Changes
New TRICARE contracts (T-5) start on Jan. 1, 2025. This change only affects those living in the United States.
General Questions
- If you pay for your TRICARE coverage via military pay system allotment and you’re pleased with your current plan, you don’t need to take any action. You’ll remain enrolled in your existing health plan.
- If you live in a state that’s staying in the East Region, you don’t need to take any action.
- If you live in the new West Region, AND you pay for your TRICARE coverage via bank electronic funds transfer, debit card, or credit card, you need to provide your payment information to TriWest. More details on that process are available further below under “Payment Information.” However, you DON’T need to re-enroll in your plan.
On Jan. 1, 2025, six states that are currently in the East Region will move to the West Region. These states are:
- Arkansas
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Wisconsin
There are some small areas within Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri, and Wisconsin that will be exceptions to these region changes. These areas are called “carveouts.” They’re “carved out” from the rest of their state because they border another state with a nearby military hospital or clinic and are part of its Prime Service Area, where you may be eligible to get services.
A PSA is a geographical region (40 miles around a military hospital or clinic) where TRICARE Prime is available. These carveouts are part of PSAs retained under the Base Realignment and Closure program from the 1990s. These PSAs cross borders into a neighboring state. To maintain the integrity of these PSAs, these carveouts will be managed by the regional contractor of the region where the PSA is centered.
Check your state below to see if you live in one of these areas, and see what steps you may need to take.
Payment Information
Yes. If you currently pay your enrollment fees or premiums by bank electronic funds transfer or recurring credit or debit card payments, you need to provide your payment authorization to TriWest. Payments with the current contractor end Dec. 31, 2024. TriWest won’t charge your payment until Jan. 1, 2025.
To update your EFT, credit card or debit card authorization, visit https://tricare.mil/About/Regions/West-Region to find links to the following payment options:
- Option 1: Set up automatic payments securely online. Select “New User? Sign up now” under the blue “Sign in” button, verify your email address, and complete the secure forms.
- Option 2: Download the Automatic Monthly TRICARE Payment Set Up Request form. Complete the form and mail it to the address on page 2.
If you currently pay your enrollment fee or premium by military pay system allotment, you don’t need to do anything. Those transactions will automatically transfer to TriWest.
Beneficiary Web Enrollment
No, if you live in the U.S., you will not be able to make TRICARE plan changes on the BWE portal in milConnect from Oct. 25 through Dec. 31, 2024.
You have two options to make changes:
- Call your regional contractor:
- East Region: Humana Military, 800-444-4554
- West Region (including the six states moving to West Region): TriWest, 888-TRIWEST (888-874-9378).
- Download the appropriate enrollment form and fax or mail the completed form to your regional contractor.
No. If you’re an overseas beneficiary, you may still use BWE if you’re enrolled to a TRICARE Overseas health plan.
Continuity of Care
If you live in the East Region, your scheduled care won’t be affected.
If you live in the West Region, TriWest will accept unexpired referrals and pre-authorizations from HNFS that were issued before Jan. 1, 2025. These will be valid through their expiration or June 30, 2025, whichever comes first.If you live in the East Region, check the Humana Military provider directory. If you live in the new West Region, check the TriWest provider directory.
No. Your copayments or cost-shares don’t change due to the new T-5 contracts. Your personal out-of-pocket costs depend on your TRICARE plan and whether your provider chooses to stay in the TRICARE network as a network, non-network/participating, or non-network/non-participating provider.
Last Updated 12/5/2024