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Live in the West Region? There is now a referral approval waiver in place through March 31, 2025. Learn More
Also, you have until Feb. 28 to set up your payment info if you pay by EFT, credit card, or debit card. This is for TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TYA, TRS, and TRR plans. If you miss this deadline, you will be disenrolled back to Jan. 1. Visit www.tricare.mil/west today.

News | June 30, 2022

New to TRICARE? Handbook Helps You Learn Your Health Plan Options

By TRICARE Communications

If you’re curious about your TRICARE health plan options, the TRICARE Choices in the United States Handbook can help. Whether you’re on active duty, separating from service, retiring, or a family member, this all-in-one handbook provides an overview of your stateside health care options. It also describes your pharmacy, dental, and vision coverage options.
 
“The TRICARE Choices in the United States Handbook is a great starting point to show you what stateside health plans may be available to you and your family members,” said Robert Agnello, deputy chief of Digital Communications at the Defense Health Agency. “The handbook also gives an overview of how to enroll in a plan, how to get care with your plan, and costs.”
 
Here’s a closer look at what the handbook highlights.
 
1. Health Plans for Sponsors and Family Members
Your TRICARE plan options change depending on sponsor status—active duty, separated from service, or retired. To see what health plans you and your family members may be eligible for based on your military status, turn to the “Your TRICARE Options by Sponsor Status” section. Sponsor and family member health plan options may include:  
2. How TRICARE Plans Work and What’s Covered
In the “Health Care Options” section, you’ll find a general overview of TRICARE health plans, including enrollment rules, how you can get care, and associated costs. Also featured throughout this section are health care terms and cost terms common to TRICARE, like:  
3. Dental and Vision Options
As outlined in the handbook, there are three dental options that are separate from TRICARE health plans:  
How do you know which plan you or family members can purchase? Turn to the “Dental and Vision Options” section of the handbook for a breakdown of the dental plans and who qualifies. Want more vision coverage? If you’re enrolled in a TRICARE health plan and are an active duty family member, retiree, or eligible family member of a retiree, you may qualify to purchase vision coverage through FEDVIP. Check the handbook for details to help you get started.
 
The TRICARE Choices in the United States Handbook is one resource for TRICARE information. There’s also the TRICARE Choices for National Guard and Reserve Handbook and TRICARE Overseas Program Handbook. Check out TRICARE Publications for more resources on specific plans and benefits. And share your thoughts with us by completing the publications survey.
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit the TRICARE Subscriptions page today, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
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Feb. 6, 2025

TRICARE West Region Contractor Transition: What To Know if You Live in the West Region

On Jan. 1, TRICARE began delivering health care under its new regional contracts. This means that TriWest Healthcare Alliance is now the contractor for the TRICARE West Region, including six states that moved from the East Region. The Defense Health Agency is aware that some West Region beneficiaries have experienced challenges since Jan. 1. Together, the DHA and TriWest are actively implementing strategies to address these concerns.

Feb. 6, 2025

TRICARE Pharmacy Network Expands With Addition of Kroger Pharmacies

On Feb. 5, the Kroger Family of Pharmacies rejoined the TRICARE Pharmacy Program network. This means that TRICARE beneficiaries now have access to over 2,200 additional network pharmacies across 35 states.

Jan. 30, 2025

New TRICARE Dental Program Contract Brings Updates in March 2025

A new TRICARE Dental Program contract will bring changes and improvements starting March 1. United Concordia will continue to administer the TDP. However, they’ll offer new services and lower costs for many members. If you have TDP coverage, you'll see these changes in your February bill for coverage effective March 1.

Jan. 25, 2025

Defense Health Agency Announces TRICARE West Region Referral Approval Waiver

Are you enrolled in TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has waived the requirement to obtain approval for referrals to outpatient specialty care for TRICARE Prime enrollees in the West region. This means TRICARE-authorized specialty care providers don’t need to wait for TriWest to approve referrals issued by your primary care manager before providing outpatient care. However, you’ll still need to get a referral from your Primary Care Manager before getting that specialty care. This process will be in place through March 31 and is retroactive to January 1, 2025.

Jan. 22, 2025

TRICARE Online Patient Portal Decommissioning: Download Your Health Records Now

On April 1, the TRICARE Online Patient Portal will no longer be available. The Department of Defense’s new electronic health record—MHS GENESIS—has replaced the TOL Patient Portal. If you want to keep a copy of your legacy health records for personal use, you must download them from the TOL Patient Portal before April 1.

Jan. 21, 2025

Act Now! Payment Deadline Extended for West Region Beneficiaries

The Defense Health Agency has extended the payment deadline for West Region beneficiaries who pay for TRICARE coverage via bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card. You now have until Friday, Feb. 28 to provide your payment information to TriWest.

Jan. 16, 2025

Unlock Your Health Through the MHS Nurse Advice Line

Do you know what to do when you or a family member feels sick, but it’s outside of business hours or it’s the weekend? TRICARE has a service called the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line that can help when you need healthcare guidance.

Jan. 14, 2025

Check Out the Updated TRICARE Publications Suite

Are you looking for the latest details about your TRICARE health plan? TRICARE has updated its entire publications suite with information about your health plan. The new publications now include current details like how to find your TRICARE region, how to contact your regional contractor, and what you’ll pay for care.

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DHA Hospitals Earn Top Honors From the Leapfrog Group

The Leapfrog Group has named two Defense Health Agency hospitals among the best in the nation. This shows the military's strong focus on keeping patients safe and providing high-quality care.

Jan. 6, 2025

Live in the West Region? Provide Your Payment Information to TriWest Now

Do you currently live in the West Region? Or, do you live in one of the six states that moved to the West Region on Jan. 1? If you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card, you must now securely give your recurring payment information to the West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance.