A new TRICARE contract (T-5) will start on Jan. 1, 2025. This change only affects those living in the United States.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about this transition.
General
The only thing you need to do now is check the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to confirm your information is current. This will help make sure you don’t miss important updates about your TRICARE benefit and upcoming changes.
In the East Region, Humana Military will remain the regional contractor. But six states currently in the East Region will move to the West Region.
In the West Region, TriWest Healthcare Alliance (TriWest) will replace Health Net Federal Services, LLC (HNFS) as the regional contractor.
>> Not sure which region you’re currently in? Go to TRICARE Regions to learn more.
On Jan. 1, 2025, six states that are currently in the East Region will move to the West Region. These states are:
Arkansas
Illinois
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Texas
Wisconsin
You will receive updates throughout this year. You’ll learn how the transition will happen—and any actions you need to take—so your TRICARE benefits continue uninterrupted.
>> Sign up for email alerts from TRICARE to get the latest information.
Continuity of Care
If you live in the East Region, your scheduled care won’t be affected.
If you live in the West Region, TriWest will honor HNFS-approved referrals and authorizations for their duration.
Humana Military and TriWest will publish their provider directories in November 2024.
The standards for copays or cost shares don’t change due to the new T-5 contract. Your personal out-of-pocket costs depend on your TRICARE plan and whether your provider chooses to stay in the TRICARE network as a network, non-network/participating, or non-network/non-participating provider.
Enrollment
No. If you’re currently eligible and enrolled in a TRICARE plan, your TRICARE coverage will continue without interruption. You can make enrollment changes during the next TRICARE Open Season, Nov 11 to Dec 10, with changes effective Jan. 1, 2025.
>> Check DEERS to make sure your information is current. This will help you get important TRICARE updates.
If you pay enrollment fees or premiums, yes, but you don’t need to take action now. You’ll get updates throughout the transition period, letting you know if and when you need to act.
