TRICARE Open Season and Scam Prevention Tips for Military Families

What's Happening

• •TRICARE open season is currently underway, allowing service members and families to make changes to their health plans.
• •Scammers are increasingly targeting military families during this busy time, especially around the holidays.
• •The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has issued tips to help families identify and avoid scams.

Why It Matters

The upcoming TRICARE open season provides a critical opportunity for military families to reassess their healthcare coverage. With the added risk of scams during the holiday season, understanding how to protect personal information is essential for maintaining financial and health security.

What Changes Now

• •TRICARE open season allows service members to change their health plans. This is important for ensuring that families have the best coverage for their needs as of January 1.
• •Scam awareness campaigns are being promoted by organizations like MOAA. This helps families stay informed and vigilant against potential threats during a busy time.
• •New resources and tips for avoiding scams are being shared through military channels. Families should utilize these resources to educate themselves and protect their personal information.

What to Watch

• •The deadline for TRICARE open season is December 15. Families must make any desired changes by this date to ensure coverage starts on January 1.
• •MOAA will continue to release educational materials on scam prevention. Keeping an eye on their updates can provide valuable information throughout the holiday season.
• •Local military installations may host informational sessions on TRICARE and scam awareness. Attending these can provide direct access to resources and expert advice.

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More Context

• •Understanding TRICARE Open Season: TRICARE open season is the annual period when service members, retirees, and their families can enroll in or change their health plans. This year, the open season runs from November 1 to December 15, giving military families a chance to evaluate their healthcare needs and make necessary adjustments. Active duty members, including those in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, should take this opportunity to ensure they have the best coverage for their unique situations. It's crucial to review available options, as changes made during this period will take effect on January 1 of the following year.
• •Beware of Scams Targeting Military Families: During the holiday season, scammers often ramp up their efforts to exploit the busy schedules of military families. Common scams include fake calls or emails claiming to be from TRICARE or other military benefits organizations, asking for personal information or payment. The MOAA advises service members to be cautious of unsolicited communications and to verify the identity of anyone requesting sensitive information. Families should remember that legitimate organizations will never ask for personal information in this manner.
• •Practical Steps to Protect Yourself: To safeguard against scams, military families should take several proactive steps. First, always verify the source of any communication before providing personal information. This can be done by contacting the organization directly using official contact numbers. Second, consider setting up alerts on your accounts to monitor for any unusual activity. Finally, educate family members about common scams and encourage them to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission or local law enforcement.