TRICARE Colorado: Buckley SFB & West Region Guide | TRICARE.com

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## TRICARE in Colorado Colorado is part of the **TRICARE West Region**. Since January 1, 2025, the West Region contractor has been **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**, which replaced the previous contractor, Health Net Federal Services (HNFS). Beneficiaries in Colorado, including those stationed at Buckley Space Force Base (SFB), manage their enrollments and referrals through the TriWest portal.

## Major military installations Colorado is home to several high-profile installations, particularly those focused on aerospace and mountain operations:

* **Buckley Space Force Base (SFB):** Aurora (Home to the Space Delta 4). * **Fort Carson:** Colorado Springs (United States Army). * **United States Air Force Academy (USAFA):** Colorado Springs. * **Peterson Space Force Base:** Colorado Springs. * **Schriever Space Force Base:** Colorado Springs. * **Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station:** Colorado Springs. * **Pueblo Chemical Depot:** Pueblo.

## Plans available in Colorado The following 2026 TRICARE plans are available to eligible beneficiaries living in Colorado:

| Plan Type | Eligibility/Details | | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Managed care option for active duty and retirees near military installations. | | **TRICARE Prime Remote** | For those living more than 50 miles/one hour from a military hospital. | | **TRICARE Select** | PPO-style plan with greater provider choice and no referrals required. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)** | Premium-based plan for qualified Selected Reserve members. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)** | Premium-based plan for qualified retired Reserve/National Guard under age 60. | | **TRICARE For Life (TFL)** | Wrap-around coverage for those with Medicare Part A & B. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | Secondary coverage for adult children up to age 26. |

*Note: The US Family Health Plan (USFHP) is NOT available in Colorado.*

## Finding care in Colorado For those stationed at **Buckley SFB**, the primary source of care is the **460th Medical Group**. However, Buckley lacks an inpatient hospital, meaning many services, specialty care, and emergency visits are deferred to the local civilian network or the nearby University of Colorado Hospital.

* **Provider Directory:** Beneficiaries should use the **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** West Region directory to find network providers in the Denver/Aurora metro area. * **Network vs. Non-Network:** Using network providers results in lower out-of-pocket costs for TRICARE Select and Reserve Select members. Prime members must generally see a network provider or have a referral to avoid "Point-of-Service" fees. * **Telehealth:** Colorado residents have robust access to telehealth via TriWest. Many local civilian providers in the Aurora/Denver area offer virtual visits, and 24/7 mental health options are available through TRICARE's authorized telehealth partners.

Common questions for Colorado beneficiaries

**How does Buckley SFB handle specialty care?** Because Buckley’s 460th MDG is an outpatient clinic, most specialty referrals (such as cardiology, orthopedics, or advanced imaging) are sent to TRICARE network specialists in the Aurora/Denver community. Ensure your referral is authorized by TriWest before your appointment.

**What happens if I move from Fort Carson to Buckley SFB?** Since both installations are in Colorado (West Region), your contractor (TriWest) remains the same. However, you must update your address in DEERS and may need to change your primary care manager (PCM) from the Evans Army Community Hospital (Fort Carson) to the Buckley clinic or a civilian provider depending on your enrollment.

**Is there a military hospital in Denver?** No. While there are military clinics at Buckley and Peterson/Schriever, the only major military hospital in the state is **Evans Army Community Hospital** at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs. For complex inpatient care in Denver, TRICARE often burns into the civilian network, including the University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado.

## Sources * TRICARE West Region Contractor: [TriWest Healthcare Alliance](https://www.triwest.com/) * Buckley Space Force Base 460th Medical Group: [buckley.tricare.mil](https://buckley.tricare.mil/) * Official TRICARE Plan Information: [TRICARE.mil](https://www.tricare.mil/) * Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System: [milConnect](https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/)