The annual period where you can change your health coverage for the next calendar year is open from November 13 – December 12, 2023. Any changes made to enrollment during this period will be effective starting January 1, 2024. Anyone currently enrolled in or eligible for a TRICARE Prime or Select healthcare plan option can change enrollment among these plans.

3 Options During Open Enrollment:

1. Stay in your plan. If you do not want to change your current plan, you do not need to do anything as long as you are eligible.
2. Enroll in a plan for the first time. If you are eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select but are not currently enrolled, open enrollment is the time to do so.
3. Change plans. During this enrollment period, you can switch from TRICARE Prime options to TRICARE Select. You can also switch from individual or family enrollment. 

Enrolled Retirees with an initial enrollment date before January 1, 2018 or family members enrolled in TRICARE Select have new fees beginning January 1, 2021.

Can you make changes outside of open enrollment?

In order to make changes outside of open enrollment, you must have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). A QLE includes but is not limited to a relocation to a new location, marriage, birth of a child or retirement from active duty. A new pregnancy no longer counts as a QLE. You can change your plan within the 90 day period from a QLE.

FEDVIP Enrollment

FEDVIP is the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. Eligibility for this program runs open enrollment from November 13- December 11, 2023. Check eligibility and compare plans here.

What are the TRICARE plans?

There are several TRICARE health plans. Active-Duty military and their families living at most military bases are eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select. Read more about each plan to know what you are eligible for and what it covers.

The basic plans are TRICARE Prime and Select, with branches off of those based on locations.

TRICARE Prime – Active Duty are automatically enrolled in this program. For families, this program provides are with a military or network provider without copays except in cases of using point-of-service options. Primary Care Managers provider care and referrals as needed to specialists.

TRICARE Prime Remote – Command-sponsored active duty and family members whose sponsor’s home and work addresses are more than 50 miles from a military hospital or clinic.

TRICARE Prime Overseas – Command-sponsored active duty and family members living overseas are seen by military or network providers.

TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas – Command-sponsored active duty and family members living in remote locations overseas including Eurasia-Africa, Latin America, Canada and areas in the Pacific.

TRICARE Select – Family members and retirees are seen by Tricare-authorized providers chosen by them, and no referrals from a primary care manager are required. A deductible, cost share and enrollment fees may be required.

TRICARE Select Overseas – Family members can see any overseas provider without referrals. A deductible, cost share and enrollment fees may be required.

The following healthcare plans can be enrolled in outside of open enrollment if eligibility criteria are met per the links provided below.

TRICARE For Life – TRICARE eligible beneficiaries who have Medicare A and B.

TRICARE Reserve Select –  Qualified Selected Reserve members and their families are eligible for this healthcare plan.

TRICARE Retired Reserves – Retired Reserve members are eligible to purchase this healthcare plan.

TRICARE Young Adult – This premium-based insurance is available for adult children through age 25.

US Family Health Plan – Enrollment is available to those who live in an area where this care is available.

Know your healthcare options and gather all the information you can to make an informed decision that works best for your family.

Utilizing the TRICARE benefits in the civilian world has become increasingly difficult. For families using TRICARE Prime and Select, the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) has typically been unavailable for family members due to having fewer staff, meaning decreased appointment availability. Less availability at MTFs means military family members with TRICARE benefits must utilize civilian healthcare resources. Finding a provider who takes TRICARE, though, has added a new level of stress and frustration to military families who move or their provider stops accepting TRICARE. The Defense Health Agency, which is the body that oversees and runs TRICARE, said they are working to make the directories for medical providers more accurate.

Army Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland, director of the Defense Health Agency, stated at a family forum, “I got a lot of feedback that the network directories are terribly inadequate.” Incorrect in-network directories are not a new problem for military families. Even those on TRICARE Prime, who in the past would be seen at the MTFs and know who they and their family members can be seen by, are being referred to providers off base. The civilian community has not been able to keep up with the influx of new patients sent for care in the local economy. Healthcare, in general, is struggling post-pandemic – there aren’t enough support staff, and medical providers have left or retired when they can without the employee force to replace them. If the healthcare system cannot keep up with the general population, an influx of military family members also cannot be supported. This translates to inaccurate online directories for military family members to choose care.

The inadequate directory spans all specialties – primary care, neurology, cardiologists, pediatricians, etc. This further delays care for military family members. Lt. Gen. Crosland conducted her own personal test – asking 10 of her team members to call ten behavioral health providers on the TRICARE directory in the National Capital Region, which resulted in 3 appointments. While a small test, this is a taste of what individuals go through when trying to arrange care for themselves or family members – hours on the phone due to inaccurate information.

