TRICARE Kansas & McConnell AFB Guide (2026) | TRICARE.com

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## TRICARE in Kansas Kansas is part of the **TRICARE West Region**. Since January 1, 2025, the regional contractor for the West is **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**, which replaced the previous contractor, Health Net Federal Services. Beneficiaries in Kansas, particularly those near McConnell Air Force Base or Fort Riley, utilize the TriWest provider network for civilian healthcare.

## Major military installations Kansas is home to several major military installations across multiple branches:

* **McConnell Air Force Base** (Air Force) – Wichita * **Fort Riley** (Army) – Junction City/Manhattan * **Fort Leavenworth** (Army) – Leavenworth * **Kansas National Guard (Forbes Field)** (Air National Guard/Army National Guard) – Topeka

## Plans available in Kansas Beneficiaries in Kansas have access to the following TRICARE plans. Note that 2026 rates and enrollment fees vary based on your "Group" (the date you or your sponsor entered the service).

| Plan Name | Best For | Provider Choice | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Active duty and those near McConnell, Fort Riley, or Fort Leavenworth. | Managed care; requires a Primary Care Manager (PCM). | | **TRICARE Select** | Those who want to choose their own doctors without a referral. | Flexible; specific 2026 deductibles apply. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select** | Qualified members of the Selected Reserve. | Monthly premium required ($2026 rates apply). | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve** | Retired Reserve members under age 60. | Highest out-of-pocket costs of the reserve plans. | | **TRICARE For Life** | Retirees with Medicare Part A and B. | Secondary payer to Medicare. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | Unmarried children (ages 21–26) of eligible sponsors. | Available in Prime or Select formats. |

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

## Finding care in Kansas For those stationed at or living near **McConnell AFB**, the 22nd Medical Group on base is the primary hub for care for Prime enrollees. If you require specialty care not available on-base, or if you are enrolled in TRICARE Select, you will use the **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** provider directory.

* **Network Providers:** These doctors have an agreement with TriWest to provide care at a pre-negotiated rate. Your out-of-pocket costs are lower when using network providers. * **Non-Network Providers:** These providers do not have a contract with TriWest. You will pay higher cost-shares, and some may "balance bill" you up to an additional 15% above the TRICARE-allowable amount. * **Telehealth:** TRICARE covers secure video conferencing for many services. Check with TriWest for a list of approved "telemental health" and urgent care telehealth providers available to Kansas residents.

Common questions for Kansas beneficiaries

**If I am PCSing to McConnell AFB from the East Region, what should I do?** Since Kansas is in the West Region, you must contact TriWest Healthcare Alliance to transfer your enrollment. Do not wait until you arrive; you can coordinate the move as soon as your PCS orders are in hand to ensure no gap in coverage.

**How does TRICARE interact with Kansas Medicaid (KanCare)?** TRICARE is always the secondary payer to most other health insurance plans, including private employer plans. However, TRICARE is the primary payer for Medicaid (KanCare). If you have both, KanCare pays last.

**Where do I fill prescriptions near McConnell AFB?** You can use the 22nd Medical Group pharmacy for zero-cost prescriptions. For off-base options, Express Scripts manages the retail pharmacy network, which includes many major chains in Wichita and Sedgwick County.

## Sources * **TRICARE West Region (TriWest Healthcare Alliance):** https://www.triwest.com * **McConnell Air Force Base 22nd Medical Group:** https://mcconnell.tricare.mil/ * **Official TRICARE Plan Finder:** https://tricare.mil/Plans/PlanFinder * **TRICARE Pharmacy Program (Express Scripts):** https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/