TRICARE in Texas: 2026 Guide to Plans and Costs
Texas is part of the **TRICARE East Region**, managed by Humana Military. Most beneficiaries in the state choose between TRICARE Prime (for managed care at military hospitals or within a provider network) and TRICARE Select (for more flexibility with out-of-network doctors).
*Note: TRICARE.Com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program or a government agency. For official policy and the most current data, visit TRICARE.mil.*
In Detail
Texas is a major hub for military healthcare due to its high concentration of Large Military Medical Centers (MTFs). Because it falls under the **East Region**, all administrative tasks—such as enrollment, primary care manager (PCM) changes, and claims—are handled by **Humana Military**.
### Texas Military Medical Centers Texas is home to some of the largest military healthcare facilities in the world, which serves as the "anchor" for TRICARE Prime enrollees: * **San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC):** Located at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston; the DOD's largest inpatient facility. * **Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center:** Located at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood). * **William Beaumont Army Medical Center:** Located at Fort Bliss in El Paso.
### Choice of Plans in Texas 1. **TRICARE Prime:** Best for those living near a base. You are assigned a PCM (usually at a military clinic) and need referrals for specialty care. There are generally no out-of-pocket costs for active duty families when using the MTF or network. 2. **TRICARE Select:** A PPO-style plan. You can see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral. This is popular for veterans and families living in rural Texas far from a base. 3. **TRICARE For Life:** For Texas retirees aged 65+ who have Medicare Part A and B. It acts as a second payer to Medicare.
### 2026 Cost Examples (Group A) For beneficiaries who entered service before January 1, 2018: * **TRICARE Select Enrollment Fees (Retirees):** For 2026, the annual fee is approximately $191.40 for an individual or $384.00 for a family (check TRICARE.mil for final 2026 inflation adjustments). * **Active Duty Prime Copays:** $0 for all covered services. * **Pharmacy:** Express Scripts handles Texas prescriptions. 2026 Home Delivery (90-day supply) for generic drugs is $16; brand name is $43.
### Regional Management Since January 1, 2025, the U.S. has been split into only two regions. While Texas has always been "East," the neighboring states to the West (like New Mexico) are now managed by **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**. If you live in El Paso and see a doctor across the border in New Mexico, your claims may involve coordination between Humana Military and TriWest.
Who this applies to
* **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Must enroll in Prime; usually seen at SAMMC, Fort Cavazos, or Fort Bliss. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Can choose Prime (no cost) or Select (deductibles apply). * **Retirees and their Families:** Eligible for Prime (fee-based) or Select. * **National Guard and Reserve:** Frequently apply to the thousands of Texans in the Texas National Guard using TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS).
Common Scenarios
**The Fort Cavazos Family (Active Duty)** An E-5 living in Killeen, TX, with a spouse and two children. They are enrolled in **TRICARE Prime**. They see their PCM at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. Their out-of-pocket cost for a 2026 pediatrician visit and generic antibiotics is **$0**.
**The Rural Texas Veteran (Retired)** A retired Army Major living in Lubbock, far from a military base. He uses **TRICARE Select** to see a local private cardiologist. For a 2026 specialist visit, he pays a **$40-$50 copay** (depending on exact 2026 Group A/B status) after meeting his annual deductible.
**The Texas National Guard Member** A "drilling" Guard member living in Austin uses **TRICARE Reserve Select**. In 2026, she pays a monthly premium (roughly $50-$60 for individual coverage). When she goes to a local urgent care clinic in Austin, she pays a small negotiated network copay.
Related Terms
* **Humana Military:** The current East Region contractor responsible for Texas. * **Prime Service Area (PSA):** Geographic areas (usually near bases like JBSA) where TRICARE Prime is offered. * **MTF (Military Treatment Facility):** A base hospital or clinic, such as SAMMC in San Antonio. * **Express Scripts:** The company that manages mail-order and retail pharmacy benefits for all Texans on TRICARE. * **DEERS:** The database where Texas beneficiaries must keep their address updated to remain eligible for care.
Sources
* TRICARE East Region (Humana Military): https://www.humanamilitary.com/ * TRICARE Official Site (Plan Finder): https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/PlanFinder * Defense Health Agency (DHA): https://health.mil/