TRICARE Washington: Fairchild AFB & West Region Guide 2026

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## TRICARE in Washington Washington state 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 Eastern Washington, particularly those near Fairchild AFB, fall under the West Region's managed care network.

## Major military installations Washington is home to several major military installations across multiple branches: * **Fairchild Air Force Base** (Air Force) – Spokane/Airway Heights * **Joint Base Lewis-McChord / JBLM** (Army/Air Force) – Tacoma/Lakewood * **Naval Base Kitsap** (Navy) – Bremerton/Bangor/Silverdale * **Naval Air Station Whidbey Island** (Navy) – Oak Harbor * **Naval Station Everett** (Navy) – Everett * **Coast Guard Base Seattle** (Coast Guard) – Seattle

## Plans available in Washington Most Washington residents have access to the following 2026 TRICARE plans:

| Plan Name | Best For | | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Active duty and retirees near bases (like Fairchild) who prefer managed care with no out-of-pocket costs for active duty. | | **TRICARE Select** | Those who want to choose their own doctors and don't mind paying an annual deductible and copays. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)** | Qualified Selected Reserve members and their families. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)** | Retired Reserve members under age 60 and their families. | | **TRICARE For Life (TFL)** | Medicare-wraparound coverage for dual-eligible retirees. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | Unmarried children (ages 21–26) who have aged out of regular TRICARE. | | **US Family Health Plan (USFHP)** | Available in specific Puget Sound zip codes through Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed). |

## Finding care in Washington For those stationed at or living near **Fairchild AFB**, primary care is often managed at the 92d Medical Group. If you are using TRICARE Prime and need civilian specialty care, or if you are using TRICARE Select, you must use the **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** provider directory to find network providers in the Spokane area.

* **Network vs. Non-Network:** Using TriWest network providers results in lower out-of-pocket costs. Non-network providers may charge up to 15% above the TRICARE-allowable amount. * **Telehealth:** TriWest offers a robust telehealth network for Washington residents, which is particularly useful for beneficiaries in rural areas of Eastern Washington or the Olympic Peninsula. * **Pharmacy:** Prescriptions can be filled at the Fairchild AFB clinic, through Express Scripts Home Delivery, or at retail network pharmacies like Walgreens or Rite Aid.

Common questions for Washington beneficiaries

**I am PCSing to Fairchild AFB; how do I switch my coverage?** You should update your address in DEERS first. Once settled, you can transfer your enrollment to the West Region via the TriWest beneficiary portal or by calling TriWest directly. If you are on Prime, you will be assigned a Primary Care Manager (PCM) at Fairchild's 92d Medical Group or a local network civilian clinic.

**Is the US Family Health Plan available in Spokane?** No. In Washington, the US Family Health Plan (offered through PacMed) is generally limited to the Puget Sound/Seattle/Tacoma areas. Residents near Fairchild AFB typically choose between TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select.

**How does TRICARE work with Washington Apple Health (Medicaid)?** By law, TRICARE pays secondary to most insurance plans, but it pays *primary* to Medicaid. If you have both, your provider must file the claim with TRICARE first.

## Sources 1. [TRICARE West Region - TriWest Healthcare Alliance](https://www.triwest.com/) 2. [92d Medical Group - Fairchild AFB](https://fairchild.tricare.mil/) 3. [TRICARE Plan Finder](https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/PlanFinder) 4. [Defense Health Agency - T5 Contract Information](https://www.health.mil/)