Health Matters (West) Newsletter: 2023—Issue 4

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 4 | 2023

• TRICARE Open Season Is Here: Explore Your Health Plan Options
  TRICARE Open Season ends Tuesday, Dec. 12. For many TRICARE beneficiaries, this is your chance to enroll in a health plan or change health plans for coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2024. You may also be eligible to enroll in or change your dental and vision coverage during Federal Benefits Open Season, which ends Monday, Dec. 11.
• Does TRICARE Open Season Apply to Me?
  TRICARE Open Season applies to everyone eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, except active duty service members. It doesn’t apply to you if you ‘re eligible for TRICARE For Life or a TRICARE premium-based plan. You may also be eligible for Federal Benefits Open Season.
• Holiday Resilience: How TRICARE Supports Your Mental Health
  For many people, the holiday season brings expectations of joy. But for some, the holidays may be a time of stress, sadness, or isolation. There are steps you can take and resources you can use to take care of your mental health during the holidays. Remember, you’re not alone, and help is close at hand.
• Know Your 2024 TRICARE Health Plan Costs
  Depending on your health plan, you may see changes to your TRICARE enrollment fees, premiums, cost-shares, and copayments starting Jan. 1, 2024.
• Find Out What Your TRICARE Pharmacy Costs Will Be in 2024
  Starting Jan. 1, 2024, most TRICARE beneficiaries will see changes to their copayments for prescription drugs.
• Protect Your Family With Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines
  TRICARE covers flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines, which provide protection from serious illness. As the winter season approaches, people ages 6 months and older should get the seasonal flu vaccine and updated COVID-19 vaccine. Certain groups can get the RSV vaccine.
• Smoking and Diabetes: Know the Risks and Get Support
  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking cigarettes makes you 30–40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. TRICARE covers tobacco cessation services, and Health Net Federal Services has resources to help you quit smoking and manage diabetes.
• Access Your TRICARE Information With Self-Service Tools
  Health Net Federal Services offers secure online self-service tools to help you find your TRICARE information at any time. View your eligibility, deductibles, claims, authorizations, preventive care history, and more.

What is the US Family Health Plan?

The US Family Health Plan (USFHP) is a TRICARE Prime option. You must be TRICARE-eligible and live in a USFHP service area to enroll. If you’re an active duty service member, you can’t enroll. To learn more, visit the US Family Health Plan page.

I heard the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is available to TRICARE beneficiaries. What does that mean for me?

You may be eligible to enroll in a FEDVIP dental plan, vision plan, or both. Visit the BENEFEDS Eligibility page to check.

 

If you want coverage, you must enroll in a plan during the 2023 Federal Benefits Open Season, Nov. 13 through Dec. 11, or after a FEDVIP Qualifying Life Event. To learn more, visit BENEFEDS.com.

 

Are you turning 65 next year? TRICARE For Life (TFL) is the TRICARE health plan for military retirees and their family members who are eligible for Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and TRICARE. TFL coverage is automatic if you have Medicare Part A and Part B. Check out the TRICARE For Life Handbook to learn when to sign up for Medicare and how Medicare and TRICARE work together. Want a hard copy of the handbook? Call Wisconsin Physicians Service at 866-773-0404.

Health Matters (East) Newsletter: 2023—Issue 2

Health Matters (East) Newsletter: 2023—Issue 3

Health Matters (East) Newsletter: 2024—Issue 1