TRICARE During PCS Move
Moving to a new duty station doesn't have to mean gaps in your healthcare coverage. Follow this guide to ensure a smooth transition for your whole family.
Coverage Continues During Move
Your TRICARE coverage remains active during a PCS move. You can receive care anywhere using TRICARE Select rules even if you're normally on TRICARE Prime. Just update your information promptly upon arrival.
TRICARE Regions: East vs West
TRICARE West
AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, IA (Rock Island area), MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, TX (El Paso area), UT, WA, WY
TRICARE East
AL, AR, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI
Changing Regions? If your move takes you from East to West (or vice versa), your contractor changes. You'll need to re-enroll with a new PCM and may notice different network providers. Your plan type (Prime/Select) stays the same.
PCS Move Checklist
30+ Days Before Move
- Determine if you're changing TRICARE regions (East vs West)
- Request copies of medical records from current providers
- Refill prescriptions (90-day supply through mail order)
- Schedule any pending appointments before you leave
1-2 Weeks Before Move
- Update your address in DEERS
- Notify current PCM of your move date
- Download/print immunization records for children
Upon Arrival
- Update DEERS with new address immediately
- Enroll with new PCM if TRICARE Prime
- Transfer prescriptions to new local pharmacy
- Locate nearest MTF, urgent care, and ER
Within 30 Days of Arrival
- Schedule well-checks for family members
- Establish care with new specialists if needed
- Verify all family members' enrollment is updated
Special Situations
OCONUS Moves (Overseas)
Moving overseas? TRICARE Overseas Program covers you in three regions: Europe, Pacific, and Latin America/Canada.
- Register with nearest MTF upon arrival
- International SOS provides overseas support
- Mail-order pharmacy may have limitations
Temporary Duty (TDY/TAD)
Short-term assignments don't require changing your enrollment. You can use TRICARE Select rules for care at your TDY location.
- Keep your home station PCM
- Use any network provider during TDY
- No enrollment changes needed