Beginning November 12 and running through December 10, 2018, TRICARE will initiate its first ever open enrollment period for beneficiaries to enroll in or change their TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select health plan coverage. Beneficiaries already enrolled who want to continue with their current plan without changes do not need to do anything. Any changes made during the 2018 open enrollment will be effective January 1, 2019. Outside of open enrollment, beneficiaries enrolled in Prime or Select will only be able to make a plan change if they have a qualifying life event. Previously, beneficiaries could change plans at any time.

TRICARE referral requirements, deductibles and copayments/cost-shares vary by plan type. Physicians are urged to be diligent in verifying patient eligibility and benefits on or after January 1, 2019, to avoid unexpected higher out-of-pocket costs for patients. Visit www.tricare-west.com for online eligibility and benefit tools.

TRICARE For Life doesn’t require enrollment. TRICARE open enrollment also does not apply to the premium-based plans listed below. These plans will continue to offer continuous open enrollment throughout the year:

• TRICARE Retired Reserve
• TRICARE Reserve Select
• TRICARE Young Adult
• Continued Health Care Benefit Program

For more information on the TRICARE open enrollment, visit www.tricare.mil/openseason.