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TRICARE Moving & PCS Guide: 2026 Requirements

Complete guide to managing TRICARE during a PCS, including DEERS updates, regional contractor changes for 2026, and plan transfer deadlines.

TRICARE Moving & PCS Guide: 2026 Requirements

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## Quick answer When you undergo a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), your TRICARE coverage moves with you, but it does not update automatically. You have 90 days from your arrival date to update your address in DEERS and, if necessary, switch your plan (e.g., Prime to Select) or your regional contractor (Humana Military to TriWest). Failure to update your information can lead to denied claims or being dropped from your preferred plan.

In detail

A PCS is considered a **Qualifying Life Event (QLE)**. This means you are not restricted to the annual Open Season and can change your enrollment status immediately upon relocating.

### 1. Update DEERS First The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) is the foundation of your benefits. Before calling a contractor, update your address via: * **Online:** Visit the MilConnect website. * **Phone:** 1-800-538-9552. * **In Person:** Visit a RAPIDS ID Card Office.

### 2. Moving Between Regions As of June 2024, the United States is divided into two regions managed by different contractors: * **TRICARE East:** Managed by **Humana Military**. * **TRICARE West:** Managed by **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** (The T-5 contract manager).

If your PCS takes you from Virginia (East) to California (West), you must contact TriWest to enroll in your new region. Your medical records do not "automatically" transfer to a new civilian doctor; you will need to request records from your previous provider.

### 3. Choosing Your Plan at the New Location Depending on your new duty station, your plan options may change: * **TRICARE Prime:** If you move within a Prime Service Area (PSA), you can remain on Prime. You will be assigned a new Primary Care Manager (PCM), usually at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). * **TRICARE Select:** If you move to a remote area or prefer using civilian doctors, Select offers more flexibility but higher out-of-pocket costs. * **TRICARE Prime Remote:** For active duty members and families stationed more than 50 miles or an hour's drive from an MTF.

### 4. Costs and Fees (2026 Rates) While Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) have $0 out-of-pocket costs, families and retirees should note the following for 2026: * **Enrollment Fees:** Active duty families pay $0 for Prime or Select. * **Catastrophic Cap:** If you move mid-year, your progress toward your 2026 Catastrophic Cap (e.g., $1,320 for Group A Active Duty Families) follows you, provided you stay within the TRICARE system. * **Transferring Referrals:** Existing referrals do not always transfer. You generally need to see your new PCM to get fresh referrals for specialty care at your new location.

## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Service Members:** Must update DEERS and may be assigned to a new MTF or Prime Remote. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Have 90 days to switch between Prime and Select or change regions. * **Retirees:** Must ensure their new address is on file to avoid being disenrolled for non-payment if moving to a higher-cost region. * **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) Users:** Must update DEERS to ensure their monthly premiums and regional provider directories remain accurate.

Common scenarios

**Scenario A: East to West Move** Sgt. Miller moves from Fort Liberty, NC (East) to Fort Irwin, CA (West). He updates DEERS on June 25, 2026. He must then contact **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** to enroll his family in TRICARE Prime West. Because he is Active Duty, his out-of-pocket enrollment cost is **$0**.

**Scenario B: Prime to Select Move** A Navy family moves from a major hub (San Diego) to a remote recruiting station in a rural area. They decide to switch from Prime to TRICARE Select to access a local civilian pediatrician. Because it is a QLE, they switch mid-year. In 2026, their deductible for TRICARE Select (Group A) is **$190 per individual or $380 per family**.

**Scenario C: Moving Overseas** An Air Force family moves from Texas to Ramstein, Germany. They must contact **International SOS** (the overseas contractor) to enroll in TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) Prime. Their care will now be coordinated through the local MTF and the TOP regional call center.

## Related terms * **QLE (Qualifying Life Event):** A specific change (like a move or birth) that opens a 90-day window to change insurance plans outside of Open Season. * **PSA (Prime Service Area):** Geographic areas near military hospitals or clinics where TRICARE Prime is available. * **MTF (Military Treatment Facility):** A military hospital or clinic located on a base. * **PCM (Primary Care Manager):** The doctor designated to provide your basic care and coordinate referrals. * **T-5 Contract:** The 2025/2026 regional contract framework where TriWest took over the West Region.

## Sources * TRICARE Moving Guide: https://www.tricare.mil/moving * MilConnect (DEERS): https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/ * TriWest Healthcare Alliance: https://www.triwest.com/ * Humana Military: https://www.humanamilitary.com/