TRICARE Texas: Plans, Regions, and Providers for 2026 | TRICARE.com
Comprehensive guide to TRICARE in Texas, covering the East Region transition, Humana Military benefits, major bases like JBSA and Fort Cavazos, and available pl
TRICARE Texas: Plans, Regions, and Providers for 2026
Texas is located entirely within the **TRICARE East Region**, where the regional contractor is **Humana Military**. Military families living in or moving to Texas manage their healthcare through Humana Military and have access to one of the largest networks of military treatment facilities (MTFs) and civilian providers in the United States.
*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program or a government agency. For official policy and enrollment, visit TRICARE.mil.*
## TRICARE in Texas Texas is a massive hub for the Military Health System (MHS). Because it falls under the **East Region**, all administrative tasks—such as enrollment, primary care manager (PCM) changes, and claims—are handled by **Humana Military**. While the TRICARE West Region transitioned to TriWest Healthcare Alliance on January 1, 2025, Texas remains firmly under the Humana Military contract.
## Major military installations Texas is home to several of the Department of Defense’s most critical installations. These bases host large Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) where Prime beneficiaries often receive their care:
* **Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA):** Comprising Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, and Randolph AFB (San Antonio). Home to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). * **Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood):** One of the largest military installations in the world (Killeen). * **Fort Bliss:** A major Army installation (El Paso). * **Dyess Air Force Base:** (Abilene). * **Goodfellow Air Force Base:** (San Angelo). * **Laughlin Air Force Base:** (Del Rio). * **Sheppard Air Force Base:** (Wichita Falls). * **Naval Air Station Corpus Christi:** (Corpus Christi).
## Plans available in Texas Texas residents have access to the full suite of TRICARE programs. Availability may depend on your distance from a military base.
| Plan | Eligibility | Texas Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Active Duty, Retirees | Managed care with a PCM; robust availability near large Texas bases. | | **TRICARE Select** | Active Duty families, Retirees | PPO-style plan allowing use of any TRICARE-authorized provider. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)** | Qualified National Guard/Reserve | Premium-based plan for Texas Guardsmen and Reservists. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)** | Retired Reserve under age 60 | Premium-based coverage for "Gray Area" retirees. | | **TRICARE For Life (TFL)** | Medicare-eligible beneficiaries | Wraparound coverage for those with Medicare Part A & B. | | **TRICARE Young Adult (TYA)** | Adult children ages 21–26 | Available as Prime or Select depending on location. | | **US Family Health Plan (USFHP)** | Eligible beneficiaries in specific zips | Available in Southeast Texas (Houston/Galveston area) through CHRISTUS Health. |
## Finding care in Texas Texas beneficiaries have two primary paths for care:
1. **Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs):** In major hubs like San Antonio or El Paso, Prime enrollees are typically assigned to an MTF. Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) is a Level I Trauma Center and a primary site for specialized care in the state. 2. **Civilian Network:** Use the **Humana Military Provider Directory** to find "Network" providers. Choosing a network provider in Texas ensures lower out-of-pocket costs and prevents "balance billing." 3. **Telehealth:** Humana Military offers robust telehealth options for Texas residents, including Doctor on Demand and Telemynd for behavioral health services. This is particularly useful for those stationed in more remote areas like Del Rio or Abilene.
Common questions for Texas beneficiaries
**What happens if I’m moving (PCS) from Texas to a West Region state?** Since the West Region (e.g., New Mexico or Oklahoma) transitioned to TriWest Healthcare Alliance on Jan 1, 2025, you will need to contact TriWest to set up your new enrollment. Your Texas coverage through Humana Military remains active until the day you officially enroll in your new region.
**Can I use the US Family Health Plan in Texas?** Yes, but only in specific areas. In Texas, the US Family Health Plan is offered by **CHRISTUS Health**. It is primarily available to those living in the Gulf Coast/Southeast Texas region, including Houston, Beaumont, and Galveston.
**How does TRICARE work with Texas Medicaid?** By law, TRICARE is the primary payer and Medicaid is the payer of last resort. If you have both, your Texas healthcare providers must bill TRICARE first.
## Sources * **TRICARE East Region Contractor:** [HumanaMilitary.com](https://www.humanamilitary.com) * **Official TRICARE Plan Finder:** [TRICARE.mil/Plans](https://www.tricare.mil/Plans) * **US Family Health Plan (Texas):** [USFHP via CHRISTUS Health](https://www.christustricare.org) * **Direct Care/MTF Locator:** [TRICARE.mil/MTF](https://www.tricare.mil/mtf)