[September 17, 2026]

US Family Health Plan of Southern New England Expands Connecticut Network Ahead of TRICARE Open Season

US Family Health Plan of Southern New England (USFHP), a Department of Defense-sponsored TRICARE Prime health plan administered by BrightonOne, today announced a major expansion of its Connecticut network, giving eligible military families and retirees access to nearly 9,000 additional medical professionals across the state. The expanded network, which includes Yale New Haven Health and Trinity Health of New England in a health plan created for the military community, means members will have more access to civilian primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, rehabilitation services, and community-based practices-all supported by a local team dedicated to helping beneficiaries navigate their healthcare.

The expansion comes ahead of TRICARE Open Season, which runs from November 9 through December 8. During this period, eligible beneficiaries may enroll in or change their TRICARE health plan for coverage beginning January 1, 2027.

"Those who serve our nation and the families who serve beside them, deserve healthcare that honors their sacrifice with excellence, dignity, and personal attention," said Rosye Cloud, CEO of BrightonOne. "Our goal is to deliver access to quality care in their immediate community. They have earned a health plan that stands with them, helps them navigate the system, and remains accountable for their experience. By welcoming Yale New Haven Health and Trinity Health of New England into our network, we are making that promise real for more families across Connecticut."

Expanded access across Connecticut
Yale New Haven Health, Connecticut's largest healthcare system, brings nearly 7,900 medical professionals into the USFHP network. The system includes Bridgeport Hospital, Greenwich Hospital, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, Westerly Hospital, and Yale New Haven Hospital, as well as Northeast Medical Group and several specialty networks. Yale New Haven Health is affiliated with Yale University and Yale Medicine, the clinical practice of the Yale School of Medicine and New England's largest academic multispecialty practice.

Trinity Health of New England adds more than 1,100 providers across 95 integrated practice locations offering primary care and a broad range of medical and surgical specialties. Its regional network includes Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital in Hartford, Johnson Memorial Hospital in Stafford Springs, Saint Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, and Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Together, these partnerships represent one of the most significant expansions o the USFHP provider network. They substantially broaden access to high-quality civilian healthcare for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries throughout Connecticut.

"This expansion reflects a deeply held commitment at BrightonOne: every beneficiary should be able to pursue the care they need without feeling alone in the process," Cloud said. "Whether a family is finding a pediatrician, a retiree is managing a chronic condition, or a beneficiary needs specialized care, our responsibility is the same-to listen, to help, and to ensure they are treated with the respect and urgency their service has earned."

TRICARE Prime benefits with local, personal support
USFHP is a TRICARE Prime option that allows eligible beneficiaries to receive their TRICARE Prime benefits through an extensive civilian provider network. The plan has the same enrollment fees and out-of-pocket costs as TRICARE Prime, with no additional enrollment fee for choosing USFHP. Members receive comprehensive coverage for primary and specialty care, hospitalization, emergency care, prescription medications, and other covered services.

Active-duty family members pay no enrollment fee and no out-of-pocket costs for covered care. Members may also receive additional benefits and savings beyond the standard TRICARE benefit, including chiropractic care and discounts on acupuncture, eyewear, hearing aids, and other health and wellness services.

The Plan pairs this comprehensive coverage with something that can be difficult to find in healthcare: personal assistance from a local team that understands the military community. US Family Health Plan of Southern New England ranks among the top 1 percent of adult health plans nationally-military and civilian-for member satisfaction. "Healthcare is personal, and military families should never feel as though they are simply a number," Cloud said. "Our members can reach people who understand their benefits, respect their circumstances, and are prepared to help. We are proud to bring that level of service-along with an extraordinary network of physicians, specialists, and hospitals-to more Connecticut beneficiaries."

More doctors. More locations. One unwavering commitment.
US Family Health Plan of Southern New England is available to eligible beneficiaries who live within its designated service area, including active-duty family members, military retirees and their families, eligible National Guard and Reserve family members, survivors, and other TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries.

During the 2026 TRICARE Open Season, eligible beneficiaries may enroll in US Family Health Plan of Southern New England or change their existing TRICARE coverage. Elections made during Open Season take effect January 1, 2027.

To confirm eligibility, search for a participating physician, or learn more about choosing US Family Health Plan of Southern New England, visit usfamilyhealth.org.

About US Family Health Plan of Southern New England
US Family Health Plan of Southern New England is a Department of Defense-funded TRICARE Prime option administered by BrightonOne. The Plan provides eligible military families, retirees, and other beneficiaries access to comprehensive TRICARE Prime benefits through an extensive network of civilian physicians, specialists, and hospitals across southern New England. In addition to the full TRICARE Prime benefit, members receive personalized local support and access to additional health and wellness benefits.

About BrightonOne
BrightonOne is a nonprofit social enterprise improving outcomes for veterans and military-connected families through integrated healthcare, housing, and wraparound services. Recognizing that lasting well-being is shaped by more than clinical care alone, BrightonOne brings together services and partnerships that help people and families thrive. As a nonprofit social enterprise, BrightonOne reinvests its operating margin to expand its impact and strengthen the communities it serves.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260917336163/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]