Contents
Overview
TRICARE Select is a self-managed PPO-style plan. You don't have a primary care manager, you don't need a referral for most specialist care, and you can see any TRICARE-authorized provider (network or out-of-network). In exchange you pay an annual deductible plus per-visit copays. Active duty family members and Group A retirees pay no enrollment fee in 2025; Group B retirees pay $579/individual or $1,158.96/family per year. Replaced TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra on Jan. 1, 2018.
📋 Who It's For
Eligible: Active duty family members, retirees and their families under age 65, activated Guard/Reserve members and families, transitional survivors, certain former spouses. Not eligible: Active duty service members (must enroll in Prime). Beneficiary groups matter: Group A (sponsor entered service before Jan. 1, 2018) and Group B (entered on or after Jan. 1, 2018) have different cost schedules.
💰 Costs (2025)
Annual enrollment fee: - Active duty family members: $0 - Group A retirees: $0 - Group B retirees: $579 individual / $1,158.96 family
Annual deductible (must be met before TRICARE cost-sharing begins): - ADFMs Group A: $50 / $100 (ind/family) - ADFMs Group B and TRS members: $64 / $128 - Retirees Group A: $150 / $300 - Retirees Group B: $193 / $386 (network); $386 / $772 (out-of-network)
Per-visit costs (in-network, retirees):
| Service | Group A | Group B | |---|---|---| | Preventive | $0 | $0 | | Primary care | $37 | $32 | | Specialty | $51 | $51 | | Urgent care | $37 | $51 | | ER | $140 | $103 | | Inpatient | $250/day or 25% | $225 per admission |
Out-of-network care costs more (typically 25% cost-share after deductible).
Catastrophic cap: $4,989 for retirees in both groups in 2025 — the most you'll pay out of pocket per year for covered services (excluding premiums).
🩺 What's Covered
TRICARE Select covers the same medically necessary services as Prime: preventive care, primary care, specialty care, hospitalization, mental health and substance use treatment, maternity care, and most surgeries. The pharmacy benefit (Express Scripts) is the same regardless of plan. The difference is how you access care — Select gives you direct access to any TRICARE-authorized provider, no PCM gatekeeping, no referrals for most services. Some specialty services (e.g. applied behavior analysis, certain surgeries) still require pre-authorization regardless of plan.
📝 How to Enroll or Use
Step 1 — Confirm DEERS is current. Step 2 — Enroll via milConnect, by phone (Humana Military East: 800-444-5445; TriWest West: 888-TRIWEST), or by mail using DD Form 3043. Step 3 — Use the plan: see any TRICARE-authorized provider; no referral needed for most care. Always present your uniformed services ID card. Step 4 — Pay your deductible before TRICARE cost-sharing kicks in for the year. Step 5 — Track your catastrophic cap through milConnect to know when you'll hit it.
⚠️ Common Pitfalls
1. Forgetting the deductible. Many beneficiaries are surprised when their first visit of the year costs full price until the deductible is met. 2. Going out-of-network without realizing it. Out-of-network providers charge more, and you may face balance billing. Always confirm 'Are you a TRICARE network provider?' before booking. 3. Skipping required pre-authorizations. Some services (durable medical equipment, certain procedures) need authorization even under Select. 4. Group B retirees forgetting the enrollment fee. Miss the payment deadline and you're dis-enrolled and locked out for 12 months. 5. Confusing Select with Standard. Standard no longer exists; you're on Select.
❓ Frequently Asked
Do I need a referral? Generally no. You can see any TRICARE-authorized provider for most care without a referral. A few specialty services still require pre-authorization (durable medical equipment, certain surgeries, ABA therapy).
Will I pay more out-of-network? Yes. Out-of-network providers cost more (typically 25% cost-share after deductible vs ~20% network), and you may face balance billing. Always ask if a provider is in the TRICARE network.
Can I switch back to Prime? Yes, during the annual TRICARE Open Season (typically mid-November to mid-December) or after a Qualifying Life Event.
Is pharmacy different under Select? No. The TRICARE pharmacy benefit (Express Scripts) is the same for Prime and Select.
🔄 Recent Changes
Jan. 1, 2018: TRICARE Standard and Extra were merged into TRICARE Select. The Group A / Group B distinction was created based on initial entry date. Jan. 1, 2021: Group B Select retirees began paying an annual enrollment fee for the first time (the result of the FY2017 NDAA). Jan. 1, 2025: TriWest Healthcare Alliance took over the West Region T-5 contract; 2025 cost schedule published Nov. 6, 2024 in the Federal Register.
📚 Official Sources
- TRICARE Select overview: https://tricare.mil/Plans/HealthPlans/Select
- 2025 Costs and Fees Sheet: https://tricare.mil/Costs
- Federal Register CY2025 cost notice: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-11-06/html/2024-25753.htm
- Beneficiary Groups: https://tricare.mil/Costs/AllCosts/Groups
- DEERS / milConnect: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil
Key Facts
- Category
- benefits
- Type
- topic
- Format
- plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TRICARE Select the same as TRICARE Standard?
No, but it replaced TRICARE Standard (and TRICARE Extra) on Jan. 1, 2018. If you had Standard before 2018, you were automatically moved to Select.
Do active duty family members pay anything under Select?
No annual enrollment fee for ADFMs. They have a small annual deductible ($50/$100 Group A, $64/$128 Group B), then small per-visit cost-shares for in-network care.
Can I see any doctor I want under Select?
You can see any TRICARE-authorized provider — most physicians are. Out-of-network costs are higher and may include balance billing. Always confirm a provider is TRICARE-authorized before booking.
Do active duty service members get Select?
No. Active duty service members must enroll in TRICARE Prime.