How to Change Your TRICARE PCM: 2026 Guide
*TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not part of the official TRICARE program or the Department of Defense. For official policy, please visit TRICARE.mil.*
## Quick answer You can change your Primary Care Manager (PCM) at any time by visiting the Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) portal or calling your regional contractor (Humana Military in the East; TriWest in the West). While you can request a specific doctor, they must be part of the TRICARE network and have an open practice to accept new patients.
Details
Changing your PCM is a standard administrative process, but the rules differ slightly based on your plan and location. If you are enrolled in **TRICARE Prime**, a PCM is mandatory. If you are using **TRICARE Select**, you do not have a designated PCM and can see any TRICARE-authorized provider.
### How to request the change There are three primary ways to switch your PCM: 1. **Online:** Use the [Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE)](https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/) portal via milConnect. 2. **Phone:** Call your regional contractor. * **East Region:** Humana Military (1-800-444-5445) * **West Region:** TriWest Healthcare Alliance (1-888-TRIWEST) 3. **Mail:** Download and mail the "TRICARE Prime Enrollment, Disenrollment, and PCM Change Form" to your regional contractor.
### Finding a new doctor Before making the switch, use the "Find a Doctor" tool on your regional contractor's website to ensure the physician is "In-Network." If you choose an out-of-network provider while on Prime, you will be subject to Point-of-Service (POS) charges.
### Rules for Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) Active duty members have less flexibility. They are typically required to seek care at a Military Medical Treatment Facility (MTF). While they can request a change, it must be approved by the MTF Commander or their representative, and they are usually assigned to a different military provider rather than a civilian one.
### Potential Costs (2026 Rates) There is no fee to *change* your PCM. However, the type of PCM you choose impacts your out-of-pocket costs: * **MTF PCM:** $0 copays for all Prime enrollees. * **Network PCM (Retirees/Families):** Standard 2026 copays apply based on beneficiary group (Group A vs. Group B). * **Unauthorized Changes:** If you see a new doctor before the change is officially processed in the DEERS system, TRICARE may process the claim under the **Point-of-Service (POS) option**, which includes a $300 deductible for individuals ($600 for families) and 50% cost-shares.
## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** Mandatory PCM, usually at an MTF. * **Active Duty Family Members:** Can choose between MTF or civilian network PCMs. * **Retirees & Families (Prime):** Must have a designated PCM to avoid POS charges. * **TRICARE Young Adult (Prime):** Must follow PCM assignment rules. * **Note:** TRICARE Select, For Life, and Reserve Select members do not have assigned PCMs.
## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Changing Your PCM](https://www.tricare.mil/pcm) * **Humana Military:** [East Region Provider Directory](https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/find-care) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance:** [West Region Provider Search](https://www.triwest.com/en/beneficiary/) * **Defense Health Agency:** [TRICARE Plans Overview](https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Access-Cost-Quality-and-Safety/TRICARE-Health-Plan)