How to Switch from TRICARE Prime to Select: 2026 Guide | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer You can switch from TRICARE Prime to TRICARE Select during the annual Open Season (typically mid-November to mid-December) or within 90 days of a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) like moving, getting married, or having a child. To make the change, you must submit a new enrollment request via the Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) portal, by mail, or by calling your regional contractor (Humana Military in the East or TriWest in the West).

Details

Switching from Prime to Select is a significant change that moves you from a managed care model to a preferred provider organization (PPO) model. While you gain the freedom to see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral, your out-of-pocket costs will generally increase.

### When Can You Switch? As of 2026, you cannot switch plans at any time. You must wait for one of two windows: * **TRICARE Open Season:** This occurs annually each fall. Changes made during Open Season take effect on January 1 of the following year. * **Qualifying Life Events (QLEs):** If you experience a QLE—such as retirement from active duty, birth/adoption, marriage/divorce, or a permanent change of station (PCS)—you have 90 days from the date of the event to switch plans.

### How to Execute the Switch 1. **Online:** Log in to the [Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE)](https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/) portal via milConnect. 2. **Phone:** Call your regional contractor. Residents in the **East Region** call Humana Military; residents in the **West Region** call TriWest Healthcare Alliance. 3. **Mail:** Download the *TRICARE Select Enrollment, Disenrollment, and Change Form* (DD Form 2876) from your contractor's website and mail it to the address provided on the form.

### Cost Implications for 2026 When you move to Select, you transition from "copayments" (small fixed fees) to a system involving **annual deductibles** and **cost-shares** (percentages of the allowed amount). * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Usually pay no enrollment fees for Select, but will face a 2026 deductible for outpatient care. * **Retirees (Group A):** Will pay an annual enrollment fee (varies by plan year — check TRICARE.mil for 2026 rates) and a higher catastrophic cap than Prime users. * **Network vs. Non-Network:** On Select, you pay significantly less if you use a "Network" provider. If you use a "Non-Network" provider, you will pay a higher cost-share and may be subject to "balance billing."

### Important Note for Active Duty **Active duty service members (ADSMs) cannot switch to TRICARE Select.** ADSMs must remain enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Prime Remote. This switch is only available to family members, retirees, and certain other beneficiaries.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Those wanting more flexibility in choosing doctors without referrals. * **Retirees and their Families:** Those who prefer PPO-style coverage and do not live near a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). * **Survivors:** Eligible family members of deceased service members. * **Medically Retired Members:** Those transitioning out of active service with a disability rating.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Changing Your Enrollment](https://www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/ChangeEnrollment) * **Humana Military (East):** [Enrollment Tools](https://www.humanamilitary.com/) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West):** [Beneficiary Services](https://www.triwest.com/) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [TRICARE Plans Overview](https://health.mil/)