PCS Move TRICARE Guide: How to Transfer Coverage (2026)
*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program. For official policy and the most current government updates, visit TRICARE.mil.*
## Quick answer When you undergo a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), your move is considered a **Qualifying Life Event (QLE)**. You have 90 days from the date of your move to update your address in DEERS and enroll in or change your TRICARE plan to ensure uninterrupted coverage for you and your family.
Details
### 1. Update DEERS Immediately Before you can change your TRICARE coverage, you must update your address in the **Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)**. If you don't update DEERS, TRICARE will not know you moved to a new region, which can lead to denied claims or the inability to see local providers.
### 2. Move-Related Plan Changes Because a PCS is a QLE, you are not restricted to the annual Open Season. You can: * Switch between **TRICARE Prime** and **TRICARE Select**. * Change from a "US" plan to an "Overseas" plan. * Keep your current plan but transfer your enrollment to your new regional contractor.
### 3. Regional Transitions (T-5 Contract) As of 2026, the TRICARE regions are managed by two specific contractors. If your move crosses the Mississippi River, you will change contractors: * **Moving to the East Region:** Managed by **Humana Military**. * **Moving to the West Region:** Managed by **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**. * **Moving Overseas:** Managed by **International SOS**.
### 4. Costs and Referrals * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** You must enroll in TRICARE Prime at your new location. You will need a new Primary Care Manager (PCM) and new referrals for any specialty care. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** If you are on TRICARE Prime, there are no enrollment fees (2026 rates). If you are on TRICARE Select, your deductible and out-of-pocket costs remain the same, but you should ensure your new doctors are "In-Network" to keep costs low. * **Pharmacy:** Your prescriptions move with you via **Express Scripts**. However, if you use a retail pharmacy, you must find a new in-network pharmacy at your new duty station.
### 5. Moving with Special Needs (EFMP) If you have family members in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), coordinate with your current and future TRICARE regional contractors before you move. This ensures that specialized equipment, home health care, or specific therapies are authorized at your new location without a gap in service.
## Who this affects * Active Duty Service Members and their families. * National Guard and Reserve members on active duty orders for more than 30 days. * Retirees (if moving between regions or changing plan types). * TRICARE Young Adult beneficiaries.
## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Moving with TRICARE](https://www.tricare.mil/moving) * **Humana Military (East):** [Moving in the East Region](https://www.humanamilitary.com) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West):** [West Region Transitions](https://www.triwest.com) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [Qualifying Life Events](https://www.tricare.mil/lifeevents)