Save Up to $7,000+ Per Year

TRICARE Young Adult AlternativesIs TYA Worth $363-794/Month?

Many military dependents ages 21-26 pay too much for TRICARE Young Adult when MNsure marketplace plans with subsidies cost a fraction of the price.

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TYA Has No Income-Based Subsidies

TRICARE Young Adult charges the same $363-794/month whether you earn $20,000 or $200,000. MNsure marketplace plans offer subsidies based on your income - meaning lower earners can get comprehensive coverage for $0-150/month.

2026 Cost Comparison

TRICARE Young Adult vs Minnesota Marketplace Options

Plan	Monthly	Annual	Subsidies
TRICARE Young Adult Prime Military facilities + referrals required	$363	$4,356	No subsidies available
TRICARE Young Adult Select Any TRICARE-authorized provider	$794	$9,528	No subsidies available
MNsure Bronze (with subsidies) Minnesota provider networks	$0-150	$0-1,800	Income-based subsidies available
MNsure Silver (with subsidies) Minnesota provider networks	$50-250	$600-3,000	Subsidies + cost-sharing reductions
MinnesotaCare MinnesotaCare network	$0-80	$0-960	Income up to 200% FPL

* MNsure costs shown are estimates for a single person with income qualifying for subsidies. Your actual costs depend on income, age, and plan selection.

Real Savings Examples

See how much young adults in Minnesota can save

Single, age 24, income $35,000/year

TYA Cost:$363/month (Prime)

MNsure Cost:$85/month (Silver with subsidies)

You Save:$278/month = $3,336/year

Significant Savings

Single, age 22, income $25,000/year

TYA Cost:$363/month (Prime)

MNsure Cost:$0/month (Bronze with subsidies)

You Save:$363/month = $4,356/year

Significant Savings

Single, age 25, income $48,000/year

TYA Cost:$794/month (Select)

MNsure Cost:$180/month (Silver with subsidies)

You Save:$614/month = $7,368/year

Significant Savings

What's Your Savings Potential?

Tell Navitize AI your age, income, and health needs. Get an instant comparison showing exactly how much you could save switching from TYA to MNsure.

Try asking:

"I'm 24, making $38,000/year, currently on TRICARE Young Adult Prime. How much could I save on MNsure?"

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When Does TYA Make Sense?

TYA isn't always the wrong choice - here's when it might be worth considering

TYA May Be Better If...

•Your income is too high for MNsure subsidies (above ~$58,000)
•You need access to military treatment facilities
•You're stationed overseas or move frequently
•You have complex care already established with TRICARE providers

MNsure Is Likely Better If...

•Your income qualifies for subsidies (under ~$58,000)
•You live in Minnesota and don't need military facilities
•You want more provider choices in your area
•You're relatively healthy and want lower premiums

How to Switch from TYA to MNsure

Check Your Timing

MNsure Open Enrollment runs November through January. Outside this period, you may need a Qualifying Life Event to enroll.

Compare Plans with Navitize

Use our AI to compare MNsure plans based on your income, health needs, and preferred doctors.

Apply on MNsure.org

Create an account, enter your income information, and select your plan. Subsidies are applied automatically.

Cancel TYA After MNsure Starts

Wait until your MNsure coverage is active before canceling TYA to avoid any gap in coverage.

Other Options to Consider

Parent's Employer Plan

You can stay on a parent's employer insurance until age 26, regardless of student or marital status.

Often the cheapest option

MinnesotaCare

If your income is under ~$30,000, you may qualify for MinnesotaCare with premiums under $80/month.

Very low premiums

Your Employer Plan

If you have a job with health benefits, employer coverage is often subsidized and comprehensive.

Compare to other options

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does TRICARE Young Adult cost in 2026?

TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) costs $363/month for TYA Prime and $794/month for TYA Select in 2026. These rates apply regardless of income - there are no subsidies available for TYA.

Can I get cheaper health insurance than TRICARE Young Adult?

Yes, many young adults can find cheaper coverage through MNsure marketplace plans, especially if they qualify for premium subsidies. With subsidies, marketplace plans can cost $0-200/month compared to TYA's $363-794/month.

Do I qualify for MNsure subsidies as a military dependent?

Subsidies are based on your individual income, not your parents' military status. If your income is between 138-400% of the Federal Poverty Level (roughly $20,000-$58,000 for an individual in 2026), you likely qualify for premium subsidies.

What age does TRICARE coverage end for dependents?

Regular TRICARE dependent coverage ends at age 21 (or 23 if a full-time student). TRICARE Young Adult is available from age 21-26 for those who qualify, but requires paying the full premium.

Is TRICARE Young Adult Prime or Select better?

TYA Prime ($363/month) has lower out-of-pocket costs but requires using military treatment facilities and getting referrals. TYA Select ($794/month) offers more provider flexibility but costs significantly more. For many, MNsure plans offer better value than either.

Can I switch from TRICARE Young Adult to MNsure?

Yes, you can switch during MNsure Open Enrollment (November-January) or if you have a Qualifying Life Event. Voluntarily dropping TYA may not trigger a Special Enrollment Period, so plan your timing carefully.

What is MinnesotaCare and do young adults qualify?

MinnesotaCare is Minnesota's low-cost health program for residents with income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $30,000 for an individual in 2026). If you qualify, premiums are very low - often under $50/month.

Does MNsure cover the same things as TRICARE?

MNsure marketplace plans must cover 10 Essential Health Benefits including preventive care, prescriptions, mental health, and hospitalization. Coverage is comprehensive and comparable to TRICARE, though specific benefits and networks vary by plan.

Can I stay on my parent's employer insurance instead?

Yes, the ACA allows you to stay on a parent's employer plan until age 26, regardless of student status, marital status, or financial dependence. This may be cheaper than both TYA and MNsure depending on the employer plan.

How do I compare my specific options?

Use Navitize's AI assistant to compare your options. Enter your income, age, and health needs to see personalized cost comparisons between TRICARE Young Adult, MNsure plans with subsidies, and other alternatives.

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Disclaimer: Navitize is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to TRICARE, the Defense Health Agency, the Department of Defense, MDVA, or any branch of the U.S. military. This guide is compiled from publicly available information for educational purposes only and does not constitute official TRICARE or government guidance. For official information, visit tricare.mil or mn.gov/mdva. Coverage, costs, and eligibility rules may change. Always verify current information with official sources before making healthcare decisions.