TRICARE Colorado: Peterson SFB & West Region Guide | TRICARE.com
Guide to TRICARE in Colorado focusing on Peterson SFB, including West Region contractor updates for 2026, plan options, and local military medical facilities.
TRICARE Colorado: Peterson SFB & West Region Guide
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**Bottom Line:** Colorado is in the TRICARE West Region. As of 2026, all TRICARE services in Colorado are managed by **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**, which took over regional operations on January 1, 2025.
## TRICARE in Colorado Colorado is a critical hub for military healthcare and operates entirely within the TRICARE West Region. Following the transition to the T-5 contract, TriWest Healthcare Alliance is the current regional contractor responsible for building the provider network and processing claims for the state. Beneficiaries here have access to a robust network of civilian providers and some of the largest Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) in the country, particularly along the Front Range.
## Major military installations in Colorado Colorado is home to several high-profile installations, many of which are centered around the Colorado Springs and Denver areas:
* **Peterson Space Force Base** (Space Force) – Colorado Springs * **Schriever Space Force Base** (Space Force) – Colorado Springs (supported primarily by Peterson SFB medical) * **Fort Carson** (Army) – Colorado Springs (Evans Army Community Hospital) * **United States Air Force Academy** (Air Force) – Colorado Springs * **Buckley Space Force Base** (Space Force) – Aurora (Denver metro) * **Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station** (Space Force) – Colorado Springs
## Plans available in Colorado Beneficiaries in Colorado can choose from several plans depending on their status and location:
| Plan Type | Eligibility | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Active Duty & Families | HMO-style; standard for those near Peterson SFB or Fort Carson. | | **TRICARE Prime Remote** | Active Duty & Families | For those stationed in rural Colorado away from MTFs. | | **TRICARE Select** | All (Retirees/Families) | PPO-style; choose your own doctors, no referrals required. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)** | Selected Reserve | Premium-based plan for Guard/Reserve members. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)** | Retired Reserve | Premium-based coverage for "Gray Area" retirees. | | **TRICARE For Life (TFL)** | Medicare-eligible | Wraparound coverage for those with Medicare Part A & B. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | Qualified dependents | For adult children up to age 26. |
*Note: The US Family Health Plan (USFHP) is **not** currently available in Colorado.*
## Finding care in Colorado For beneficiaries near Peterson Space Force Base, most primary care is handled at the **21st Medical Group clinic**. However, if you are enrolled in TRICARE Select or are a Prime beneficiary referred to the civilian network, you must use the **TriWest Healthcare Alliance West Region provider directory**.
* **Network vs. Non-Network:** Using a "Network" provider in cities like Colorado Springs or Denver will result in lower out-of-pocket costs (2026 rates vary based on your "Group" status). * **Telehealth:** TriWest offers a robust telehealth network for Colorado residents, allowing for mental health and primary care visits without driving to the Front Range, which is particularly useful for those living in West Slope or mountain communities. * **Pharmacy:** Express Scripts manages the pharmacy benefit. Many beneficiaries use the clinics at Peterson SFB or Evans Army Community Hospital for $0 copays, or utilize the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery.
Common questions for Colorado beneficiaries
**What happens if I’m moving (PCS) to Peterson SFB?** You should not disenroll from your current region until you arrive in Colorado. Once you have arrived, visit the TriWest website or a TRICARE Service Center to update your address in DEERS and transfer your enrollment to the West Region.
**Can I use civilian doctors in Colorado Springs?** Yes. If you are on TRICARE Select, you can see any network-authorized provider. If you are on TRICARE Prime, you generally must be seen at a military clinic (like the 21st Medical Group) unless they refer you to a civilian specialist via TriWest.
**Does Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado) work with TRICARE?** Yes. TRICARE is always the primary payer and Medicaid is the payer of last resort. If you have both, the provider must bill TRICARE first.
## Sources * [TRICARE West Region - TriWest Healthcare Alliance](https://www.triwest.com/) * [Peterson Space Force Base - 21st Medical Group](https://peterson.tricare.mil/) * [TRICARE.mil Plan Finder](https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Enroll) * [Defense Health Agency - T-5 Contract Information](https://health.mil/)