TRICARE New Mexico: Kirtland AFB Health Benefits Guide | TRICARE.com

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## TRICARE in New Mexico New Mexico is located in the **TRICARE West Region**. As of January 1, 2025, the regional contractor is **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**, which took over operations from Health Net Federal Services (HNFS) under the T-5 contract. Beneficiaries in New Mexico, particularly those near Kirtland Air Force Base, utilize TriWest’s network for specialty care and civilian referrals.

## Major military installations New Mexico is home to several high-impact installations across various branches:

* **Kirtland Air Force Base (Albuquerque):** The largest installation in the state, hosting the Air Force Materiel Command’s 377th Air Base Wing and the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. * **Holloman Air Force Base (Alamogordo):** Site of the 49th Wing and a major hub for F-16 and MQ-9 training. * **Cannon Air Force Base (Clovis):** Home to the 27th Special Operations Wing. * **White Sands Missile Range (Doña Ana/Otero Counties):** A massive Army-operated testing range supporting all branches of the military.

## Plans available in New Mexico Beneficiaries in New Mexico have access to the following 2026 TRICARE plans:

| Plan | Best For | | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Managed care (HMO style) primarily using the 377th Medical Group at Kirtland AFB. | | **TRICARE Select** | PPO-style plan allowing you to see any network provider without a referral. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select** | Premium-based plan for qualified National Guard and Reserve members. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve** | Coverage for retired Reserve/Guard members under age 60. | | **TRICARE For Life** | Secondary coverage for those with Medicare Part A and B. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | Coverage for adult children up to age 26 who are not otherwise eligible. |

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

## Finding care in New Mexico For those stationed at **Kirtland Air Force Base**, the primary point of care is the **377th Medical Group**. However, if you are a TRICARE Select enrollee or a Prime enrollee referred to the network, you must use the **TriWest Healthcare Alliance provider directory** to find "in-network" civilian doctors to keep out-of-pocket costs low.

In rural parts of New Mexico, access to specialty care can be limited. TRICARE offers robust **telehealth services** through Doctor on Demand and Telemynd for behavioral health and urgent care, which is particularly useful for families living near White Sands or Cannon AFB.

Common questions for New Mexico beneficiaries

**I am a Kirtland AFB family member; can I see a doctor off-base in Albuquerque?** If you are on TRICARE Prime, you generally need a referral from the 377th Medical Group to see a civilian specialist. If you are on TRICARE Select, you can see any network provider in Albuquerque without a referral, but you will pay a 2026 deductible and cost-share.

**Does New Mexico Centennial Care (Medicaid) work with TRICARE?** Yes. If you are eligible for both New Mexico Medicaid (Centennial Care) and TRICARE, TRICARE pays first as the primary payer, and Medicaid is the "payer of last resort."

**What happens if I PCS from New Mexico to the East Region?** Since New Mexico is in the West Region (TriWest), a move to a state like Texas or Florida means moving to the East Region (Humana Military). You must update your address in DEERS and contact Humana Military to transfer your enrollment within 90 days of your move.

## Sources * **TRICARE West Region (TriWest):** [https://www.triwest.com/](https://www.triwest.com/) * **377th Medical Group - Kirtland AFB:** [https://kirtland.tricare.mil/](https://kirtland.tricare.mil/) * **TRICARE Plan Finder:** [https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/PlanFinder](https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/PlanFinder) * **Defense Health Agency - T-5 Contract Info:** [https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Business-Support/Contracting/T5-Region-Information](https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Business-Support/Contracting/T5-Region-Information)