Tricare Reforms in 2026: Enhancements in Access and Cost for Military Beneficiaries
In 2026, significant reforms to Tricare plans are set to take place, focusing on improving access and reducing costs for military beneficiaries. The changes are part of the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes provisions to bolster military medical billets, improve travel benefits, and open military treatment facilities to veterans. Additionally, Tricare will now cover weight loss prescriptions for obesity treatment. A pilot program will test a new Tricare Prime model in two cities, Atlanta and Tampa, affecting over 146,000 eligible beneficiaries. This initiative aims to streamline Tricare into a more efficient system, although full consolidation has not yet been achieved. 
