Rachel SThe start of a new year always brings that quiet urge to reset. New routines, fresh calendars, and the hope that this year feels a little more organized than the last. For military families, January is also the perfect time to check in on healthcare, before PCS season, school schedules, and everyday life pick back up speed.
Think of this as your annual healthcare refresh. Nothing complicated, just a few intentional steps to help you feel prepared and covered as the year unfolds.
Military life changes quickly. A new duty station, a growing family, or even a change in work schedules can affect which TRICARE plan works best for you. Taking a moment to confirm which plan you’re enrolled in and whether it still fits your current situation can prevent surprises later in the year. What worked last year may not be the best option now, especially after a move or life transition.
It’s also important to make sure your information in DEERS is accurate and up to date. Address changes, family additions, or status updates all impact your TRICARE coverage. Even small details can cause issues with appointments or claims, so checking this early in the year helps everything run more smoothly.
The beginning of the year is a great time to schedule preventive care. Annual physicals, well-woman or well-man exams, pediatric checkups, dental cleanings, and vision appointments tend to fill up quickly, especially on or near base. Getting these on the calendar now provides flexibility later when schedules shift or PCS plans appear unexpectedly.
If anyone in your household takes regular medications, the new year is a smart time to review prescriptions and pharmacy options. Confirm refill schedules, dosages, and whether on-base pickup or home delivery works best for your lifestyle. This is especially helpful if travel, training cycles, or a move may be coming up.
For families enrolled in TRICARE Prime, referrals are another important piece to review. Referrals have expiration dates, and understanding which ones are active can help avoid delays or unexpected costs when specialty care is needed later.
If a PCS or extended travel is on the horizon, a little healthcare planning now can make a big difference. Gathering medical records, transferring specialty care, and refilling prescriptions ahead of time can ease transitions and reduce stress during already busy seasons.
Mental health deserves just as much attention as physical health. The new year can feel hopeful, but it can also bring pressure and exhaustion. TRICARE offers access to counseling, behavioral health services, and telehealth options, making support easier to reach when you need it.
You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Even completing one healthcare check-in can help the year feel more organized and supported. Taking time to review your TRICARE and healthcare needs now is a simple way to care for yourself and your family as military life continues to move forward.
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