Health Matters (West) Newsletter

• The Power of Prevention: Get Cancer Screenings With TRICARE
  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, catching cancer early is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from cancer. By screening for cancer, you can take control of your health and potentially catch cancers before they progress.
• Expecting a Child? Here’s How TRICARE Covers Maternity Services
  Recently learned you’re expecting a baby? Congratulations! This is an exciting time for your family. But you may also have questions about how to get care for yourself during and after your pregnancy. As you get ready to welcome your child, here’s some information about how TRICARE covers maternity services.
• Q&A: What To Know as New TRICARE Contracts Begin in 2025
  New TRICARE 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.
• TRICARE and Marriage: What You Need To Know
  Getting married is an exciting time in your life. If you’re a military spouse, you probably have questions about your TRICARE health coverage. There are certain things you need to do to enroll in a TRICARE health plan.
• Q&A: Moving and Your TRICARE Coverage
  As summer approaches and permanent change of station (PCS) season kicks into high gear, many military families find themselves preparing to move to a new duty location. Amid all the packing and planning, it’s important to make sure your TRICARE coverage is ready to move with you.
• Mental Health Is Health: How To Get Mental Health Care With TRICARE
  Staying healthy is more than just taking care of your body. Even when you’re feeling good physically, you may notice you’re unusually sad, anxious, or exhausted. If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health concern—and you’re not alone. 
• How To Choose or Change Your TRICARE Primary Care Manager
  It’s easy to choose or change your Primary Care Manager (PCM) at any time. Whether you’re new to the TRICARE West Region or just searching for a new PCM, here are some tips to help you get started.
• Learn How To Manage Stress Through Online Classes and Coaching
  We each respond to stress differently. Not being able to control stress can affect our emotions, behaviors, and physical well-being. Stress management classes can help you see the signs and symptoms of stress, improve your resiliency, learn techniques to keep stress under control, and more. 

My kids are coming home for school break. Do they need to transfer their TRICARE Prime enrollment?

No. To learn more on how your children can get care while at home, visit Getting Care When Traveling During School Breaks.

I’m an active duty service member on terminal leave. How do I get care?

Your TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Prime Remote enrollment at your current duty station continues until you retire.

• If you stay in the same area when you’re on terminal leave, you’ll continue to get care as an active duty service member. You must get a referral from your primary care manager (PCM) for nonemergency medical or dental care.
• If you move when you’re on terminal leave, you can get care at any military hospital or clinic, but you must stay in TRICARE Prime at your current duty station. Contact your PCM for referrals before getting any nonemergency care. For example, if your current duty station is in Virginia and you’re in TRICARE Prime, but move to Montana while on terminal leave, you must contact your PCM in Virginia if you need nonemergency care.

To learn more, visit On Terminal Leave.