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TRICARE Open Season is almost here! It offers service members, military families, and retirees the opportunity to enroll in or change their health plans for the upcoming year. If 2024 was a year when you wanted medical care changes, now is the time to look ahead for 2025. This year, the enrollment window runs from November 11 to December 10, 2024. Any changes made during this period will take effect starting January 1, 2025. If beneficiaries do not act during this window, they can only adjust their coverage later if they experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), such as marriage or a move. You can change your plan within the 90 period from a QLE.
Plan Options Available During TRICARE Open Season
Beneficiaries can enroll in or switch between the following TRICARE health plans during the open season:
- TRICARE Prime (including US Family Health Plan and Prime Remote)
- TRICARE Prime Overseas
- TRICARE Select (including Select Overseas)
- TRICARE Reserve Select (for qualified National Guard and Reserve members)
Using TRICARE’s online tools—like the Plan Finder and Cost Comparison tools—can help families compare available coverage and determine which plan best meets their needs for the upcoming year.
FEDVIP: Additional Dental and Vision Options
At the same time as TRICARE’s enrollment period, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) holds its Open Season from November 11 to December 10, 2024. This allows eligible retirees, reservists, and military families to enroll in or modify their dental and vision plans. FEDVIP offers 12 dental and 5 vision plan carriers, with both standard and high-coverage options, depending on individual needs and geographic location. These are different and additional plans from the TRICARE vision coverage and dental coverage offered by United Concordia.
Families who need only dental or vision coverage can enroll in these programs through the BENEFEDS portal, even if they don’t make changes to their primary TRICARE health plan.
Next Steps
If you’re satisfied with your current plan, you do not need to take any action—your coverage will continue as is. However, it’s recommended to review your current benefits, as plan costs and coverage options may change in the upcoming year.
Other TRICARE options
The following healthcare plans can be enrolled in outside of open enrollment period 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.
By planning ahead and reviewing these options carefully during open season, families can ensure their healthcare needs are met for 2025. For more details on specific plans and eligibility, visit the TRICARE website or the BENEFEDS portal to explore FEDVIP options.
This is your only chance this year to make changes outside of a QLE, so mark the dates and choose wisely!
