TRICARE Standard 2: Group 2 Select Plan Guide 2026
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## Quick answer "TRICARE Standard" no longer exists as a standalone plan. In 2018, it was replaced by **TRICARE Select**. If you are looking for "TRICARE Standard 2," you are likely referring to **Group 2 beneficiaries** (those who joined the military on or after January 1, 2018) using the **TRICARE Select** plan.
In detail
The transition from TRICARE Standard to TRICARE Select changed how beneficiaries manage their care. While the plan still functions as a "Preferred Provider Organization" (PPO) style plan—allowing you to see any authorized provider without a referral—the cost structure is now determined by your "Group" status.
### Group 1 vs. Group 2 * **Group 1:** Beneficiaries whose sponsor's initial enlistment or appointment occurred **before Jan. 1, 2018**. * **Group 2:** Beneficiaries whose sponsor's initial enlistment or appointment occurred **on or after Jan. 1, 2018**.
For those in "Standard 2" (Select Group 2), costs are generally higher than Group 1, and you are subject to an annual enrollment fee.
### 2026 TRICARE Select Group 2 Cost Structure (Estimated) *Note: Exact yearly adjustments occur every October. Below are typical structures for Group 2 retirees and active duty families.*
| Feature | Active Duty Families (Group 2) | Retirees & Families (Group 2) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Annual Enrollment Fee** | $0 | Varies by plan year ($500+ individual / $1,000+ family) | | **Individual Deductible** | ~$100–$200 (Network) | ~$300–$400 (Network) | | **Primary Care Copay** | ~$15–$30 | ~$35–$45 | | **Specialty Care Copay** | ~$25–$45 | ~$55–$70 | | **Catastrophic Cap** | ~$1,200+ | ~$4,300+ |
### Regional Management As of 2026, TRICARE is managed by two primary contractors under the T-5 contract: * **East Region:** Managed by **Humana Military**. * **West Region:** Managed by **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** (effective Jan 1, 2025). * **Pharmacy:** Managed by **Express Scripts**.
### Key Rules for Select/Standard Users 1. **No Referrals:** You do not need a referral for most services, including specialists. 2. **Network vs. Non-Network:** You pay significantly less when using TRICARE Network providers. 3. **Prior Authorization:** While referrals aren't needed, some high-cost procedures (like MRIs or surgeries) still require "prior authorization" from Humana or TriWest.
## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Who choose not to enroll in Prime and want more flexibility in choosing doctors. * **Retirees and their families:** Who entered service after 2018 (Group 2) and prefer a PPO model. * **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) / TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) Members:** These plans generally follow the Select cost-share logic but are distinct from "Standard." * **Federated States of Micronesia/Overseas:** Those using TRICARE Select Overseas.
Common scenarios
### 1. The Specialist Visit (Group 2 ADFM) An Active Duty spouse in Group 2 wants to see a dermatologist for a skin check. Under Select, she does not go to a military hospital. She finds a network dermatologist in the TriWest (West Region) directory. She pays her **2026 co-pay** (e.g., $35) at the office, and TRICARE covers the rest. No referral from a Primary Care Manager was required.
### 2. The Out-of-Network Emergency (Group 2 Retiree) A retiree who joined the Army in 2019 is traveling and visits an out-of-network urgent care center. Because they are Group 2, they must first meet their **2026 deductible** (approximately $350–$400). After the deductible is met, they will likely pay a 25% cost-share of the allowable charge rather than a flat copay because the provider was non-network.
## Related terms * **TRICARE Select:** The modern successor to TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra. * **Group 2:** Beneficiaries who entered service on or after January 1, 2018. * **Allowable Charge:** The maximum amount TRICARE will pay for a covered health care service. * **Catastrophic Cap:** The maximum out-of-pocket amount you pay each year for covered services. * **PPO (Preferred Provider Organization):** A type of health plan that lets you see any doctor without a referral.
## Sources * TRICARE.mil - TRICARE Select: https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/HealthPlans/TS * Defense Health Agency - Cost Shares: https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Access-Cost-Quality/TRICARE/Cost-Shares * Humana Military (East): https://www.humanamilitary.com/ * TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West): https://www.triwest.com/