TRICARE Telehealth: Coverage, Costs, and Rules (2026) | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer TRICARE covers telehealth services (video or phone appointments) the same way it covers in-person office visits. If the service is medically necessary and would be covered in person, you can generally receive it via telehealth from a TRICARE-authorized provider.

Details

TRICARE telehealth policy allows you to consult with your doctor, specialist, or mental health professional using secure video-conferencing or, in some specific cases, audio-only phone calls.

### Referrals and Authorizations The rules for seeking telehealth depend on your specific plan: * **TRICARE Prime:** Active duty service members (ADSMs) and family members usually need a referral from their Primary Care Manager (PCM) for specialty telehealth, just as they would for an in-person visit. * **TRICARE Select:** You do not typically need a referral for most telehealth services if you see a TRICARE-authorized provider, though prior authorization may be required for certain high-cost procedures or specific mental health treatments.

### Costs and Copays (2026 Rates) Under current 2026 guidelines, telehealth costs are tied to the category of the visit: * **Active Duty Service Members:** $0 out-of-pocket for all authorized telehealth. * **Prime Retirees and Family Members:** Standard copays apply (e.g., ~$22–$38 for specialty visits, depending on Group A vs. B status). * **Select Benficiaries:** You are responsible for the standard cost-share and deductible associated with your plan. * *Note:* There are no "telehealth-specific" convenience fees allowed for TRICARE-authorized providers.

### Mental Health & Telemental Health This is the most common use of the benefit. Beneficiaries can use telehealth for: * Individual psychotherapy * Psychiatric diagnostic interviews * Medication management

### The Regional Contractors (T-5 Contract) Following the 2025 transition to the T-5 contract, telehealth is coordinated through the following regional partners: * **East Region:** Humana Military. * **West Region:** TriWest Healthcare Alliance. * **Pharmacy:** Express Scripts (covers telehealth-driven prescriptions).

### Doctor on Demand and Telemynd TRICARE works with specific "telehealth-only" networks in many regions, such as Doctor on Demand (for urgent care/behavioral health) and Telemynd (specifically for mental health). These providers are often already credentialed within the network, making the billing process seamless.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Requires PCM referral; $0 cost. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** On Prime or Select. * **Retirees and their families:** Subject to plan-specific copays. * **National Guard and Reserve:** Those enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS). * **TRICARE For Life (TFL) beneficiaries:** Telehealth is covered when Medicare acts as the primary payer.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Telemedicine Policy](https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/Telemedicine) * **Humana Military (East):** [Telehealth Services](https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/health-and-wellness/telehealth) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West):** [Provider Network Information](https://www.triwest.com) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [T-5 Contract Transition Updates](https://health.mil)