By TRICARE Communications     October 2026

Making Enrollment Changes Outside of TRICARE Open Season

Outside of TRICARE Open Season, you can enroll in or change enrollment to a TRICARE Prime option or TRICARE Select following a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event (QLE).

A QLE is a certain change in your life, such as marriage, birth of a child, or retirement from active duty, which may mean different TRICARE health plans are available to you and your family members.

A TRICARE QLE opens a 90-day period for you to make eligible enrollment changes. A QLE for one family member creates an opportunity for all eligible family members to make enrollment changes.

Dental and Vision Coverage

You may also be eligible to enroll in dental coverage and vision coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). Federal Benefits Open Season is Nov. 9–Dec. 7, 2026. Changes you make during this time take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Your eligibility depends on your beneficiary status.

You’ll need to have coverage in a TRICARE health plan to be eligible for vision coverage.

Outside of Federal Benefits Open Season, you can only enroll in FEDVIP or make changes to your FEDVIP plan if you have a FEDVIP qualifying life event. Some FEDVIP QLEs are different from TRICARE QLEs.

FEDVIP is managed by the Office of Personnel Management. Visit BENEFEDS to check your eligibility, compare FEDVIP plans and rates, enroll in a plan, and more.

Who is eligible?

 TRICARE Open Season applies to you if you have or are eligible for:

• TRICARE Prime options (including the US Family Health Plan and the TRICARE Prime Demo)

• TRICARE Select

What can I do during Open Season?

If you’re eligible for TRICARE Open Season, you can:

1. Stay in your plan. If you want to stay in your current TRICARE health plan, you don’t have to reenroll. You’ll continue in your current health plan as long as you’re eligible.

2. Enroll in a plan. If you’re eligible for a TRICARE Prime option or TRICARE Select but not enrolled, you can enroll in a plan.

3. Change plans. If you’re already enrolled in a TRICARE Prime option or TRICARE Select, you can switch plans. You can also switch between individual and family enrollment.

Which TRICARE plan is right for me?

Your plan options depend on who you are and where you live. If you have multiple options, think about how you prefer to get care and how this affects your out-of-pocket costs.

Here’s how to learn more about your options and decide which plan is right for you.

1. Check the TRICARE Plan Finder to see which plans you may be eligible for.

2. Use the Compare Plans Tool to compare plans side by side.

3. Go to Health Plan Costs to learn more about each plan’s out-of-pocket costs.

4. Use the Find a Doctor Tool to find military hospitals and clinics and TRICARE network providers near you.

How do I make changes during Open Season?

There are three ways to enroll in a TRICARE health plan or change your plan.

1. Online: Go to milConnect.

2. By phone: Call your TRICARE regional contractor or designated provider.

3. By mail or fax: Send an enrollment form to your TRICARE regional contractor or designated provider.

Looking for step-by-step instructions, contact information, and enrollment forms? Go to Enroll or Purchase a Plan, choose the plan you want to enroll in, and follow the steps to enroll.

What happens if I don't make changes during TRICARE Open Season?

If you aren’t already in a plan and you don’t enroll in one during open season, you’ll only be eligible for care at a military hospital or clinic, if space is available.

If you’re already enrolled in a plan and you don’t make changes, you’ll continue in your current health plan as long as you’re eligible.

Outside of TRICARE Open Season, you only can enroll in or change enrollment to a TRICARE Prime option or TRICARE Select if you have a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event.