Nov. 10, 2025 | By TRICARE Communications
FALLS CHURCH, Va.— As 2025 comes to a close, now is the time to start thinking about your family’s health care options for next year. You should know that your TRICARE health plan costs will change starting Jan. 1, 2026. Depending on your plan, these costs may include enrollment fees, premiums, cost-shares, and copayments.
Note: TRICARE costs change each year based on the law, the federal cost of living adjustment, and the costs of health care services and prescription drugs.
“Take the time now to review your 2026 TRICARE health plan costs,” said Debra Fisher, health system specialist, Policy & Programs Branch, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “They will help you decide if you want to keep your family’s current coverage or change your enrollment during TRICARE Open Season.”
TRICARE Open Season is the annual period when anyone enrolled in or eligible for a TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select plan option can make changes to their health care coverage. This year, open season begins Nov. 10 and ends Dec. 9. Changes you make during open season will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Your beneficiary category and your beneficiary group determine the enrollment fees or premiums and out-of-pocket costs for your TRICARE plan. TRICARE beneficiaries fall into one of two groups:
- Group A: The sponsor’s initial enlistment or appointment began before Jan. 1, 2018.
- Group B: The sponsor’s initial enlistment or appointment began on or after Jan. 1, 2018.
Are you enrolled in a premium-based health plan? Follow TRICARE Select Group B costs. The premium-based health plans are:
- TRICARE Reserve Select
- TRICARE Retired Reserve
- TRICARE Young Adult
- Continued Health Care Benefit Program
For a list of the calendar year 2026 costs for TRICARE health plans, read this article on TRICARE.mil.
