TRICARE New Mexico: Holloman AFB & West Region Guide | TRICARE.com

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New Mexico is part of the **TRICARE West Region**. As of January 1, 2025, the regional contractor for the West is **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**, which replaced Health Net Federal Services (HNFS). Beneficiaries in New Mexico, particularly those near Holloman AFB, should coordinate their care through the TriWest provider network and the 49th Medical Group.

## TRICARE in New Mexico New Mexico is a vast state where military healthcare is centered around its three major Air Force installations and the White Sands Missile Range. Because it falls under the **TRICARE West Region**, all managed care, authorizations, and provider networks are overseen by **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**. Residents here often navigate a mix of high-desert remote care and robust military treatment facilities (MTFs) located in Albuquerque, Alamogordo, and Clovis.

## Major military installations New Mexico is home to several critical Department of Defense installations:

* **Holloman Air Force Base**: Located in Alamogordo (Otero County). * **Kirtland Air Force Base**: Located in Albuquerque (Bernalillo County). * **Cannon Air Force Base**: Located in Clovis (Curry County). * **White Sands Missile Range**: Army installation located in southern New Mexico, primarily spanning Doña Ana and Otero counties.

## Plans available in New Mexico Beneficiaries in New Mexico have access to the standard suite of TRICARE plans. Note that Prime availability is generally restricted to "Prime Service Areas" (PSAs) surrounding the major bases listed above.

| Plan | Eligibility | Best For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Active Duty, Retirees (in PSAs) | Lowest out-of-pocket costs; requires PCM referrals. | | **TRICARE Select** | Active Duty Families, Retirees | Maximum provider choice; higher out-of-pocket (2026 rates apply). | | **TRICARE Reserve Select** | Qualified Selected Reservists | Premium-based plan for part-time military members. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve** | Retired Reservists under age 60 | Higher-premium plan for "gray area" retirees. | | **TRICARE For Life** | Medicare-wraparound | For those 65+ with Medicare Parts A & B. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | Unmarried children ages 21–26 | Available in both Prime and Select formats. |

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

## Finding care in New Mexico For those stationed at **Holloman AFB**, the primary point of care is the **49th Medical Group**. This facility offers family practice, pediatrics, flight medicine, and women’s health. However, because the 49th MDG does not have an emergency room or inpatient hospital beds, many patients are referred to **Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center** in Alamogordo or specialists in Las Cruces and El Paso.

* **Provider Directory**: Use the TriWest West Region provider search to find "Network" providers to keep your 2026 copays lower. * **Telehealth**: TriWest offers a robust telehealth network for New Mexico residents, which is essential for those living in rural areas outside the immediate Alamogordo or Clovis vicinities. * **Pharmacy**: While the Holloman AFB pharmacy is the most cost-effective option, **Express Scripts** handles home delivery and retail network pharmacies (like Walgreens or CVS) throughout the state.

Common questions for New Mexico beneficiaries

**I am moving (PCS) to Holloman AFB. When do I switch to TriWest?** You should contact TriWest Healthcare Alliance as soon as you arrive in New Mexico to update your address in DEERS and enroll in the West Region. Because New Mexico has been in the West Region for years, existing West residents moving within the state just need to update their PCM at the 49th Medical Group.

**Does TRICARE New Mexico cover care in El Paso, Texas?** Yes. Many specialists for Holloman and White Sands beneficiaries are located in El Paso. Since El Paso is also in the TRICARE West Region (TriWest), referrals between Otero County and El Paso are common and streamlined.

**What happens if I live in a rural part of New Mexico far from a base?** If you live more than 50 miles or a one-hour drive from a Military Treatment Facility, you may be eligible for **TRICARE Prime Remote**, which allows you to see local civilian providers while maintaining Prime-level costs.

## Sources * TRICARE West Region - TriWest Healthcare Alliance: [triwest.com](https://www.triwest.com) * 49th Medical Group (Holloman AFB): [holloman.af.mil](https://www.holloman.af.mil) * Official TRICARE Plan Finder: [tricare.mil/plans](https://www.tricare.mil/plans) * Defense Health Agency (DHA): [health.mil](https://www.health.mil)