MOAA’s TRICARE Guide: Transitioning Into Military Retirement – MOAA

MOAA’s TRICARE Guide: Transitioning Into Military Retirement  MOAA

Know what’s next for your health care before you leave uniform. Editor’s Note: This article by MOAA staff is part of MOAA’s 2026-27 TRICARE Guide, brought to you by MOAA Insurance Plans, administered by Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA). A version of the guide appeared in the November 2026 issue of Military Officer magazine. Retiring from military service means your health care options will change and might cost more. As you plan for retirement, take time to evaluate the health care options available to you, and consider both the costs and the benefits of each choice. TRICARE beneficiaries in the U.S. and its territories may pick between TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select.

Military retirees and their dependents living outside the U.S. can use TRICARE Select Overseas. TRICARE Prime is a managed care option, like a health maintenance organization (HMO), that typically uses military hospitals and clinics — and this means less out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries. TRICARE Select is self-managed, similar to a preferred provider organization (PPO). It offers the most freedom of choice but comes with higher costs. Here’s how to prepare for the transition into retired status: TRICARE Prime is only available in certain stateside regions, called Prime service areas. Check your ZIP code for eligibility at the TRICARE online plan finder or call your regional contractor. Retiree beneficiaries