Understanding TRICARE Regions
TRICARE divides the United States into two regions: TRICARE East (managed by Humana Military) and TRICARE West (managed by TriWest Healthcare Alliance). When you PCS between regions, you must transfer your enrollment from one regional contractor to the other. Active-duty service members are automatically enrolled in TRICARE Prime, but dependents need to actively re-enroll to be assigned a new primary care manager (PCM) at the gaining location.
For overseas assignments, TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) provides coverage through International SOS. Begin the transfer process as soon as you receive PCS orders. Use milConnect or contact the regional contractor by phone to initiate the change. Our PCS timeline can help you schedule this task at the right point in your move.
Maintaining Coverage During Transit
Your TRICARE benefits remain active during PCS travel — there is no gap in coverage. Active-duty members can visit any military treatment facility (MTF) along the route for urgent care. Dependents on TRICARE Prime can access urgent and emergency care at any network or non-network provider during the move under the PCS transitional benefit. For non-emergency care during transit, call the nurse advice line at 1-800-TRICARE for guidance on accessing services. If your travel takes more than a few days, carry copies of your insurance information and a summary of any ongoing treatments.
Finding Providers at Your New Base
Once you arrive at your new duty station, your first step is enrolling with the local MTF or selecting a network primary care manager. Visit the TRICARE provider directory online to search for in-network physicians, specialists, and dentists near your new address. If the gaining installation has a large MTF, you will likely be assigned a PCM there. Smaller installations may require you to use a network civilian provider.
Request your medical and dental records from the losing MTF before departing. While records are increasingly digital, having physical copies or a summary ensures continuity of care. Research your new base's medical facilities using our military base directory to see what health services are available on and near the installation.
Transferring Prescriptions
Before your PCS, request a 90-day supply of all maintenance medications through TRICARE Home Delivery (administered by Express Scripts). This ensures you have enough medication to cover the transition period. If you use a specialty medication, coordinate with your current provider to transfer the prescription to a pharmacy or MTF at the gaining location. Active-duty members can fill prescriptions at any MTF pharmacy at no cost. Dependents can use MTF pharmacies, network retail pharmacies (with applicable copays), or TRICARE Home Delivery. Update your mailing address with Express Scripts promptly so home-delivery prescriptions arrive at your new address without interruption.
Dental Coverage and EFMP Considerations
The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP), administered by United Concordia, covers dependents and is separate from medical TRICARE. Dental coverage is portable nationwide, so you do not need to re-enroll when you PCS — just find a new network dentist at your destination. Active-duty dental care continues at the gaining MTF dental clinic.
If a family member is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), your PCS assignment is screened to ensure the new location can support their medical and educational needs. Coordinate with your EFMP coordinator and the gaining installation's EFMP office to verify that required specialists, therapists, and programs are available under TRICARE in that area. Review our PCS guide for more on managing special needs during a move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my TRICARE coverage lapse during a PCS?
No. TRICARE coverage does not lapse during a PCS. Active-duty service members remain covered under TRICARE Prime regardless of location. Dependents on TRICARE Prime should transfer their enrollment to the new region upon arrival to ensure they are assigned a primary care manager and can access in-network care without delays.
How do I transfer my TRICARE region during a PCS?
Contact your regional contractor to disenroll from the old region, then enroll with the new regional contractor at your gaining duty station. TRICARE West is managed by TriWest Healthcare Alliance, and TRICARE East is managed by Humana Military. You can initiate transfers through the milConnect portal or by calling the regional contractor directly.
Can I refill prescriptions during my PCS travel?
Yes. Active-duty members can fill prescriptions at any military treatment facility (MTF) pharmacy. Dependents can use any network pharmacy with their TRICARE benefit. Before your move, request a 90-day supply through TRICARE Home Delivery (Express Scripts) to ensure you have medication throughout the transition.
What is the EFMP and how does it affect a PCS with TRICARE?
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) ensures that family members with special medical or educational needs are assigned to installations where adequate services are available. If you are enrolled in EFMP, your PCS assignment is screened to verify the gaining location has the required TRICARE-covered specialists and programs. Coordinate with your EFMP coordinator early in the PCS process.
Plan Your PCS Move
Estimate your BAH at your new location and keep every task on track with our free PCS tools.