Health Matters (West) Newsletter

West Region Health Matters Newsletter Header image

This quarterly newsletter provides information about your TRICARE benefit. This stateside edition contains information specific to beneficiaries living in the West RegionAlaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa (excludes Rock Island arsenal area), Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri (except St. Louis area), Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas (southwestern corner including El Paso), Utah, Washington and Wyoming.. Check the map to find your region.

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Issue 1 | 2024

Couple poses with infant twin daughters 
  • Explore What TRICARE Covers
    Knowing what’s included in your TRICARE coverage can help you make the most of your benefit and avoid unexpected costs. Learn more about your medical and pharmacy coverage.
  • Headed To the Doctor? Bring Proof of Your TRICARE Coverage
    Are you preparing for a trip to the doctor’s office or the pharmacy? If so, make sure you have proof of your TRICARE coverage. Keep reading to ensure you have everything you need before your next provider appointment.
  • Learn About TRICARE Pharmacy Changes for Specialty Drugs
    Starting March 1, Accredo will provide specialty drugs and enhanced clinical services if you fill specialty prescriptions with TRICARE Home Delivery. Accredo will also stay in the TRICARE network as an in-network retail pharmacy.
  • Preventing TRICARE Fraud and Abuse Is Everyone’s Responsibility
    Health care fraud and abuse occur when a person or organization deliberately lies or misleads to gain a benefit they shouldn’t receive. You can play an important role in identifying and reporting practices that don’t seem appropriate.
  • How TRICARE Covers Ambulance Services
    In some emergencies, an ambulance could be the difference between life and death. Fortunately, your TRICARE plan covers ambulance services in these situations.
  • Referral and Pre-Authorization Basics
    Do you know the difference between referrals and pre-authorizations? Depending on your TRICARE plan’s requirements, you may need a referral or a pre-authorization to get the care you need. Learn more about how and where to get care.
  • Make the Most of Your Child’s Well-Child Visits
    These visits allow your child’s doctor to check your child’s physical, emotional, and social health and development. These visits also provide your child with age-appropriate vaccines needed to protect them from serious illnesses such as chickenpox, whooping cough, hepatitis A and B, and the flu.

FAQ image

How do I make an appointment at a military hospital or clinic?

If you’re enrolled to a military hospital or clinic, call their appointment line, or log in to MHS GENESIS to make an appointment.

If you’re not enrolled to a military hospital or clinic, you may only get care if space is available. Call the military hospital or clinic to get information on how to make an appointment.

Does TRICARE cover a second opinion?

Yes, if enrolled in one of the plans below, you must ask your primary care manager for a referral to get a second opinion.

  • TRICARE Prime
  • TRICARE Prime Overseas
  • TRICARE Prime Remote
  • TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas
  • TRICARE Young Adult-Prime
  • US Family Health Plan

For all other TRICARE plans, you may get a second opinion without a referral.

If you have TRICARE For Life coverage and live in the U.S. or a U.S. Territory, you must follow Medicare’s rules.

Filing TRICARE Claims

Usually, your provider will file your medical claims for you. But sometimes, you may need to submit a claim for care in the U.S. and U.S. territories.

You may need to file your own claim if you:

  • Get care when traveling

  • Get care from a non-participating provider

  • Use TRICARE For Life and see Medicare non-participating provider

For care you get in the U.S. and U.S. territories, you must file a claim within a year of service. Visit Filing Claims to learn more.

Health Matters (West) Newsletter: 2023—Issue 2

Health Matters (West) Newsletter: 2023—Issue 3

Health Matters (West) Newsletter: 2023—Issue 4

Last Updated 3/14/2024