Group A Retiree: TRICARE Definition and 2026 Costs | TRICARE.com

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## Definition A Group A Retiree is a TRICARE beneficiary who first entered the uniformed services (themselves or their sponsor) before January 1, 2018.

## What it means in practice For most retirees, your "Group" status is the single biggest factor in determining your out-of-pocket costs, such as enrollment fees and copayments. If you or your sponsor joined the military before 2018, you are in Group A. This group typically enjoys lower enrollment fees and lower catastrophic caps than those in Group B (those who joined on or after January 1, 2018).

In 2026, Group A retirees using TRICARE Select must pay an annual enrollment fee. For an individual, this is approximately $183.00, and for a family, it is $366.00 (2026 rates). If you are using TRICARE Prime, your enrollment fees are slightly higher, but your out-of-pocket costs at the point of service (copays) are generally lower or zero for authorized care at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs).

One of the most important protections for a Group A Retiree is the Catastrophic Cap. For the 2026 calendar year, this cap is set at $4,153 for Retirees in Group A. Once your family reaches this limit in out-of-pocket spending for covered medical services, TRICARE pays 100% of the allowable charges for the remainder of the year. This is significantly lower than the cap for Group B retirees, which currently exceeds $4,300.

It is important to note that if you were an active duty service member before 2018 but later retired, you remain in Group A. Your status is "locked in" by your initial entry date, not the date you transitioned to retiree status.

## Related terms * **Group B Retiree:** Beneficiaries whose sponsor first joined the uniformed services on or after Jan. 1, 2018; they typically face higher fees. * **Catastrophic Cap:** The maximum out-of-pocket amount a beneficiary pays each calendar year for TRICARE-covered services. * **TRICARE Select:** A self-managed, preferred provider organization (PPO) plan available to retirees in the U.S. * **TRICARE Prime:** A managed care option similar to an HMO that requires a Primary Care Manager and referrals for specialty care. * **Sponsor:** The active duty, Guard/Reserve, or retired service member whose eligibility provides TRICARE coverage for family members.

## Sources * TRICARE.mil: TRICARE Beneficiary Categories [https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility/Groups](https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility/Groups) * Defense Health Agency: Cost Terms and Definitions [https://www.tricare.mil/Costs/Cost-Terms](https://www.tricare.mil/Costs/Cost-Terms) * TriWest Healthcare Alliance: West Region Costs [https://www.triwest.com/](https://www.triwest.com/)