TRICARE Select Explained: 2026 Plan Guide & Costs | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer TRICARE Select is a self-managed, preferred provider organization (PPO) style plan for military beneficiaries. Unlike TRICARE Prime, you do not need a primary care manager (PCM) or referrals for specialists; however, you will face higher out-of-pocket costs, including annual deductibles and cost-shares.

In detail

TRICARE Select provides the greatest flexibility for families who want to choose their own doctors without waiting for a referral. It is available in the United States through **Humana Military** (East Region) and **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** (West Region).

### How it Works With TRICARE Select, you are responsible for managing your own healthcare. You can see any TRICARE-authorized provider (Network or Non-Network). * **Network Providers:** TRICARE has negotiated rates with these doctors. You pay a lower "cost-share." * **Non-Network Providers:** These doctors do not have a contract with TRICARE. You will pay a higher cost-share and may have to file your own claims. * **Referrals:** None required for most services. You can book an appointment directly with a dermatologist, cardiologist, or any other specialist.

### 2026 Cost Factors Costs for TRICARE Select depend on the sponsor’s initial enlistment or appointment date: * **Group A:** Sponsor entered service before January 1, 2018. * **Group B:** Sponsor entered service on or after January 1, 2018.

**Key Financial Terms for 2026:** * **Annual Enrollment Fees:** Retired beneficiaries in Group A and all beneficiaries in Group B pay annual enrollment fees (varies by plan year—check TRICARE.mil for current rates). Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs) in Group A generally pay $0 in enrollment fees. * **Annual Deductible:** You must pay a set amount out-of-pocket each year before TRICARE begins to pay for covered services. * **Catastrophic Cap:** This is the most you will pay out-of-pocket in a calendar year for all TRICARE-covered services. For 2026, this cap ensures families are protected from financial ruin during major illnesses.

### TRICARE Select vs. Prime Comparison | Feature | TRICARE Select | TRICARE Prime | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Provider Choice** | Any authorized provider | Primary Care Manager (PCM) | | **Referrals** | Not required for most services | Mandatory for specialists | | **Out-of-Pocket** | Deductibles and Cost-shares | Lower fixed copays | | **Enrollment Fee** | Required for retirees/Group B | Required for retirees | | **Paperwork** | Higher (if using non-network) | Very low |

## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Can choose Select to keep private doctors during PCS moves. * **Retirees and their families:** Often use Select when living in areas far from military hospitals (MTFs). * **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) Members:** Qualified Selected Reserve members use a version of this plan. * **TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) Select:** Adult children up to age 26 can enroll in the Select option. * **Note:** Active duty service members **cannot** use TRICARE Select; they must be enrolled in TRICARE Prime.

Common scenarios

### Scenario 1: The Specialist Seekers The Miller family (Group A, Retired) lives in the West Region managed by **TriWest**. They prefer a specific local pediatrician and a private dermatologist. Under TRICARE Select in 2026, they pay their annual enrollment fee and meet their annual deductible. When they see their network dermatologist, they pay a fixed cost-share (e.g., $30–$40) per visit without ever needing to call a PCM for permission.

### Scenario 2: The Rural ADFM An Active Duty spouse (Group B) lives in a rural area 60 miles from the nearest military base. By choosing TRICARE Select, she can see the only OBGYN in her town. Because she is Group B, she pays a 2026 annual enrollment fee, but she avoids the 2-hour drive to the base required for Prime "MTF-first" care.

## Related terms * **Cost-Share:** The percentage of the total cost of a covered health care service you pay (e.g., 20%). * **Authorized Provider:** Any doctor or hospital licensed by the state and approved by TRICARE. * **Non-Network Participating:** A provider who doesn't have a contract but agrees to accept the TRICARE allowable charge as payment in full. * **Catastrophic Cap:** The maximum amount you pay per year for covered medical services before TRICARE pays 100%. * **Qualifying Life Event (QLE):** A change like marriage, birth, or retirement that allows you to change your TRICARE Select enrollment outside of Open Season.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [TRICARE Select Overview](https://www.tricare.mil/select) * **Humana Military:** [East Region Costs](https://www.humanamilitary.com) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance:** [West Region Provider Search](https://www.triwest.com) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [2026 Benefit Updates](https://health.mil)