TRICARE Colorado: Plans, Providers, and Base Info (2026) | TRICARE.com

TRICARE in Colorado

Colorado is part of the **TRICARE West Region**. Since January 1, 2025, the regional contractor providing managed care support is **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**, which replaced the previous contractor, Health Net Federal Services. Colorado is home to a massive military footprint, concentrated primarily along the Front Range from Fort Collins to Pueblo.

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program. For official enrollment and policy information, visit [TRICARE.mil](https://www.tricare.mil).*

Major military installations

Colorado hosts several critical military installations spanning multiple branches, centered largely around Colorado Springs and Aurora:

* **Fort Carson (Army):** Located in Colorado Springs. * **United States Air Force Academy (Air Force):** Located north of Colorado Springs. * **Peterson Space Force Base (Space Force/Air Force):** Located in Colorado Springs. * **Schriever Space Force Base (Space Force):** Located east of Colorado Springs. * **Buckley Space Force Base (Space Force/Air Force):** Located in Aurora. * **Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station (Space Force):** Located in Colorado Springs. * **Pueblo Chemical Depot (Army):** Located near Pueblo.

Plans available in Colorado

Most TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries in Colorado have access to the following plans:

| Plan Name | Eligibility | Best For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Active Duty, Family, Retirees | Managed care via Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) or local networks. | | **TRICARE Select** | Active Duty Family, Retirees | Maximum flexibility to choose any TRICARE-authorized provider. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)** | Selected Reserve members | Premium-based coverage for National Guard and Reserve members. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)** | Retired Reserve members | Coverage for "gray area" retirees under age 60. | | **TRICARE for Life (TFL)** | Medicare-eligible retirees | Secondary coverage to Medicare. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | Unmarried children 21–25 | Extension of coverage after aging out of standard TRICARE. |

*Note: The **US Family Health Plan (USFHP)** is not available in Colorado, as there are no designated USFHP providers in the state.*

Finding care in Colorado

Beneficiaries in Colorado can find care through the following methods:

1. **Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs):** Major hospitals include Evans Army Community Hospital (Fort Carson) and the 21st Medical Group clinic (Peterson SFB). Prime enrollees are typically assigned a Primary Care Manager (PCM) at one of these sites. 2. **TriWest Network Provider Directory:** For those using TRICARE Select or Prime enrollees referred to the civilian network, TriWest maintains a searchable online directory of doctors, specialists, and hospitals. 3. **Network vs. Non-Network:** Using a network provider results in lower out-of-pocket costs and no paperwork. Non-network providers may charge up to 15% above the TRICARE-allowable amount. 4. **Telehealth:** Coloradans have access to several telehealth options through TriWest-contracted vendors (like Doctor On Demand). This is particularly useful for beneficiaries in rural areas or those seeking behavioral health services without a long commute.

Common questions for Colorado beneficiaries

**What happens if I move (PCS) from the East Region to Colorado?** Since Colorado is in the West Region, you must update your address in DEERS and contact TriWest Healthcare Alliance to transfer your enrollment. Because TriWest took over the West contract in 2025, ensure you are using their specific portal for directory searches and authorizations.

**Can I use TRICARE at UCHealth or Centura Health?** Yes, many providers within large systems like UCHealth, Centura (now CommonSpirit and AdventHealth), and HealthONE are contracted network providers. However, always verify the specific provider's status in the TriWest directory before your appointment to avoid out-of-network fees.

**How does TRICARE work with Health First Colorado (Medicaid)?** If you have both TRICARE and Health First Colorado, TRICARE pays first and Medicaid is the payer of last resort. This is common for families with children who have special healthcare needs that qualify for state-level support.

## Sources * TRICARE West Region Contractor (TriWest): [triwest.com](https://www.triwest.com) * Official TRICARE Plan Finder: [tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility](https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility) * Evans Army Community Hospital: [evans.tricare.mil](https://evans.tricare.mil) * Buckley Space Force Base Medical: [buckley.tricare.mil](https://buckley.tricare.mil)