TRICARE Select In-Network MRI Back Scan Costs (2026)

*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.*

## Quick answer For a TRICARE Select beneficiary using an **in-network** provider, the cost of an MRI back scan is typically a fixed copayment based on your beneficiary group. For 2026, Group A retirees generally pay around **$55 to $60**, while Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs) may pay as little as **$0 to $30** depending on the specific facility type. You must meet your annual deductible before these copayments apply.

## In detail TRICARE Select is a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. While it offers more flexibility than TRICARE Prime, your out-of-pocket costs for imaging like an MRI or CT scan depend heavily on whether the provider is in-network and your "Group" status (Group A joined before Jan. 1, 2018; Group B joined on or after that date).

### 1. The Deductible Barrier Before TRICARE pays any portion of your MRI, you must satisfy your annual outpatient deductible. * **Group A ADFMs:** Typically $50 per person / $100 per family. * **Group A Retirees:** Typically $150 per person / $300 per family. * **Group B:** Varies annually; check TRICARE.mil for 2026 specifics.

### 2. Copayments for In-Network MRI (2026 Rates) Once the deductible is met, you pay a flat fee for "Specialty Care" or "Outpatient Hospital" services, which usually covers the MRI back scan:

*Note: If the MRI is performed in a hospital-based outpatient department rather than a standalone imaging center, the cost may be higher.*

### 3. Pre-Authorization Requirements Even though TRICARE Select doesn't require a referral for most specialty visits, **high-tech imaging (MRIs, MRA, PET scans, CT scans)** almost always requires **prior authorization** from your regional contractor: * **East Region:** Humana Military * **West Region:** TriWest Healthcare Alliance

Without this authorization, even an in-network MRI may be denied or subject to a 50% "point-of-service" penalty.

## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Those on TRICARE Select who choose to see a civilian specialist for back pain diagnostics. * **Retirees & Their Families:** Those under age 65 using TRICARE Select. * **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) Members:** Costs typically mirror Group B Active Duty Family Member rates. * **TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) Members:** Typically face higher premiums and cost-shares similar to Group B retirees.

Common scenarios

**Scenario 1: The Group A Retiree** John is a retired Army Sergeant (Group A) on TRICARE Select. He has already met his 2026 deductible. His doctor orders an MRI of his lumbar spine at an in-network standalone imaging center. John ensures TriWest (his West Region contractor) has authorized the scan. * **Total Out-of-Pocket:** **~$60** (estimated 2026 copay).

**Scenario 2: The TRS Family Member** Sarah is a spouse of a Reservist on TRICARE Reserve Select. She hasn't been to the doctor yet this year and her deductible is $0. She needs an MRI for a herniated disc. * **Total Out-of-Pocket:** Sarah must first pay her 2026 deductible (e.g., $150) plus her specialty copay (e.g., $30). * **Total:** **~$180**.

## Related terms * **Cost-Share:** The percentage of the total treated cost you pay (more common for out-of-network care). * **Catastrophic Cap:** The maximum amount you will pay out-of-pocket for covered services each calendar year. * **In-Network:** Providers who have a contract with Humana Military or TriWest to accept TRICARE-negotiated rates. * **Prior Authorization:** A requirement to get approval from TRICARE before receiving certain medical services or scans. * **Allowed Amount:** The maximum price TRICARE will pay for a specific medical service.

## Sources * TRICARE.mil - Costs: [https://www.tricare.mil/Costs](https://www.tricare.mil/Costs) * Humana Military (East): [https://www.humanamilitary.com/](https://www.humanamilitary.com/) * TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West): [https://www.triwest.com/](https://www.triwest.com/) * Defense Health Agency (DHA): [https://health.mil/](https://health.mil/)