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TRICARE Publications: Handbooks, Guides & 2026 Costs

Your guide to official TRICARE publications, handbooks, and cost sheets for 2026. Learn how to access digital and print resources for all TRICARE plans.

TRICARE Publications: Handbooks, Guides & 2026 Costs

## Quick answer TRICARE publications are official educational materials—including handbooks, newsletters, and brochures—designed to explain your healthcare benefits, costs, and plan options. You can access these resources online through the TRICARE Publications Library or request printed copies from regional contractors like Humana Military (East) or TriWest (West).

## In detail TRICARE publications serve as the primary roadmap for navigating military healthcare. Because TRICARE rules, regions, and costs can change annually, these documents are updated frequently to reflect current policy.

### Types of Official Publications * **TRICARE Handbooks:** These are comprehensive guides tailored to specific benefit groups. Examples include the *TRICARE Plans Overview*, the *TRICARE Overseas Program Handbook*, and the *TRICARE For Life Handbook*. * **Costs and Fees Sheet:** A vital document updated every January. For 2026, this sheet outlines the specific enrollment fees and out-of-pocket maximums (Catastrophic Caps) for Group A and Group B beneficiaries. * **Health Matters Newsletters:** Quarterly updates sent to beneficiaries that highlight changes in the PIN (Provider Identification Number) systems, new pharmacy coverage rules, or upcoming Open Season dates. * **Specialty Brochures:** Focused guides on specific topics such as "Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Services," "TRICARE Maternity Care," or "Dental Options."

### How to Access Publications TRICARE has moved toward a "digital first" approach to save taxpayer costs, but physical copies remain available for those who need them.

1. **Online Library:** The most current versions are always available at the TRICARE.mil publications portal. You can search by keyword or plan name. 2. **Regional Contractors:** For 2026, beneficiaries in the **East Region** should contact **Humana Military** for region-specific guides. Beneficiaries in the **West Region** should contact **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** (which assumed the West contract on Jan 1, 2025). 3. **Military Hospitals and Clinics:** Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinators (BCACs) typically keep a stock of the most popular brochures and handbooks in their offices at MTFs.

### Verification of Rates When viewing any publication, always check the "Effective Date" or "Plan Year" on the cover. For example, a "2025 Costs and Fees" sheet will be inaccurate for services received in 2026. As of June 2026, ensure you are referencing the 2026 summary of benefits to see the correct copays for TRICARE Prime or Select.

## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Rely on publications to understand remote care options and Prime Remote requirements. * **Retirees and Families:** Use the *TRICARE For Life* handbook or Retiree-specific brochures to manage Medicare-wraparound coverage. * **National Guard and Reserve:** Depend on the *TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)* or *TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)* brochures for premium-based plan details. * **New Spouses and Parents:** Utilize the "Life Events" publications to learn how to add dependents in DEERS.

Common scenarios

**Scenario 1: Checking 2026 Copays** Mark, a Group B retiree on TRICARE Select, wants to know his specialist copay. He downloads the *2026 TRICARE Costs and Fees Sheet*. He sees that for 2026, his specialist copay is $55 per visit (hypothetical 2026 rate). This allows him to budget his Health Savings Account (HSA) equivalent savings accordingly.

**Scenario 2: Moving Regions** Sarah is moving from Virginia (East Region) to California (West Region). She downloads the *TRICARE Moving Map* and the *TriWest Welcome Guide*. Because TriWest took over the West region in 2025, she uses their 2026 publication to find a new primary care manager (PCM) in San Diego.

**Scenario 3: Nearing Age 65** David is turning 65 in October 2026. He requests the *TRICARE For Life Handbook* from the TRICARE publications site. He learns that he must have Medicare Part A and Part B to keep his TRICARE coverage, preventing a permanent loss of his military health benefits.

## Related terms * **DEERS:** The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System; the database that proves you are eligible to receive the benefits described in publications. * **Catastrophic Cap:** The maximum out-of-pocket amount you will pay for covered services in a calendar year, clearly defined in the annual Costs and Fees sheet. * **Summary of Benefits:** A condensed publication showing what a specific plan covers and what the member owes. * **Provider Directory:** A searchable online "publication" maintained by Humana Military or TriWest to list doctors in your network. * **Evidence of Coverage (EOC):** A legal document explaining exactly what is covered under your specific TRICARE plan.

## Sources * TRICARE Publications Library: https://www.tricare.mil/publications * Defense Health Agency (DHA): https://health.mil * TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region): https://www.triwest.com * Humana Military (East Region): https://www.humanamilitary.com

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*Disclosure: TRICARE.Com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program or part of the Department of Defense. For official policy and the most current publications, visit TRICARE.mil.*