Yes, TRICARE open season is still on, even during the government shutdown. If you’re a military spouse managing family healthcare during a shutdown, here’s the good news:

TRICARE Open Season will run as planned. From Nov. 10–Dec. 9, 2025, you can change or keep your TRICARE plan. Changes take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Now is the time to review your options. This yearly window lets you compare costs, networks, and coverage. Last year, some families saved up to $600 by switching networks, showing the benefits of informed choices.

Who Needs to Pay Attention?

Open Season is for family members covered by TRICARE Prime, Select, or USFHP. Active-duty service members are not included because they are automatically enrolled in Prime.

Others who do not need to participate include TRICARE For Life beneficiaries and families using premium-based plans such as TRS, TRR, or TYA, since these plans allow enrollment at any time.

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Prime vs. Select vs. USFHP: What Should Military Families Choose?

TRICARE Prime assigns you a Primary Care Manager (PCM), which typically means lower out-of-pocket costs, but you must get referrals to see specialists.

TRICARE Select allows you to visit any TRICARE-authorized provider without referrals, giving you more freedom and flexibility, but you generally pay higher per-appointment and service costs.

USFHP is another version of Prime available in specific regions, using its own civilian provider network. When choosing, consider the need for referrals, provider locations, cost differences, and changes in your family's healthcare needs or moves this year.

Eye Care Hack: FEDVIP Vision for Military Families

If your family is enrolled in a TRICARE health plan, you can also choose FEDVIP vision coverage during Open Season, from November 10 to December 9. FEDVIP covers routine eye exams, glasses, and contacts, which are not included in TRICARE health plans.

Remember: Think lenses, not fillings. For dental coverage, active-duty families should keep using the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP), not FEDVIP. Retired families will switch to FEDVIP dental.

In addition to vision benefits, this year brings another new opportunity: eligible service members can enroll in an HCFSA. This account lets you set aside pre-tax money for your family's out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as glasses, orthodontia, prescriptions, over-the-counter items, or copays. It's a useful way to manage regular health expenses and reduce costs.

How to Make TRICARE Changes as a Spouse

• Log in to milConnect and select Beneficiary Web Enrollment.
• Review your family’s information and make sure DEERS is up to date.
• You can change plans, add plans, or keep your current plan, then save or print your confirmation.
• You can also call your regional contractor or mail in a form, but it must arrive during Open Season to count.

Your Checklist for 2025 Open Season

1. Review your family’s TRICARE usage this year.
2. Confirm DEERS is updated.
3. Compare Prime vs. Select vs. USFHP.
4. Check if FEDVIP vision fits your needs.
5. Ask if HCFSA makes sense for your family’s costs.
6. Start and complete the change on milConnect or via phone.
7. Save confirmation; new coverage begins Jan. 1.

This is your annual chance to update or switch plans. Even with a government shutdown, TRICARE Open Season will continue as scheduled. Use this time to make the best choice for your family.

Suggested reads:

• When the Paycheck Stops: How Military Spouses Are Coping During the Shutdown
• Smart PCS Moves: How Digital Tools Are Reducing Military Relocation Stress
• Navigating Solo Parenting for Military Spouses During Deployment