TRICARE North Dakota: Minot AFB & West Region Guide | TRICARE.com

**Direct Answer:** North Dakota is part of the **TRICARE West Region**. As of January 1, 2025, the regional contractor for North Dakota is **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**. For beneficiaries at Minot Air Force Base (MAFB), primary care is typically managed through the 5th Medical Group on base, while specialty referrals are coordinated through the TriWest network in the Minot area or across the West region.

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## TRICARE in North Dakota North Dakota is located within the **TRICARE West Region**. Since January 1, 2025, **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** has served as the regional contractor under the T-5 contract, replacing Health Net Federal Services (HNFS). Beneficiaries in North Dakota, particularly those in the remote northern plains around Minot and Grand Forks, rely on a mix of Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and a civilian network to maintain access to care.

## Major military installations North Dakota is home to critical nuclear and global strike assets, which means the state has a significant concentration of active-duty personnel and their families.

* **Minot Air Force Base (MAFB):** Air Force — Minot (Ward County) * **Grand Forks Air Force Base:** Air Force — Grand Forks (Emerado) * **Cavalier Space Force Station:** Space Force — Cavalier * **North Dakota National Guard Headquarters:** Army/Air National Guard — Bismarck

## Plans available in North Dakota Standard TRICARE plans are available across the state, though "Prime" availability depends on your proximity to a military installation (Prime Service Area).

| Plan | Availability | Ideal For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Near Minot and Grand Forks AFB | Active duty (mandatory) and families wanting lower out-of-pocket costs. | | **TRICARE Select** | Statewide | Those who want to choose their own providers without a referral. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select** | Statewide | National Guard members and their families. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve** | Statewide | Retired Reservists under age 60. | | **TRICARE For Life** | Statewide | Retirees with Medicare Part A and B. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | Statewide | Adult children up to age 26 not eligible for other coverage. |

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

## Finding care in North Dakota For families stationed at **Minot AFB**, your primary point of care is the **5th Medical Group**. If the base clinic cannot provide a specific service, they will issue a referral to a civilian provider in the Minot community.

* **Provider Directory:** Use the [TriWest West Region Provider Directory](https://www.triwest.com) to find network doctors in Minot, Bismarck, or Fargo. * **Network vs. Non-Network:** Using "Network" providers keeps your 2026 copays lower. "Non-network" providers may charge up to 15% above the TRICARE-allowable amount. * **Telehealth:** Given North Dakota’s geography and harsh winters, telehealth is highly utilized. TriWest offers a network of virtual providers for primary care and mental health services, often with no copay for Prime active-duty family members.

Common questions for North Dakota beneficiaries

**I am PCSing to Minot AFB. When should I switch my TRICARE enrollment?** You should wait until you have physically arrived in North Dakota and updated your address in DEERS. Once your address reflects your North Dakota zip code, contact TriWest to transfer your Prime enrollment to the West region and the Minot Prime Service Area.

**Does TRICARE work with North Dakota Medicaid?** Yes. If you are eligible for both, TRICARE pays first and Medicaid is the "payer of last resort." This is common for families with special needs who qualify for the North Dakota Medicaid Expansion or disability waivers.

**What happens if I need specialty care not available in Minot?** For complex specialties, beneficiaries at Minot AFB may be referred to larger medical centers in Fargo, ND, or even the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. If the travel is more than 100 miles one-way, you may be eligible for the TRICARE Prime Travel Benefit.

## Sources * **TRICARE West Region (TriWest):** [https://www.triwest.com](https://www.triwest.com) * **Minot AFB 5th Medical Group:** [https://minot.tricare.mil/](https://minot.tricare.mil/) * **Official TRICARE Plan Finder:** [https://tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility](https://tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility) * **Defense Health Agency (T-5 Contract Info):** [https://health.mil](https://health.mil)