Open Season for TRICARE, Other Benefits

Open enrollment season for TRICARE medical coverage and other federal employment benefits began Nov. 10 and runs through early December.

This is the time of year when those eligible can enroll, disenroll or amend their benefits. Any changes take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Otherwise, changes can only be made if there is a so-called qualifying life event, such as getting married, having a baby or losing one's health care coverage.

In the National Guard community, open season is important for Active Guard and Reserve personnel, dual-status technicians, retirees drawing retirement pay and their families.

TRICARE open season runs from Nov. 10 to Dec. 9 and applies to the coverage available to AGRs and retirees over age 60. Learn more.

Dual-Status Technicians

Although dual-status technicians must be drilling Guardsmen to qualify for their positions, they are considered civilian federal workers and must currently obtain their health care through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.

FEHB changes must be made during the federal benefits open season from Nov. 10 to Dec. 8. Learn more.

Active Guard Reserve

Title 32 AGRs may also enroll in a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account and use pre-tax dollars to pay for programs like preschool, summer day camp and child or adult daycare.

DCFSA enrollment is part of the federal benefits open season. More information is available here.

All AGRs will additionally be eligible for a new Defense Department Health Care Flexible Spending Account.

Most drilling Guardsmen and retirees under age 60 (gray-area retirees) are eligible for TRICARE Reserve Select or TRICARE Retired Reserve. Enrollment in both premium-based programs is available at any time.

TRICARE Rate Changes for 2016

Current TRS monthly premiums are $53.80 for service members and $274.48 for a service member and their family. These monthly premiums will increase to $57.88 for service members and $286.66 for a service member and their family in 2026.

Monthly TRR premiums are $631.26 for individual coverage and $1,513.04 for a family. These premiums will increase to $645.90 for an individual and $1,548.30 for a family.

TRS premiums are largely subsidized to bolster medical readiness; TRR is sold at cost to DoD.

Retired Guardsmen over age 60 are eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select.

Open season does not apply to those with TRICARE For Life coverage, which is automatic for those with Medicare Part A and Part B.

Learn more about the full array of TRICARE plans.

CY 2026 TRICARE premium-based health plans monthly premiums

 —By Michael Metz