Armed Forces News

TRICARE Open Season begins Nov. 11 and ends Dec. 9. During that time, eligible beneficiaries can:

* Stay in their current plan by doing nothing. Coverage for those who are eligible would remain in effect through 2020.
* Enroll in a plan. Beneficiaries can choose to participate in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select.
* Change coverage from TRICARE Prime to TRICARE Select, or vice versa.
* Take no action at all, and remain under current coverage. With this option, those who are not already in a TRICARE plan or do not wish to enroll would still be able to get health care at military treatment facilities on a space-available basis.

Persons can enroll in TRICARE or change their participation outside of Open Season if they experience what the agency calls a Qualifying Life Event. Marriage, the birth of a child, and retirement from active duty would fit this category. In such cases, coverage could change for individuals or all family members.