TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select.

Details

### The Annual Open Season For most beneficiaries, the **TRICARE Open Season** is the only time you can proactively switch between TRICARE Prime (a managed care option) and TRICARE Select (a PPO-style option). * **When it happens:** Typically begins the Monday of the second full week in November and ends the Monday of the second full week in December. * **Effective date:** Changes made during Open Season take effect on January 1 of the following year.

### Qualifying Life Events (QLEs) A QLE opens a **90-day window** to make enrollment changes outside of the Open Season. Common QLEs include: * **Family Changes:** Marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, or a death in the family. * **Moving:** Relocating to a new zip code or moving back from an overseas assignment. (Note: Moving between the East Region managed by **Humana Military** and the West Region managed by **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** is a major QLE). * **Career Changes:** Retiring from active duty, separating from service, or gaining/losing other health insurance. * **Eligibility Changes:** Specifically for children aging out of regular TRICARE at age 21 (or 23 if in college) and moving to TRICARE Young Adult.

### Plans Exempt from Open Season Select plans do not follow the Open Season rules and can be purchased or changed at any time (as long as you are eligible): * TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) * TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) * TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) * TRICARE For Life (TFL) — Enrollment is automatic once Medicare Parts A and B are active.

### Costs and Fees (2026 Rates) If you switch plans, be aware that your out-of-pocket costs will change. * **Group A (Sponsor enlisted before 2018):** Generally lower enrollment fees. For 2026, TRICARE Select retiree enrollment fees typically hover around $180–$190 for individuals and $360–$380 for families (check TRICARE.mil for exact final 2026 figures). * **Group B (Sponsor enlisted after 2018):** Higher enrollment fees and deductibles apply. * **Prime to Select:** Moving to Select often results in higher deductibles but more freedom to choose providers without a referral.

### How to Switch 1. **Online:** Use the Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) portal via milConnect. 2. **Phone:** Call your regional contractor (Humana Military in the East; TriWest Healthcare Alliance in the West). 3. **Mail:** Submit a DD Form 2876 to your regional contractor.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Can switch between Prime and Select. * **Retirees and their families:** Must manage enrollment carefully to avoid being locked out of coverage. * **National Guard & Reserve:** Those on active duty or using TRS/TRR. * **Survivors and Medically Retired:** Eligible for standard transition windows.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Qualifying Life Events Page](https://www.tricare.mil/lifeevents) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [Enrollment Overview](https://health.mil) * **Humana Military (East):** [Region-specific enrollment](https://www.humanamilitary.com) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West):** [West Region benefits](https://www.triwest.com)