TRICARE Florida & Eglin AFB: 2026 Coverage Guide | TRICARE.com

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## TRICARE in Florida Florida is part of the **TRICARE East Region**. Comprehensive medical coverage for beneficiaries in Florida is managed by the regional contractor, **Humana Military**. Because Florida hosts a massive concentration of active duty members and retirees, the state features a robust network of civilian providers that supplement the high-volume care provided at major military installations like Eglin AFB.

## Major military installations Florida is home to some of the largest military hubs in the United States. Residents near these bases often have the choice between Military Treatment Facility (MTF) care and civilian network providers.

* **Eglin Air Force Base** (Air Force) – Valparaiso/Niceville * **MacDill Air Force Base** (Air Force) – Tampa * **Naval Air Station Jacksonville** (Navy) – Jacksonville * **Naval Air Station Pensacola** (Navy) – Pensacola * **Hurlburt Field** (Air Force) – Mary Esther * **Patrick Space Force Base** (Space Force) – Cocoa Beach * **Tyndall Air Force Base** (Air Force) – Panama City * **Mayport Naval Station** (Navy) – Jacksonville

## Plans available in Florida Beneficiaries in Florida have access to the full suite of TRICARE programs. Availability may depend on your distance from a base (Prime Service Area) and your military status.

| Plan | Best For... | | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Active duty and retirees living near an MTF (like Eglin or MacDill). Lowest out-of-pocket costs. | | **TRICARE Select** | Those who want to manage their own care without a primary care manager. Higher out-of-pocket costs but more flexibility. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select** | National Guard and Reserve members (and their families) seeking premium-based coverage. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve** | Retired Guard/Reserve members under age 60. | | **TRICARE For Life** | Retirees with Medicare Part A and B. Florida is a top destination for TFL users. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | Adult children (up to age 26) who have aged out of standard coverage. |

## Finding care in Florida Florida beneficiaries can receive care through the 96th Medical Group at Eglin AFB or via the civilian network.

1. **Provider Directory:** To find civilian doctors, use the [Humana Military East Region Provider Directory](https://www.humanamilitary.com/provider/search). 2. **Network vs. Non-Network:** In high-density areas like Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Tampa, choosing a "Network" provider is critical to keep your 2026 copays low. Non-network providers may charge up to 15% above the TRICARE-allowable amount. 3. **Telehealth:** Humana Military offers robust telehealth options for Florida residents. This is particularly useful for those living in rural parts of the Panhandle or the Everglades who may be far from a specialist. Doctor On Demand and Telemynd are common partners for mental health and urgent care.

Common questions for Florida beneficiaries

**I am moving (PCS) to Eglin AFB. How do I switch my care?** Do not cancel your current coverage before you move. Once you arrive in Florida, update your address in DEERS. You can then use the Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) portal to switch your primary care manager (PCM) to the 96th Medical Group at Eglin or a local civilian provider if the MTF is at capacity.

**Does TRICARE work with Florida Medicaid?** Yes. By law, TRICARE is the secondary payer to most other health insurance plans, but it is the **primary** payer to Medicaid. If you or a family member (such as a child with special needs) are enrolled in both, the provider must bill TRICARE first.

**Can I see a civilian specialist in Destin if I am enrolled at Eglin AFB?** If you are on TRICARE Prime and enrolled at Eglin, you typically need a referral from your military PCM for specialty care. If the base cannot provide the specialty service, you will be referred to a civilian network provider in the local community.

## Sources * [Humana Military - East Region Contractor](https://www.humanamilitary.com/) * [TRICARE.mil - Florida Plan Wizard](https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Enroll/Florida) * [Eglin AFB 96th Medical Group](https://eglin.tricare.mil/) * [Defense Health Agency](https://health.mil/)