Health Matters (West) Newsletter: 2023—Issue 2

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 2 | 2023

 

• How Does TRICARE Cover Different Types of Care?
  Learn how TRICARE covers emergency care, urgent care, routine care, specialty careSpecialized medical/surgical diagnosis, treatment, or services a primary care provider isn’t qualified to provide., and preventive care.
• Don’t Delay Your TRICARE Covered Cancer Screenings
  TRICARE covers certain cancer screenings as part of your preventive health benefit, so learn which screenings are appropriate for you.
• Q&A: Getting Urgent Care With TRICARE
  Before you go to your nearest urgent care center, make sure you understand your plan’s rules for getting urgent care.
• Know Which Vaccines You Need and How TRICARE Covers Them
  TRICARE covers age-appropriate doses of vaccines, so learn how you can get yourself and your family vaccinated.
• Get Advice From a Nurse 24/7
  If you have a minor injury or illness or need general health care information, you can call the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line.
• Getting a New Prescription? Check TRICARE Formulary Search Tool
  If you have questions about a new prescription drug, look it up using the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool.
• Start Your Newborn’s Health Care With TRICARE
  Stay on top of regular checkups with your child’s pediatrician to track their health and development.
• Accessing Electronic Authorization Letters
  You can access referral information and authorization letters from your regional contractor online.

How do I find a TRICARE retail network pharmacy?

To find a network pharmacy near you, go to Find a Pharmacy or call the TRICARE Pharmacy Program contractor, Express Scripts, at 1-877-363-1303.

When can I change my health plan?

This depends on your health plan. If you’re enrolled in a TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select plan, you can change plans during TRICARE Open Season. Any changes made during open season will take effect on Jan. 1 of the next year. The only other time you can change TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select plans is if you experience a Qualifying Life Event.

For premium-based plans, including TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, and TRICARE Young Adult, you can purchase these plans at any time.

Does TRICARE cover home health care?

Yes. TRICARE’s home health coverage includes skilled nursing care, home health aide services, medical social services, as well as physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Pre-authorization is required for these services, and your home health care must be provided by a participating home health agency. Learn more about what’s covered at Home Health Care.