What is TRICARE Select? Definition and 2026 Guide | TRICARE.com

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## Definition TRICARE Select is a self-managed, preferred provider organization (PPO) style health plan that allows military beneficiaries to see any TRICARE-authorized provider without needing a referral from a primary care manager.

## What it means in practice TRICARE Select is the primary alternative to TRICARE Prime. It offers the most flexibility for families who want to choose their own doctors or maintain continuity of care with civilian specialists. Unlike Prime, you are not assigned a Primary Care Manager (PCM); you manage your own healthcare and can visit any specialist, provided they are authorized by TRICARE. However, you will pay lower out-of-pocket costs if you use "Network" providers rather than "Non-Network" providers.

For beneficiaries, this means more freedom but higher cost-sharing. Most TRICARE Select members must meet an annual deductible before the government begins paying for covered services. For example, under 2026 rates, a Group A retiree family might face a deductible of approximately $370, while active-duty family members typically have lower thresholds or zero deductibles depending on their sponsor's rank. After the deductible is met, you pay a percentage of the allowed cost (cost-share) for office visits, imaging, and procedures.

Administrative management of the plan depends on your location. If you live in the TRICARE East region, your plan is administered by **Humana Military**. If you live in the West region, it is managed by **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**. For those living OCONUS (outside the continental United States), the plan is known as TRICARE Select Overseas and is managed by International SOS.

While TRICARE Select does not require referrals for most services, some specific procedures (like home health care or certain high-cost medical equipment) may still require prior authorization from your regional contractor. Enrollment is required to use this plan, and if you miss the annual Open Season or a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) window, you may be restricted to "Direct Care" only (space-available care at military hospitals).

## Related terms * **TRICARE Prime:** A managed-care option similar to an HMO where a Primary Care Manager (PCM) coordinates all care and provides referrals to specialists. * **Cost-Share:** The percentage of the total cost of a covered health care service you pay after you’ve paid your deductible. * **TRICARE-Authorized Provider:** A doctor, hospital, or specialist that meets TRICARE licensing and certification requirements and has been approved to provide care. * **Catastrophic Cap:** The maximum out-of-pocket amount you or your family will pay for covered health services each calendar year. * **Open Season:** The annual period (typically late fall) when beneficiaries can enroll in or change their TRICARE health plan for the following year. * **Qualifying Life Event (QLE):** A specific change in your life—such as marriage, birth of a child, or retirement—that allows you to change your TRICARE enrollment outside of Open Season.

## Sources * TRICARE.mil: TRICARE Select Overview (https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/HealthPlans/TS) * Humana Military: East Region Provider Network (https://www.humanamilitary.com) * TriWest Healthcare Alliance: West Region Information (https://www.triwest.com)