5 Things to Know About Tricare Open Enrollment for 2025

5 Things to Know About Tricare Open Enrollment for 2025

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Attention, active-duty military and their family members! The annual TRICARE Open Enrollment period is approaching fast. This is your chance to make important decisions about your health coverage for the coming year. So, mark your calendars and prepare to take advantage of this crucial opportunity.

The TRICARE Open Enrollment period for 2025-2026 runs from November 14, 2024, to December 12, 2024. During this time, you can make changes to your current TRICARE plan, enroll in a new plan, or update your beneficiary information. It’s essential to note that any changes you make during Open Enrollment will take effect on January 1, 2025.

Don’t miss this opportunity to review your health coverage options and make informed decisions. Whether you’re looking for more comprehensive coverage or a more affordable option, TRICARE offers a range of plans to meet your needs. By taking advantage of Open Enrollment, you can ensure you have the right coverage in place to protect your health and well-being in the coming year.

TriCare Open Enrollment Period: Timeline and Eligibility

The TriCare Open Enrollment Period is an annual opportunity for eligible beneficiaries to make changes to their health insurance coverage. During this period, beneficiaries can enroll in or change their TriCare plan, as well as add or remove family members from their coverage.

Timeline

The TriCare Open Enrollment Period for 2025 will run from November 14, 2024 to December 12, 2024. During this time, beneficiaries can make changes to their coverage for the following year.

Eligibility

The following individuals are eligible to enroll in or change their TriCare coverage during the Open Enrollment Period:

Eligible Beneficiaries
Active Duty Service Members
Reserve and National Guard Members
Retirees
Family members of Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard Members
Survivors of deceased Service Members

Beneficiaries who are eligible for both TriCare and Medicare can make changes to their coverage during the TriCare Open Enrollment Period or the Medicare Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP), which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.

Dates for TriCare Open Enrollment in 2025

Active duty service members and their families, as well as National Guard and Reserve members, will be able to make changes to their Tricare health insurance plans during the following open enrollment periods:

Open Enrollment for Tricare Select, Prime, and Extra begins on November 14, 2024, and ends on December 12, 2024, with coverage beginning on January 1, 2025.

Plan Open Enrollment Coverage Begins
Tricare Select November 14 – December 12, 2024 January 1, 2025
Tricare Prime November 14 – December 12, 2024 January 1, 2025
Tricare Extra November 14 – December 12, 2024 January 1, 2025

Changes You Can Make During Open Enrollment

During open enrollment, you can make the following changes to your Tricare health plan:

  • Change your enrollment status (enroll, disenroll, or change plans)
  • Add or remove family members
  • Change your primary care manager (PCM)
  • Update your contact information

It is important to note that changes made during open enrollment will not take effect until the start of the new coverage year on January 1, 2025.

How to Enroll in TriCare During Open Enrollment

To enroll in TriCare during Open Enrollment, you will need to:

  1. Create a DS Logon account at https://id.dmdc.osd.mil/login.
  2. Log in to the My TriCare website at https://www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents.
  3. Follow the instructions to enroll in a TriCare plan.
  4. Selecting a TriCare Plan

    There are several TriCare plans to choose from, each with different benefits and costs. To select a plan that meets your needs, you should consider the following factors:

    • Your family size and health needs
    • The availability of providers in your area
    • The cost of the plan

    You can compare TriCare plans using the My TriCare website or by calling TriCare at 1-800-444-5445.

    Enrolling in TRICARE Prime

    If you are eligible for TRICARE Prime, you will need to enroll through a military hospital or clinic. To enroll, you will need to provide the following documentation:

    Document Required for
    Military ID card All beneficiaries
    Dependent’s ID card Dependents over age 10
    Birth certificate Dependents under age 10
    Marriage certificate Spouse

    You can also enroll in TRICARE Prime online through the My TriCare website. However, you will need to have a valid military ID card to do so.

