What are the TRICARE costs for 2026?
Quick Answer
TRICARE 2026 costs include enrollment fees for retirees starting at approximately $165/year for Select individual plans. Active duty families pay no enrollment fees under Prime. Copays and deductibles vary by plan and beneficiary group.
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Key Takeaways
- Active duty members and their families under Prime pay nothing
- Group A retirees generally pay less than Group B retirees
- Costs are adjusted annually based on COLA increases
- Using network providers significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs
Detailed Answer
TRICARE costs for 2026 are adjusted annually based on retiree cost-of-living adjustments. Here is a breakdown by beneficiary group and plan type:
Active Duty Service Members
- No enrollment fees, copays, or deductibles
- Automatically enrolled in TRICARE Prime at no cost
Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs)
- TRICARE Prime: No enrollment fee, $0 copay for most in-network care
- TRICARE Select: No enrollment fee for E-4 and below; enrollment fees apply for E-5 and above
- Select copays for outpatient visits range from $25-$31 for network care
Group A Retirees (Entered service before Jan 1, 2018)
- TRICARE Prime: Annual enrollment approximately $400 individual / $800 family
- TRICARE Select: Annual enrollment approximately $175 individual / $350 family
- Select annual deductible: approximately $175 individual / $350 family
- Outpatient visit cost-shares: 20% for network, 25% for non-network
Group B Retirees (Entered service on/after Jan 1, 2018)
- TRICARE Prime: Annual enrollment approximately $450 individual / $900 family
- TRICARE Select: Annual enrollment approximately $525 individual / $1,050 family
- Select annual deductible: approximately $350 individual / $700 family
- Higher cost-shares than Group A retirees
TRICARE For Life (Age 65+)
- No TRICARE enrollment fee
- Must pay Medicare Part B premium (approximately $185/month in 2026)
- Minimal out-of-pocket costs after Medicare pays first
Key Cost Factors
- Network vs. non-network provider choices significantly affect costs
- Prescription copays are separate from medical costs
- Annual catastrophic cap limits total out-of-pocket spending
Helpful Tips
- Compare Group A vs Group B rates before choosing Prime or Select
- Use the TRICARE cost calculator at tricare.mil for personalized estimates
- Consider home delivery pharmacy to save on prescription costs
Related TRICARE Terms
Related Questions
How much does TRICARE cost?
Costs vary by plan and beneficiary status. Active duty members have no costs. Retirees and their families pay enrollment fees and cost-shares.
What are the main differences between all TRICARE plans?
TRICARE offers Prime, Select, For Life, Reserve Select, Retired Reserve, and Young Adult plans with varying costs, networks, and eligibility requirements.
What are the cost shares for TRICARE Select?
TRICARE Select has annual deductibles, percentage-based cost shares for most services, and a catastrophic cap that limits yearly out-of-pocket costs.
What do most military families add to their TRICARE coverage?
Supplemental health insurance is the most common addition — it covers dental, vision, and out-of-pocket costs that TRICARE leaves uncovered. Life insurance and a legal will are also highly recommended.
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