TRICARE New Mexico: White Sands & 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 is **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**, which replaced Health Net Federal Services (HNFS). Beneficiaries in New Mexico, particularly those near White Sands Missile Range, coordinate their managed care through TriWest’s provider network.

## TRICARE in New Mexico New Mexico falls under the TRICARE West Region, overseen by TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Because of the state’s vast geography and high concentration of remote testing ranges like White Sands, many beneficiaries rely on a mix of Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) in urban areas and civilian network providers in more isolated regions.

## Major military installations New Mexico is home to several critical installations across different branches of service:

* **White Sands Missile Range (Army)** – Near Las Cruces / Dona Ana County. * **Holloman Air Force Base (Air Force)** – Alamogordo. * **Kirtland Air Force Base (Air Force)** – Albuquerque. * **Cannon Air Force Base (Air Force)** – Clovis. * **New Mexico Army National Guard** – Headquartered in Santa Fe with units statewide.

## Plans available in New Mexico The following TRICARE plans are available to eligible beneficiaries residing in New Mexico for the 2026 plan year:

| Plan | Best For | | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Active duty and their families near MTFs (like Kirtland or Holloman). Managed care with a Primary Care Manager (PCM). | | **TRICARE Prime Remote** | For those stationed at White Sands or remote regions who live/work more than 50 miles from an MTF. | | **TRICARE Select** | PPO-style plan allowing you to see any network or non-network authorized provider without a referral. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select** | Premium-based plan for qualified members of the Selected Reserve. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve** | Premium-based plan for retired Reserve members under age 60. | | **TRICARE For Life** | For retirees with Medicare Part A and B; acts as secondary coverage to Medicare. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | For adult children (ages 21–26) who have aged out of regular TRICARE coverage. |

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

## Finding care in New Mexico Because White Sands Missile Range is geographically massive and somewhat isolated, finding care depends heavily on your specific plan:

1. **Provider Directory:** Use the **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** website to search for "Network" providers in Las Cruces, Alamogordo, or Albuquerque. 2. **Network vs. Non-Network:** In New Mexico, using a TriWest Network provider ensures lower out-of-pocket costs and no balance billing. Non-network providers may charge up to 15% above the TRICARE-allowable amount. 3. **McAfee Army Health Clinic:** This is the primary MTF for White Sands Missile Range. It offers primary care, but many specialty referrals are sent to civilian providers in Las Cruces or the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in nearby El Paso, Texas. 4. **Telehealth:** New Mexico beneficiaries have access to Doctor On Demand and other TRICARE-authorized telehealth platforms, which are particularly useful for those living in rural areas of Otero or Doña Ana counties.

Common questions for New Mexico beneficiaries

**I am PCSing to White Sands Missile Range. Which MTF do I use?** Most personnel at White Sands utilize the McAfee Army Health Clinic for primary care. However, for emergency care or specialized surgery, you will likely be referred to civilian hospitals in Las Cruces or to William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC) in El Paso, TX.

**Can I use TRICARE at the University of New Mexico (UNM) Hospital?** Yes, UNM Hospital and its associated clinics are generally in the TriWest network. They are often the primary site for Level I trauma and high-level specialty care for beneficiaries in the Albuquerque area.

**How does TRICARE work with New Mexico Centennial Care (Medicaid)?** If you have both TRICARE and New Mexico Medicaid, TRICARE is always the primary payer. Medicaid is the payer of last resort. You must inform your providers that you have both coverages to ensure proper billing.

## Sources * **TRICARE West Region Contractor:** [TriWest Healthcare Alliance](https://www.triwest.com) * **White Sands Installation Info:** [McAfee Army Health Clinic](https://mcafee.tricare.mil/) * **Official TRICARE Plan Information:** [TRICARE.mil](https://www.tricare.mil) * **Pharmacy Benefits:** [Express Scripts - TRICARE](https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/)