    Open Enrollment Period for Tricare 2025

    The yearly Open Enrollment Period (OEP) provides Tricare beneficiaries an opportunity to review and make changes to their health and dental coverage. OEP for 2025 will take place from **[Insert Start Date]** to **[Insert End Date]**. During this period, beneficiaries can enroll in or change their coverage plans, including Tricare Prime, Tricare Select, and Tricare for Life.

    Benefits and Coverage Changes for 2025

    Tricare regularly reviews its benefits and coverage to ensure they meet the needs of beneficiaries. For 2025, there will be several changes to improve access to care and enhance coverage.

    Expanded Telehealth Services

    Tricare will expand access to telehealth services, including virtual visits with healthcare providers. This will provide beneficiaries with greater flexibility and convenience in receiving care, especially in remote areas or during times of limited mobility.

    Increased Mental Health Coverage

    Tricare will increase coverage for mental health services. This includes expanded access to behavioral health providers, such as psychologists and counselors, and coverage for a wider range of mental health conditions.

    Improved Dental Coverage

    Tricare will enhance dental coverage by increasing the annual coverage limit and expanding the list of covered services. This will provide beneficiaries with better access to essential dental care, including preventive care, fillings, and root canals.

    Premium Rate Changes

    Premium rates for Tricare plans will change in 2025. Tricare will provide updated premium information during the Open Enrollment Period. Beneficiaries should review the new rates carefully and consider their budget when making coverage decisions.

    Select vs. Prime: Understanding TriCare Options

    TriCare offers two main coverage options: Select and Prime. Understanding the differences between these plans is crucial for making an informed choice.

    TriCare Select is a traditional fee-for-service plan. Members can choose any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral. However, there are copays and deductibles associated with this plan.

    TriCare Prime is a managed care plan that requires members to choose a primary care manager (PCM). PCMs coordinate care and refer members to specialists when necessary. TriCare Prime offers lower copays and deductibles than Select, but members are limited to a smaller network of providers.

    Comparing Select and Prime

    To help you compare the two plans, here’s a table summarizing their key features:

    Feature Select Prime
    Provider Choice Any TRICARE-authorized provider In-network PCM-coordinated
    Referrals Not required Required for non-primary care
    Copays and Deductibles Higher Lower
    Provider Network Larger Smaller

    The best option for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as your budget, desired level of flexibility, and preferred type of care when making your decision.

    Enrollment Deadlines

    The Tricare Open Enrollment for 2024 and 2025 is scheduled to take place from November 14th, 2023, to December 12th, 2023. During this period, eligible beneficiaries can enroll in or change their Tricare health plan.

    Beneficiaries who miss the Open Enrollment period may still be able to enroll in Tricare under certain qualifying life events, such as marriage, birth of a child, or loss of employer-sponsored health insurance. However, late enrollees may be subject to a late enrollment fee.

    Late Enrollers

    Beneficiaries who enroll in Tricare outside of the Open Enrollment period may be subject to a late enrollment fee. The fee amount varies depending on the beneficiary’s enrollment date and the type of Tricare plan they are enrolling in.

    The following table shows the late enrollment fees for Tricare Prime and Tricare Select plans:

    Enrollment Date Tricare Prime Tricare Select
    January 1st – March 31st $25 per month $12.50 per month
    April 1st – June 30th $50 per month $25 per month
    July 1st – September 30th $75 per month $37.50 per month
    October 1st – December 31st $100 per month $50 per month

    Beneficiaries who are eligible for premium assistance may be exempt from paying the late enrollment fee.

    Annual Open Enrollment for Tricare 2025–2024

    The annual Open Enrollment period for Tricare health insurance runs from November 15 to December 15 of each year. During this time, all eligible beneficiaries can make changes to their coverage, including enrolling in or disenrolling from a Tricare plan. Changes made during Open Enrollment will take effect on January 1 of the following year.

    Other Enrollment Opportunities Beyond Open Enrollment

    There are several other situations where beneficiaries may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in or change their Tricare coverage outside of Open Enrollment. These include:

    Qualifying Life Events (QLEs)

    Marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, or a change in employment status may qualify as a QLE.

    Change in Family Status

    Adding or removing dependents from your Tricare coverage.

