TRICARE Alabama & Maxwell AFB | 2026 Rates & Plans | TRICARE.com

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## TRICARE in Alabama Alabama is part of the **TRICARE East Region**. Comprehensive health care services for service members and their families in this region are managed by the regional contractor, **Humana Military**. Beneficiaries in Alabama, particularly those near Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, have access to a robust network of military hospitals, clinics, and civilian providers.

## Major military installations Alabama is home to several critical military facilities across multiple branches:

* **Maxwell Air Force Base / Gunter Annex:** Air Force (Montgomery) * **Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker):** Army (Daleville/Ozark) * **Redstone Arsenal:** Army (Huntsville) * **Anniston Army Depot:** Army (Bynum/Anniston) * **Coast Guard Aviation Training Center:** Coast Guard (Mobile)

## Plans available in Alabama Depending on your beneficiary status (Active Duty, National Guard/Reserve, or Retiree), the following plans are available in Alabama for 2026:

| Plan Name | Eligibility Overview | | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Available in Prime Service Areas (PSAs), including 40 miles around Maxwell AFB and Fort Novosel. | | **TRICARE Select** | PPO-style plan available statewide; allows you to see any network-authorized provider. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select** | Premium-based plan for qualified National Guard and Reserve members. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve** | Premium-based plan for retired Reserve/Guard members under age 60. | | **TRICARE For Life** | For retirees and their families who are entitled to Medicare Part A and Part B. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | For adult children up to age 26 who are not eligible for their own employer health plan. |

*Note: The US Family Health Plan (USFHP) is not currently available in Alabama.*

## Finding care in Alabama Beneficiaries near **Maxwell Air Force Base** are typically enrolled in TRICARE Prime and receive primary care at the **42nd Medical Group**. If you are using TRICARE Select or need a specialist not available on base, you must use the Humana Military provider directory to find network providers.

* **Provider Directory:** Access the East Region directory through the [Humana Military website](https://www.humanamilitary.com). * **Network vs. Non-Network:** In Alabama, using a "Network" provider keeps your out-of-pocket costs lower. Using "Non-Network Authorized" providers under TRICARE Select will result in higher cost-shares and potential balance billing. * **Telehealth:** Humana Military offers a "Telehealth Network" which includes options for urgent care and behavioral health. This is particularly useful for beneficiaries in rural parts of Alabama or those stationed at Redstone Arsenal.

Common questions for Alabama beneficiaries

**I am PCSing to Maxwell AFB. How do I switch my coverage?** You should not update your address until you have actually moved. Once you arrive in Montgomery or the surrounding tri-county area, update your information in DEERS. You can then transfer your enrollment to the East Region online via the Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) portal or by calling Humana Military directly.

**Can I use the civilian hospitals in Montgomery or Birmingham?** Yes, but your access depends on your plan. Prime enrollees generally need a referral from the 42nd Medical Group at Maxwell AFB to see civilian specialists at facilities like Baptist Health or UAB Medicine. Select enrollees can self-refer to any TRICARE-authorized provider, though network providers are recommended to save money.

**How does TRICARE work with Alabama Medicaid?** By law, TRICARE is the secondary payer to most other health insurance plans, but it is the primary payer to Medicaid. If you are eligible for both, Alabama Medicaid pays last.

## Sources * TRICARE East Region Contractor: [Humana Military](https://www.humanamilitary.com) * Official Maxwell AFB Medical Site: [42nd Medical Group](https://maxwell.tricare.mil/) * TRICARE Plan Finder: [TRICARE.mil/Plans](https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/PlanFinder) * Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System: [milConnect](https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/)