TRICARE Massachusetts: Plans, Providers & Bases | TRICARE.com

TRICARE in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is located in the **TRICARE East Region**. Since January 1, 2025, the regional contractor for the East is **Humana Military**, which manages the provider network and claims processing for the Commonwealth. While Massachusetts has a smaller active-duty footprint than some Southern states, it is a major hub for the **US Family Health Plan**, a unique TRICARE Prime option offered through Brighton Marine.

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

Major military installations

Massachusetts is home to several critical installations that serve active-duty members, National Guard/Reserve units, and a large retiree population:

* **Hanscom Air Force Base** (Bedford) – The primary active-duty installation in the state, serving as a hub for acquisition and technology. * **Joint Base Cape Cod** (Bourne/Sandwich) – A multi-service facility including Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, Otis Air National Guard Base, and Camp Edwards. * **Natick Soldier Systems Center** (Natick) – An Army research and development facility. * **Barnes Air National Guard Base** (Westfield) – Home to the 104th Fighter Wing. * **Westover Air Reserve Base** (Chicopee) – The nation's largest Air Force Reserve base. * **Coast Guard Base Boston** (Boston) – Supporting Coast Guard operations throughout New England.

Plans available in Massachusetts

Beneficiaries in Massachusetts have access to the following TRICARE plans, depending on their status:

| Plan | Best For... | Key Detail | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Active duty and families near bases | Managed care with a Primary Care Manager (PCM). | | **US Family Health Plan (USFHP)** | Families and retirees in MA | A Prime-like option through **Brighton Marine** using local civilian networks. | | **TRICARE Select** | Those who want provider choice | PPO-style plan with annual deductibles and copays. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)** | Qualified National Guard/Reservists | Premium-based health plan for the "Grey Area" or drilling members. | | **TRICARE For Life (TFL)** | Retirees with Medicare Parts A & B | Wraparound coverage that acts as a second payer to Medicare. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | Adult children age 21–25 | Available in both Prime and Select configurations. |

Finding care in Massachusetts

To find a doctor in Massachusetts, you should use the **Humana Military Provider Directory**. Because Massachusetts has a very high concentration of world-class medical facilities (such as Mass General Brigham and Beth Israel Deaconess), many local specialists are in-network, but you must ensure they accept TRICARE East rates to avoid balance billing.

* **Network vs. Non-Network:** In the East Region, using a "Network" provider keeps your out-of-pocket costs at the 2026 set copay rates. If you use a "Non-Network" provider (who is still TRICARE-authorized), your costs will be significantly higher under TRICARE Select. * **US Family Health Plan (USFHP):** If you enroll in USFHP through Brighton Marine, you do not use the standard TRICARE network. Instead, you use the Brighton Marine provider network, which includes many premier Boston-area hospitals. * **Telehealth:** Massachusetts residents have access to Doctor On Demand and Teledoc through Humana Military for behavioral health and minor urgent care, often with $0 copays for active-duty family members.

Common questions for Massachusetts beneficiaries

### What happens if I PCS to Hanscom AFB from the West Region? Since you are moving into the East Region, you must update your address in DEERS and contact **Humana Military** to switch your enrollment from TriWest to the East Region. Your coverage does not "follow" you automatically across regional lines.

### Can I use MassHealth (Medicaid) and TRICARE at the same time? Yes. By law, TRICARE pays before MassHealth. MassHealth is the payer of last resort. If you have both, you must inform your providers so they can bill TRICARE first and MassHealth second to cover any remaining costs.

### How does the T-5 Contract change my care in Massachusetts? As of 2026, the T-5 contract transition is complete. For Massachusetts, the primary change was the continued management by Humana Military with updated digital tools and expanded provider networks aimed at reducing wait times for specialty care in rural parts of the state.

## Sources * [TRICARE East - Humana Military](https://www.humanamilitary.com/) * [US Family Health Plan at Brighton Marine](https://www.usfhp.net/) * [TRICARE.mil - Installation Guide](https://www.tricare.mil/mtf) * [Defense Health Agency - T5 Contract Info](https://health.mil/)