    Loss of Employer-Sponsored Coverage

    If you lose your employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be eligible for a 30-day SEP to enroll in Tricare.

    Returning to Active Duty

    Military members returning to active duty from the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) may be eligible for a 90-day SEP.

    Retirement

    Military retirees may be eligible for a 30-day SEP to enroll in Tricare Prime or Tricare Select.

    Other Eligible Circumstances

    Certain other events, such as changes in residence or a move to a new duty station, may also qualify for a SEP.

    It is important to note that the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements for each SEP vary. Beneficiaries should visit the Tricare website or contact their Tricare representative for more information about SEP opportunities and how to apply.

    When is Tricare Open Enrollment for 2025-2024?

    Tricare Open Enrollment for 2025-2024 will take place from November 14, 2024, to December 13, 2024. During this period, you can make changes to your current Tricare plan or enroll in a new one.

    Changes to TriCare Premiums and Fees in 2025

    Tricare premiums and fees will change in 2025. The following table shows the new premiums and fees for the most popular Tricare plans:

    Plan Monthly Premium Annual Deductible Out-of-Pocket Maximum
    Prime $31.50 $350 $3,000
    Prime Remote $23.50 $350 $3,000
    Select $30.10 $500 $3,500
    Extra $52.90 $0 $3,500

    TriCare Plan Comparison

    TriCare offers several plan options to meet the needs of military families. Each plan has different benefits, costs, and coverage. It’s important to compare the plans to choose the one that’s right for you and your family.

    Choosing the Right Plan

    When choosing a TriCare plan, consider the following factors:

    • Your family’s health needs
    • Your budget
    • Your preferred healthcare providers
    • Your lifestyle

    Points to Consider

    1. Features and Benefits: Consider the specific features and benefits offered by each plan, such as coverage for prescription drugs, mental health services, and preventive care.
    2. Costs and Fees: Compare the annual enrollment fees, monthly premiums, and out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
    3. Provider Network: Determine which healthcare providers are covered under each plan and whether you have access to the providers you prefer.
    4. Coverage: Evaluate the scope and limitations of coverage for both medical and dental care.
    5. Dependent Coverage: Consider the coverage options for your spouse and children.
    6. Flexibility: Assess the plan’s flexibility in terms of enrollment and disenrollment periods.
    7. Eligibility: Ensure that you and your family members meet the eligibility criteria for the plan you select.
    8. Additional Benefits: Explore any additional benefits offered by the plans, such as health and wellness programs, discounts on services, or telemedicine options.
    9. Personal Preferences: Consider your personal preferences, such as the type of coverage you prefer (e.g., managed care vs. fee-for-service) and the level of involvement you want in managing your healthcare.

    By carefully evaluating these factors and considering the specific needs of your family, you can make an informed decision about the TriCare plan that best meets your requirements.

    When is Tricare Open Enrollment for 2025-2024?

    Tricare Open Enrollment for 2025-2024 will take place from November 13, 2023 to December 12, 2023. During this time, eligible beneficiaries can enroll in or change their Tricare health plans for the following year.

    It is important to note that Tricare Open Enrollment is the only time of year when beneficiaries can make changes to their health plan coverage, unless they experience a qualifying life event, such as marriage, birth of a child, or loss of coverage. Beneficiaries who do not make changes during Open Enrollment will be automatically reenrolled in their current health plan.

    People Also Ask About When is Tricare Open Enrollment for 2025-2024

    Tricare Open Enrollment for 2025-2024 will take place from November 13, 2023 to December 12, 2023.

    If you miss Tricare Open Enrollment, you can still make changes to your health plan coverage if you experience a qualifying life event. Qualifying life events include marriage, birth of a child, loss of coverage, and others. You have 90 days from the date of the qualifying life event to make changes to your health plan.

    There are a variety of Tricare health plans available to eligible beneficiaries. These plans include:

    • Tricare Prime
    • Tricare Select
    • Tricare Standard
    • Tricare Reserve Select
    • Tricare Young Adult

    Each plan has its own benefits, costs, and eligibility requirements. Beneficiaries should compare the different plans to find the one that best meets their needs.