What may occur if a beneficiary does not enroll in TRICARE Prime within the enrollment period?

If a beneficiary does not enroll in TRICARE Prime within the designated enrollment period, they may face higher costs or a waiting period when they decide to enroll in Prime later. TRICARE Prime has a specific enrollment window, and if a beneficiary misses this window, they will typically need to wait for the next enrollment period to sign up. During this interval, they may have to utilize TRICARE Select or pay higher out-of-pocket costs if they choose to receive care while not enrolled in Prime.

This situation emphasizes the importance of timely enrollment to maximize benefits and minimize costs associated with outstanding healthcare coverage. It's essential for beneficiaries to be aware of these enrollment periods to avoid unnecessary financial burdens or delays in receiving the preferred Prime benefits.