The proposed fix will concur with 2025 TRICARE contracts requiring that contractors check monthly for up-to-date information. In addition, penalties will be enacted for the contractors for “not having a network that has a capacity that actually leads to appointments to see individuals,” per Lt. Gen. Crosland. The 2024 contractors for TRICARE are Humana Military for the TRICARE East Region and Health Net for the TRICARE West Region. These contracts are in place through 2024, so they do not reflect who will hold the contract in 2025. No specific penalty is listed, but that will come when the 2025 contracts are written and agreed on.

Active-duty military members are still only seen on the MTF at their assigned clinic.

While these changes won’t be enacted until 2025, they are recognized as an issue.

There are three big expenses for the holidays – the food, the décor and the presents. Several programs are aimed at helping military families specifically to provide these at no expense. Check often and check early, as many of these programs have sign-ups that fill up quickly.

Turkey for Troops

Turkey for Troops from the USO

Many branches of the USO have holiday meal programs. The program usually includes a turkey and some sides sponsored either by a local corporation or grocery store. For instance, the USO-Metro offers holiday meal baskets to active-duty service members ranked E1-E6 stationed in the area. Registration for their program opens mid-October, and those chosen will be notified the first week of November. Check your local USO branch for information on available donations.

Operation Homefront

The Holiday Meals for Military Program from Operation Homefront provides holiday meals for military members with deployed service members.  Holiday meal sign-ups are open NOW, and can fill quickly, so make sure to check out the eligibility criteria and sign up if you meet the criteria. Some programs are open to all ranks and include veterans; some areas are open to E1-E6 only. You can search specifically by state to narrow down your location. There is a contact person listed in each category for any location-specific questions.

Trees for Troops

Trees for Troops was developed to deliver holiday cheer with free fresh trees to military families. Cost is a limiting factor for some looking for a fresh tree, and the program’s goal is to give as many military members as possible a tree for the holiday season.

How to Get a Tree

All donated trees will be picked up on December 4^th and delivered to military bases over the following 2 weeks. To see if your base is getting a delivery, check this link for a map or check the list below. Follow the military post pages, including Fleet and Family Services or Community Services for pick-up times.

All branches of the Armed Forces are represented in donation sites, and a National Guard site is included this year!

The following Air Force Bases will be receiving donations:

• Travis AFB- CA
• JB Anacostia-Bolling (11th wing AF) – DC
• Dover AFB – DE
• Hurlburt Field – FL
• MacDill AFB – FL
• Moody AFB – GA
• Robins AFB – GA
• Scott AFB – IL
• Whiteman AFB – MO
• Offutt AFB – NE
• Altus AFB – OK
• JB Charleston – SC
• JBSA Randolph AFB – TX
• JB Langely – Eustis – VA
• Warren AFB – WY

The following Army Bases will be receiving donations:

• Fort Novosel – AL
• Fort Huachuca – AZ
• U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground – AZ
• Fort Hunter Liggett – CA
• Fort Irwin – CA
• Fort Carson – CO
• Fort Eisenhower- GA
• Fort Moore – GA
• Fort Stewart – GA
• Hunter Army Air Field – GA
• Rock Island Arsenal – IL
• Fort Leavenworth – KS
• Fort Riley – KS
• Fort Campbell – KY
• Fort Knox – KY
• Fort Johnson – LA
• Fort Leonard Wood – MO
• Fort Liberty – NC
• Fort Drum – NY
• Fort Hamilton – NY
• West Point – NY
• Fort Sill – OK
• Fort Bliss – TX
• Fort Cavazos – TX
• JB Lewis-McChord – WA
• Fort McCoy – WI

The following Marine Corps Bases will be receiving donations:

• MCAS YUMA – AZ
• Camp Pendleton – CA
• MCAGCC Twentynine Palms – CA
• MCAS Miramar – CA
• MCLB – Barstow – CA
• MCRD San Diego – CA
• MCLB – Albany – GA
• Camp Lejeune – New River – NC
• MCAS Cherry Point – NC
• MCB Quantico – VA

The following Navy Bases will be receiving donations:

• NAS Lemoore – CA
• NAS North Island – CA
• Naval Base Point Loma – CA
• Naval Base Ventura County – CA
• NWS Seal Beach – CA
• NAWS China Lake – CA
• Naval Submarine Base New London – CT
• NAS Jacksonville – FL
• NAS Key West – FL
• NAS Pensacola – FL
• NAS Whiting Field – FL
• NOTU Cape Canaveral – FL
• NS Mayport – FL
• NSA Panama City – FL
• NSB Kings Bay – GA
• Naval Station Great Lakes – IL
• NAS JRB New Orleans – LA
• NAS Patuxent River – MD
• NSA Annapolis – MD
• NSF Indian Head – MD
• NAS Meridian – MS
• NCBC Gulfport – MS
• Naval Weapons Station Earle – NJ
• NSA Mid-South – TN
• NAS Corpus Christie – TX
• NAS Kingsville – TX
• NASJRB Fort Worth – TX
• JEB Little Creek – Fort Story – VA
• NSF Dahlgren – VA
• NWS Yorktown – VA
• NAS Whidbey Island – WA
• NS Everett – WA

