TRICARE South Dakota: Ellsworth AFB & TriWest Guide | TRICARE.com

*TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or the official TRICARE program. For official policy and the most current data, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## TRICARE in South Dakota South Dakota 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 South Dakota, particularly those stationed at Ellsworth AFB, receive their managed care, referrals, and authorizations through the TriWest network.

## Major military installations While South Dakota has a significant National Guard and Reserve presence across the state, the primary active-duty hub is located in the Black Hills region:

* **Ellsworth Air Force Base** (Air Force) – Box Elder/Rapid City * **Joe Foss Field / Sioux Falls Air National Guard Station** (Air National Guard) – Sioux Falls * **Camp Rapid** (South Dakota Army National Guard) – Rapid City

## Plans available in South Dakota Standard TRICARE plans are available to active-duty service members, retirees, and their families throughout South Dakota. Note that "Prime" availability is typically centered around Ellsworth AFB.

| Plan | Eligibility | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Active Duty & Families | Best for those living near Ellsworth AFB; requires a Primary Care Manager (PCM). | | **TRICARE Select** | All beneficiaries | PPO-style plan with more flexibility to see any network provider without a referral. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)** | Qualified Guard/Reserve | Premium-based plan for "drilling" Guard and Reserve members. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)** | Retired Guard/Reserve | Premium-based coverage for retirees under age 60. | | **TRICARE For Life (TFL)** | Medicare-eligible retirees | Wraparound coverage for those with Medicare Part A and B. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | Adult children 21–26 | Available in Prime or Select formats for those no longer eligible for standard dependent coverage. |

## Finding care in South Dakota For those stationed at **Ellsworth AFB**, the 28th Medical Group serves as the primary Military Treatment Facility (MTF). If you are enrolled in TRICARE Prime and the MTF cannot provide the required specialty care, you will be referred to a civilian network provider in the Rapid City area.

* **Provider Directory:** Use the [TriWest West Region Provider Directory](https://www.triwest.com) to find network doctors in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Pierre. * **Network vs. Non-Network:** In South Dakota, staying within the TriWest network results in lower out-of-pocket costs. Seeing a "non-network" provider may lead to higher 2026 cost-shares and potential balance billing. * **Telehealth:** TRICARE covers secure video conferencing for many services. This is particularly useful for beneficiaries in rural South Dakota who may be several hours away from specialized care in Rapid City or Sioux Falls.

Common questions for South Dakota beneficiaries

**I am PCSing to Ellsworth AFB. How do I switch my coverage?** Once you arrive and update your address in DEERS, you must contact TriWest Healthcare Alliance. If you were previously in the East Region (Humana Military), you will need to enroll in a West Region plan to ensure your referrals are processed correctly.

**Are there any US Family Health Plans (USFHP) in South Dakota?** No, South Dakota is not within a USFHP service area. Beneficiaries typically choose between Prime, Select, or TRS.

**How does TRICARE work with South Dakota Medicaid?** By law, TRICARE is the secondary payer to most other health insurance plans, including employer-sponsored insurance. However, TRICARE pays *before* Medicaid. If you are eligible for both, TRICARE will pay its portion first, and Medicaid will act as the payer of last resort.

## Sources * [TRICARE West Region - TriWest Healthcare Alliance](https://www.triwest.com) * [Ellsworth Air Force Base 28th Medical Group](https://ellsworth.tricare.mil/) * [TRICARE.mil Official Site](https://www.tricare.mil) * [Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)](https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/)