FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The annual TRICARE Open Season has officially begun, providing beneficiaries with a unique opportunity to make adjustments to their health plans for the upcoming year.
TRICARE Open Season, which commenced on November 11 and will conclude on December 10, enables most beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select to modify their health plans for coverage starting January 1, 2025.
“It’s essential to take advantage of TRICARE Open Season to make adjustments to your health plan that align with your and your family members’ evolving health needs,” explained Zelly Zim, a health systems specialist with the TRICARE Health Plan Policy & Programs Branch at the Defense Health Agency. “This is particularly important, as it is the only time of year when beneficiaries can make changes to their health plan without experiencing a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event.”
Certain changes will be implemented to TRICARE’s regional contracts starting January 1, 2025, affecting beneficiaries residing in specific regions. Beneficiaries can visit TRICARE Changes to determine if they will be impacted by these changes.
Beneficiaries eligible for TRICARE Open Season include those enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, as well as certain Uniformed Services family members, survivors, former spouses, Medal of Honor recipients, and their family members.
It’s essential to note that TRICARE Open Season does not apply to everyone, particularly those enrolled in TRICARE For Life, the US Family Health Plan, or those who are eligible for another group health insurance plan through their employer.
In addition to making changes to health plans, beneficiaries can also enroll in or modify their dental and vision coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program during Federal Benefits Open Season. The Federal Benefits Open Season commenced on November 11 and will conclude on December 9, allowing beneficiaries to make changes to their coverage. Eligibility for FEDVIP is contingent upon TRICARE beneficiary status.
Beneficiaries are advised to review their information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System to ensure accuracy and to validate their payment information on file. Those residing in the West Region or moving to the West Region on January 1, 2025, may need to provide payment information to TriWest Healthcare Alliance by January 1 if they pay via bank electronic funds transfer, debit or credit card.
Regardless of whether changes are necessary, TRICARE beneficiaries are encouraged to review their health plan, dental, and vision coverage options for the upcoming year to ensure they are adequately covered.
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