The following Coast Guard Bases will be receiving donations:

• Sector Mobile – AL
• Sector L.A. – Long Beach – CA
• Sector San Diego – CA
• Coast Guard Academy – CT
• CG Training Center Cape May – NJ
• Cleveland Moorings – OH
• Sector Lake Michigan – WI

The following National Guard training center will be receiving donations:

• LANG Training Center – Pineville – LA

The following Space Force bases will be receiving donations:

• Peterson SFB – CO
• Schriever SFB – CO

Holiday Toy Drive

Operation Home Front and the USO offer variable holiday toy offerings. Operation Home Front typically announces and organizes their toy giveaways once collections are complete in December, so stay tuned to their website for any announcements. Each USO differs in what programs they offer. Some USO locations offer Project Elf, assigning a child aged 3-12 with a volunteer to help them “shop” on the tables to choose gifts for their parents for free, as available through donations.  Check your local USO social media page for any updates.

Did you know that science has uncovered a unique way to ease the pressures of military family life? Amidst constant change, deployments, and school adjustments, a fascinating solution has surfaced: Pets. These lovable creatures aren’t just companions, they’re little heroes, stimulating positive growth in kids and aiding service members’ re-entry into family life after deployment. 

Helps to Manage Trauma

If your loved one engaged in active combat during their deployment, it’s likely that they may be dealing with trauma from that experience. In fact, a study of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans shows that about 30% have developed post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Having PTSD can result in irritability, anger, and panic attacks. It may also result in having bad dreams or nightmares every night since one of the major symptoms of PTSD is having intrusive reminders of the traumatic experience. Therapy can help to be in a healthier state of mind, but having a pet can also be beneficial if you or your loved one is dealing with trauma. 

In a research of those who have experienced trauma including those with PTSD, it was found that animal-assisted therapy can reduce PTSD symptoms. There is increased oxytocin in both pets and humans during interactions, and oxytocin can help to have better sleep and regulate emotional responses. The therapies mainly included dogs, but it was found that horses and other farm animals are just as effective to quell PTSD symptoms. Just spending some quiet time with a pet while gently stroking their fur, or even talking or reading to them can help to ease PTSD symptoms and make you feel calm and less anxious. 

Get More Exercise

Lack of exercise not only increases your risk of mental health disorders, but it can also increase the likelihood of developing health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. Having a pet ensures that military families get lots of exercise, and this is especially true if the pet happens to be a dog or a horse. Canine companions need to be walked at least once every day, while horses need 20 minutes of movement daily to stay healthy. Family members can take turns walking the dog or riding their pet horse to get equal bonding time with their pet and get moving. Not only will this help to get you fit, but it will also ease stress, which affects both the young and old. 

Improves Social Skills

Most civilians may think that being a military kid is lots of fun because they get to live in new places and meet lots of new people. However, they’re often highly stressed since being frequently mobile means having to constantly adjust to new academic curriculum. Military children may also struggle to develop lasting friendships and have a hard time finding a sense of belonging in new environments. After frequent relocations, separation from parents due to deployment, and a lack of friends, children may either start to become withdrawn and less sociable, or they become highly rambunctious and rebellious. Thankfully, pet therapy can help to make military children feel less lonely, and it may even enable them to become more sociable.

A survey shows that out of 2,000 dog owners surveyed, almost half of the participants made friends while walking their pets. Having a dog can make people seem open to friendships and connections, and it may even give people a boost of confidence so they can talk to others. So, encourage your child to walk your pet dog at the park. It’s likely that other kids may want to initiate conversations with them due to the presence of their furry pal. These conversations can lead to solid friendships, which can help military kids to thrive. 

Pets bring joy to people, and they can help military families in so many ways. Consider getting a pet to increase your family’s happiness, boost overall health, and have more interactions with others, and make sure to do your research so you can get the best type of pet that’s right for you and your loved ones. 

TRICARE rate changes are coming as of January 1. Every new year, health insurance companies re-evaluate costs and pass on the costs to those enrolled. It is no different for utilizers of TRICARE plan for Young Adult, Reservists, Retired Reservists, and separating service members.

TRICARE Young Adult

Per Congress, the TRICARE Young Adult program must run without a deficit, meaning that the cost of the program is passed on to the user.  The monthly cost for the TRICARE Young Adult Prime will increase about 12% to $637 a month from the current rate of $570 a month.  The monthly cost for the TRICARE Young Adult Select program will increase by 6.9%, from $291 a month to $311 a month.

