Military Healthcare Comparison: TRICARE Prime vs Select vs VA (2026)

This guide was built by Em, a retired U.S. Navy Commander (Medical Service Corps, 20+ years). Page 214 is free, privacy-first, and entirely client-side. Authority for the healthcare frameworks: 10 U.S.C. Chapter 55 (TRICARE program for active duty, retirees, dependents, and survivors); 10 U.S.C. § 1086 (TRICARE for Life eligibility for Medicare-eligible beneficiaries); 38 U.S.C. Chapter 17 (VA Healthcare for veterans — 38 U.S.C. § 1705 priority groups, § 1710 hospital and outpatient care); 38 U.S.C. § 1781 (CHAMPVA — civilian healthcare for spouses, surviving spouses, and dependents of P&T or service-connected-deceased veterans); 38 U.S.C. § 1703 as amended by the VA MISSION Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-182, community care eligibility for rural veterans, drive-time and wait-time standards); the PACT Act of 2022 (Pub. L. 117-168 — expanded eligibility for combat veterans of all eras under 38 U.S.C. § 1710(a)(2)(F)); the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program at 38 C.F.R. § 17.400; and 38 C.F.R. Part 17 for hospital, outpatient, and pharmacy benefits regulations. TRICARE rates and copays sourced from TRICARE.mil and the DHA’s annual fee schedule (calendar-year basis, January effective dates). VA Healthcare priority-group assignments under 38 C.F.R. § 17.36; VA pharmacy copays at 38 C.F.R. § 17.110. Healthcare eligibility and costs change annually — verify current rates at TRICARE.mil and VA.gov before making enrollment decisions, and contact the VA Health Resource Center (1-877-222-VETS) or your VSO with eligibility questions.