TRICARE Montana: Plans, Providers & National Guard Info | TRICARE.com

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## TRICARE in Montana Montana is located within the **TRICARE West Region**. Since January 1, 2025, the regional contractor for Montana has been **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**, which replaced the previous contractor, Health Net Federal Services (HNFS). While the state is known for its rural landscape, TRICARE beneficiaries here—including those tied to the Montana National Guard Headquarters—access care through a mix of military treatment facilities (MTFs) and an extensive network of civilian providers managed by TriWest.

## Major military installations Montana’s military footprint is dominated by the Air Force and a robust National Guard presence. The following are the primary hubs for military activity in the state:

* **Malmstrom Air Force Base** – Great Falls (Air Force Global Strike Command) * **Montana National Guard Headquarters (Fort Harrison)** – Helena * **120th Airlift Wing (Montana Air National Guard)** – Great Falls * **Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Helena** – Helena * ** diversos Montana Army National Guard Armories** – Located in Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, and Kalispell.

## Plans available in Montana TRICARE beneficiaries in Montana have access to several plan types depending on their duty status and location. Be aware that TRICARE Prime availability is generally limited to "Prime Service Areas" (PSAs) surrounding Malmstrom AFB.

| Plan Type | Eligibility/Description | | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Managed care option for active duty and families, primarily near Malmstrom AFB. | | **TRICARE Select** | PPO-style plan offering the most flexibility to see any network or non-network provider. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)** | Premium-based plan for qualified National Guard and Reserve members. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)** | Premium-based plan for retired Guard/Reserve under age 60. | | **TRICARE For Life (TFL)** | Medicare-wraparound coverage for retirees age 65+ (requires Medicare Part B). | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | Coverage for adult children up to age 26 who have aged out of regular TRICARE. |

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

## Finding care in Montana Because Montana is a large, rural state, finding a network provider often requires using the **TriWest Healthcare Alliance Provider Directory**.

* **Network vs. Non-Network:** In cities like Billings or Missoula, you will find many "Network" providers who have agreed to set rates. In more remote areas, you may need to see "Non-Network" providers. Note that seeing a Non-Network Non-Participating provider may result in higher out-of-pocket costs and the requirement to file your own claims. * **Telehealth:** Given the geography of Montana, telehealth is a major component of the TRICARE benefit. TriWest offers access to various "Telemynd" or specialized behavioral health platforms that allow beneficiaries in rural counties to receive care without driving to Great Falls or Helena. * **Pharmacy:** While MTF pharmacies (like the one at Malmstrom) offer $0 copays, most beneficiaries use the **Express Scripts** mail-order service or retail network pharmacies like Walgreens or CVS.

Common questions for Montana beneficiaries

**I am a member of the Montana National Guard at Fort Harrison. Which plan should I use?** If you are on drill status (Inactive Duty Training), you are likely eligible for **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)**. If you are called to Active Duty for more than 30 days, you and your family will transition to TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select for the duration of your orders.

**Does Montana Medicaid work with TRICARE?** Yes. TRICARE is always the primary payer, and Montana Medicaid is the payer of last resort. If you are eligible for both, you must inform your providers so they can bill TRICARE first.

**What happens if I live in a rural area far from Malmstrom AFB?** If you live more than 50 miles (or roughly an hour's drive) from Malmstrom AFB, you are likely eligible for **TRICARE Prime Remote**. This allows you to receive Prime-level benefits using civilian providers in your local community, provided you have the necessary referrals.

## Sources * TRICARE West Region (TriWest Healthcare Alliance): [triwest.com](https://www.triwest.com) * Official TRICARE Plan Finder: [tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility](https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility) * Malmstrom Air Force Base Medical Services: [malmstrom.af.mil](https://www.malmstrom.af.mil) * Express Scripts Pharmacy: [militaryrx.express-scripts.com](https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com)