Transitioning Service Members

Some members enroll in the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) when leaving military service. This plan is a temporary healthcare bridge for 18 to 36 months after losing TRICARE eligibility. It is utilized by service members who may not have a job lined up or their spouses’ place of employment does not offer a healthcare plan. It also allows family members to continue healthcare from providers they know and regularly see, which is helpful for those with chronic conditions.

The annual costs will increase by about 9%, with a rise from $1654 per quarter to $1813 per quarter in 2024.

Current and Retired Reservists

TRICARE Reserve Select monthly premiums will increase. Individual rates will increase to $51.95 a month in 2024, and the monthly premium for families will increase to $256.87.

TRICARE Retired Reserve premiums will increase by about 6.5%. Individual monthly rates will increase to $585.24, and family monthly rates will increase to $1,406.22.

Comparison of Rates

While the costs of a health plan through the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace vary per state, the average cost for a family of 4 with minimal coverage is less than $300 a month. To compare other healthcare plans, check out healthcare.gov. According to Forbes, in 2023, the average plan cost $1214 for a 40-year-old with one child and $1491 for a 40-year-old couple with two children. Costs of health insurance through the marketplace vary based on age, state, and household income, and each state provides a breakdown of what is offered within each tier of the healthplan. It is important to note that those utilizing healthcare insurance plans through the marketplace cannot use the military health network on the military installation. So, if it is important to continue care through a specialist at the current base, remaining with TRICARE will allow for continuity of care.

Get the up-to-date costs and fees schedule at the TRICARE website here, broken down by plan. TRICARE West lists the 2024 updates here.

Military service members and their families are no strangers to change of addresses – but the process just became more complicated. As of May 1, 2023, the United States Postal Service (USPS) rolled out a new process with the intention of streamlining its change of address (COA) process. The idea sounds good on paper – for those who change their address in person, the ID cards will be scanned in addition to the postal card completed. For those who complete the COA online, the fee stands as verification. However, due to this change in the system, COAs are not being completed in the typical 2–4-week timeline that military families are used to. In fact, the COA process is taking several months to complete.

The Process

For those using the online service, go to the MoversGuide section on the USPS website to complete the form.  The verification of identity is completed by sending a one-time passcode or verification link to a mobile phone number and charging $1.10 on a credit card as a verification fee. The online change of address does not take effect for 7-14 business days.

For those using the in-person verification, once the card is completed, the USPS employee will need either a US Passport, a military ID card, or a state-issued driver’s or non-drivers license ID. The identification may be scanned. A secondary form of identification of a lease, mortgage or deed, voter or vehicle registration card, or home or vehicle insurance policy can be used. The change of address does not take effect for 7-14 business days.

Once the mail-forwarding is completed, your old mail carrier is supposed to pull your mail to be sent to the Central Forwarding Service, CFS. Once there, CFS affixes the forwarding address label and sends it to the next address.

What To Do If…

As one can imagine, with a change in policy at a government entity, the change in the COA process has led to a big slowdown. The CFS is backlogged, and as told by two USPS employees through their Customer Service line, they do not have a timeline for mail forwarding. Their recommendation is not to do mail forwarding at all but to change addresses with each business that has their address. However, changing the address does not help those who held mail while they did not have a forwarding address.

Tip: Keep a list on a Google Sheet or Excel Sheet of every business you receive mail from – banks, mortgage companies, insurance companies, etc. with their website and phone numbers.  Use this list to change your address as soon as you are able versus doing mail forwarding to avoid missing mail. This helps streamline the process when you spend hours on the computer changing each address.

Don’t Do Mail Hold

If you are a military family moving and do not have a forwarding address, consider forwarding mail to a trusted family member or friend. This prevents mail holding, which cannot be forwarded for months due to the backlog.

If It Takes Over Two Weeks

There is an “at least seven days” processing for both online and in-person, which is being extended to 7-14 business days. If no mail is being forwarded and it is over two weeks, submit a service request at the USPS site here, making sure to select the reason for inquiry as a change of address.  Your previous post office should reach out to correct the issue within 72 business hours.

What If Mail Still Isn’t Forwarded

If your mail isn’t forwarded after multiple attempts to resolve it through the local Post Office, or if you are concerned that there is fraud, theft or destruction of your mail, the USPS has an Office of Inspector General (OIG), to route the concern to here. This form is not for customer service complaints. The website also states it is not to be used for delivery problems with mail, however, if speaking to the previous local post office multiple times leads to no forwarded mail, then theft or gross negligence is a concern, and the OIG office can address this.

If you are still without a resolution after reaching out to the OIG, consider writing a letter to your representative if it has been more than two months.