Health Matters (East) Newsletter

This quarterly newsletter provides information about your TRICARE benefit. This stateside edition contains information specific to beneficiaries living in the East Region. Check the map to find your region.

Get future issues of this newsletter, plus more news and benefit updates, delivered to your email. Sign up for TRICARE email updates.

Issue 3 | 2024

 

• Know How TRICARE Regions Are Changing in 2025
  On Jan. 1, 2025, there will be changes to the TRICARE regions in the United States as part of TRICARE’s new regional contracts. While there will still be two TRICARE regions, six states currently in the East Region (Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin) will move to the West Region.
• Your TRICARE Guide to Overseas Travel
  Planning a trip overseas? Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, it’s a good idea to know how your TRICARE plan works outside the United States. Here are key things to know before getting health care in another country.
• TRICARE Coverage for Your Children: What You Need To Know
  Are you wondering if your child has TRICARE coverage? Most children of service members and retirees can get TRICARE until they turn age 21 (or 23 if they’re in college). TRICARE coverage for children is broad, but there are specific rules about who qualifies.
• Unlock Your Health With TRICARE Tips for Managing Your DEERS Record
  When was the last time you looked to see if your information in DEERS is up to date? If it’s been a while, it’s extremely important to take time and log in to DEERS to review or update your information.
• MHS GENESIS Secure Messaging: A Direct Line to Your Military Health Care Team
  Have you ever left your doctor’s office and then realized you forgot to ask an important question? Or had a question about your medication that couldn’t wait for your next appointment? The MHS GENESIS Patient Portal lets you speak to your military health care team at your military hospital or clinic through secure messaging.
• Fraud and Abuse: How Does It Affect TRICARE Beneficiaries?
  Health care fraud isn’t a victimless crime. Medical fraud can raise costs and expose patients to unnecessary medical tests. If you suspect that a TRICARE provider has committed fraud or abuse, you may report this suspicion to Humana Military.
• Webinars and Virtual Community Groups Help You Manage Your Health
  Humana Military offers webinars and community groups to help improve your quality of life. Each session covers diabetes, asthma, depression, or anxiety.

How can I learn more about the new TRICARE East and West region contracts that will start Jan. 1, 2025? 

You can go to Contract Transition FAQs to find answers to frequently asked questions about this transition. You can also sign up to get email updates from TRICARE to get the latest information. 

Yes. To learn how TRICARE covers urgent care under each plan, visit Urgent Care.

If you have TRICARE For Life coverage, you must follow Medicare's rules. This doesn't apply if you live overseas (not including U.S. Territories).

Will I lose my TRICARE For Life benefits if I sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan?

No. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are an "all in one" alternative to Original Medicare.

Private companies approved by Medicare offer these plans. These "bundled" plans include:

• Medicare Part A (hospital insurance);
• Medicare Part B (medical insurance); and
• Additional benefits (for example: dental, prescriptions, fitness)

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have Medicare. Medicare is still your primary coverage, and TRICARE For Life is the second payer for TRICARE-covered services.

Note: Medicare Advantage claims don’t cross over to Medicare. This means you'll have to file claims for reimbursement of TRICARE-covered services. Visit Filing Claims for instructions and claim form.

Contact Information
TRICARE For Life Contractor (Wisconsin Physicians Service)
866-773-0404 / TDD 866-773-0405
www.TRICARE4u.com

 

Q&A: What To Know as New TRICARE Contracts Begin in 2025 New TRICARE regional contracts, known as T-5, will start on Jan. 1, 2025. Regional contractors manage administrative support services for the TRICARE benefit. The new contracts will improve health care delivery, quality, and access for beneficiaries living in the United States.

Health Matters (East) Newsletter: 2024—Issue 2

Health Matters (East) Newsletter: 2024—Issue 1

Health Matters (East) Newsletter: 2023—Issue 4