TRICARE Plus: Fees, Eligibility, and Coverage Limits (2026)

*TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program or affiliated with the Department of Defense. For official policy and enrollment, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer TRICARE Plus is a limited primary care program that allows certain beneficiaries to receive care at military hospitals and clinics (MTFs) who would otherwise not be eligible for MTF enrollment. It provides primary care access with no out-of-pocket costs, but it does not cover specialty care, or care received from civilian providers.

## Details TRICARE Plus is not a comprehensive health insurance plan; it is a "local" enrollment option offered at the discretion of individual Military Treatment Facility (MTF) commanders. It is designed to allow beneficiaries—primarily dependent parents and parents-in-law—to access the military health system when space is available.

### Enrollment and Availability TRICARE Plus is not available at every military clinic or hospital. Availability depends on the facility's capacity and staffing levels. Enrollment is "facility-specific," meaning if you enroll in TRICARE Plus at a clinic in Virginia and move to California, your enrollment does not transfer; you must re-apply at the new facility if they are accepting new patients.

### What is Covered * **Primary Care:** You get an assigned primary care manager (PCM) at the MTF. * **No Costs:** There are no enrollment fees and no out-of-pocket costs/copays for primary care appointments at the MTF (2026 rates). * **Pharmacy:** You have access to the MTF pharmacy at no cost.

### What is NOT Covered * **Specialty Care:** TRICARE Plus does not guarantee or pay for specialty care (e.g., cardiology, surgery) at the MTF. If the MTF cannot provide the specialty care, you must seek it in the civilian sector. * **Civilian Care:** This program pays $0 for care received from civilian doctors. * **Standard TRICARE Benefits:** Signing up for TRICARE Plus does not provide you with TRICARE Prime or Select benefits.

### Interaction with Medicare Many TRICARE Plus enrollees are also Medicare-eligible. TRICARE Plus acts as a way to get primary care at the MTF, while Medicare (and any Medicare Supplement/Medigap plan) serves as the primary coverage for all civilian specialty care and hospitalizations.

## Who this affects * **Dependent Parents/Parents-in-Law:** The primary group who uses this program, as they are generally ineligible for other TRICARE plans. * **Retirees and Family Members:** Those who prefer MTF care but are not enrolled in TRICARE Prime. * **Active Duty Family Members:** In rare cases where they are not enrolled in Prime but wish to use the MTF for primary care.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [TRICARE Plus Overview](https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/HealthPlans/Plus) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [MTF Locator and Facility Information](https://www.tricare.mil/mtf) * **Humana Military (East Region):** [Provider and Facility Types](https://www.humanamilitary.com) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region):** [Provider Network Information](https://www.triwest.com)