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TRICARE Public Health & Preventive Care Guide (2026)

A guide to TRICARE's public health role, covering preventive care, the 2026 T-5 contractor roles (Humana and TriWest), and $0 screenings for military families.

TRICARE Public Health & Preventive Care Guide (2026)

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## Quick answer TRICARE’s Public Health mission involves protecting the military community from infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and health crises. While TRICARE is primarily a health insurance payer, its public health functions are executed through preventative care coverage (like vaccines), mandatory disease reporting, and the health surveillance activities of the Defense Health Agency (DHA).

In detail

Public health within the TRICARE ecosystem is not just about doctors’ visits; it is about the "Force Health Protection" strategy. This ensures that Service members are fit for duty and that their families stay healthy to maintain overall military readiness.

### Preventive Services and Screenings TRICARE emphasizes public health by covering 100% of the cost for most preventive services when using an in-network provider. This is the primary way the insurance side of the house supports public health. * **Immunizations:** TRICARE covers all CDC-recommended vaccines (Flu, COVID-19, HPV, Shingles, etc.) at $0 out-of-pocket for active duty and family members. * **Cancer Screenings:** Routine mammograms, colonoscopies, and pap smears are covered as part of the public health initiative to lower mortality rates. * **Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HP&DP) Exams:** Annual exams are covered for all beneficiaries to catch issues before they require intensive intervention.

### Health Surveillance and Reporting The **Defense Health Agency (DHA)** and the regional contractors (**Humana Military** in the East and **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** in the West) track health trends to prevent outbreaks. * **Disease Management:** TRICARE offers specialized programs for chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma. * **Biogen Surveillance:** Monitoring for biological threats or widespread infectious disease (like influenza or pandemic strains) across military installations. * **Food and Water Safety:** Public health officials at Military Medical Facilities (MTFs) oversee the safety of on-base dining and water supplies.

### Regional Coordination (T-5 Contract) As of 2026, the TRICARE T-5 contract has streamlined how public health data is shared: * **East Region:** Managed by Humana Military. * **West Region:** Managed by TriWest Healthcare Alliance. * **Express Scripts:** Manages the pharmacy side of public health, including drug safety alerts and vaccine distribution through retail pharmacies.

### 2026 Cost-Sharing for Public Health Services | Service Type | TRICARE Prime (Active Duty) | TRICARE Select (Group A) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Annual Wellness Exam** | $0 | $0 | | **CDC-Recommended Vaccines** | $0 | $0 | | **Tobacco Cessation Services** | $0 (if referred) | $0 | | **Infectious Disease Referral** | $0 | Varies by 2026 copay rates |

## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Mandatory participation in public health screenings and vaccinations to maintain "Deployable" status. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Encouraged to utilize $0 preventive services to maintain family wellness. * **Retirees and Their Families:** Eligible for screenings and vaccinations, though some pharmacy copays may apply for certain medications related to disease management. * **National Guard and Reserve:** Public health requirements apply specifically when on active duty orders for more than 30 days or when enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select.

Common scenarios

**Scenario 1: Preventive Public Health** Major Sarah, an active duty officer in the East Region, needs her annual flu shot and a mammogram. Under TRICARE Prime, she visits a Humana Military network provider. Because these are classified as public health preventive services, her total cost in 2026 is **$0**.

**Scenario 2: Disease Outbreak Monitoring** A retiree living near a base in the West Region (managed by TriWest) is diagnosed with a reportable infectious disease. The civilian doctor reports this to local health authorities and the DHA. Information is used to ensure other beneficiaries in the geographic area are notified or treated, maintaining the public health of the military community.

**Scenario 3: Chronic Condition Management** A TRICARE Select beneficiary has Type 2 Diabetes. They are enrolled in a **Disease Management Program** through their regional contractor. This program provides education and monitoring to prevent public health complications like hospitalizations, often with $0 copays for the coaching services.

## Related terms * **Force Health Protection (FHP):** Measures taken by the military to promote and protect the health of Service members. * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** The joint-service agency that manages TRICARE and all military hospitals. * **Preventive Care:** Services used to prevent illnesses or detect them at an early stage when treatment is most effective. * **T-5 Contract:** The fifth generation of TRICARE contracts which established Humana (East) and TriWest (West) as regional managers starting in 2025. * **ICD-10 Codes:** The system doctors use to report diagnoses, which allows public health officials to track disease trends.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil Preventive Care:** https://www.tricare.mil/HealthWellness/Preventive * **Defense Health Agency Public Health:** https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Health-Readiness/Public-Health * **CDC Military Health Resources:** https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/global-health-security/index.html