An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | Sept. 3, 2024

Unlock Your Health With Patient Advocates and Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinators

By TRICARE Communications

Did you know that military hospitals and clinics come with a support staff of people who can help you navigate the healthcare process? These include patient advocates and Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinators. You can find them at any military hospital or clinic.

“You may have questions or concerns about TRICARE coverage, costs, or the quality of care at a military hospital or clinic. Patient advocates and BCACs are people you can contact,” said Calvin Keller, Health Systems Analyst, Benefit Education & Research Team at the Defense Health Agency. “They’re committed to answering your questions and addressing your concerns both with the facility and with TRICARE contractors.”

Who should you contact, and when? That depends on the type of question, issue, or concern you have. Read below to learn about patient advocates and BCACs. You will learn how they differ and how you can get in touch when you need one.

What is the role of the patient advocate?

You may have already heard about patient advocates. Every military hospital or clinic has a patient advocate. They are the go-to resource when you have concerns or questions about healthcare services you received at a military hospital or clinic. Or perhaps you just want to let someone know about a great experience you had at a military hospital or clinic.

Patient advocates are trained experts on the Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. They can explain the content and give you a copy. They’re also there for you when you or a family member has a concern you’d like addressed, investigated, and resolved.

If you have a question or concern, contact the patient advocate. Their responsibilities include:

  • Listening to patient concerns
  • Responding timely to complaints
  • Explaining military hospital or clinic policies, procedures, and operations
  • Mediating concerns between the patient and medical team

What is the role of the Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator?

Like the patient advocate, BCACs are your advisor. However, the BCAC’s main job is to help you understand and access TRICARE benefits and services to meet your needs.

BCACs can explain your TRICARE plan and how your benefit works. They interact with other hospital staff members, regional contractors, and claims processors to help resolve your concerns.

BCACs can address TRICARE-related questions including:

How do you find a patient advocate or BCAC?

Each military hospital or clinic has contact information for the patient advocate and BCAC. You can ask the hospital staff for their office location. Or you can look up their information online on Find a Military Hospital or Clinic page or in the Customer Service Community Directory.

Want to email your patient advocate? They’re just a few clicks away. Look on the homepage of your military hospital or clinic website for the blue tile that says “Connect with a Patient Advocate.” Clicking on this tile will let you email your patient advocate directly.

It’s important to know what resources are available to help you make the best healthcare decisions for you and your family. If you have questions or concerns about your care, unlock your health by seeking help from a patient advocate or BCAC.

Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
 
Young girl wrapped in blue and white towel stands on a beach.

Getting Care While You Travel: A TRICARE Guide f...

News
Jun. 17, 2025

Do you have an upcoming trip? TRICARE covers you whether you travel across the country or around the world...
Read More
Man in white shirt reads papers while smiling.

A Quick Guide to Understanding Your TRICARE Dent...

News
Jun. 16, 2025

Understanding your TRICARE Dental Program dental explanation of benefits is important because it helps you...
Read More
Woman in dental chair, gums being examined by dentist wearing pink gloves

The Dentist Is In: Healthy Gums Mean a Healthier...

News
Jun. 13, 2025

Did you know there is a profound connection between gum health and serious medical conditions throughout the...
Read More
Older woman sits at desk looking at monitor with a doctor. TRICARE logo. Text reads, "Patients Needed on June 27 for a Focus Group Discussion about Osteoarthritis. Sign-up deadline is June 26. Learn if you qualify."

Provide Feedback for Clinical Practice Guideline...

News
Jun. 12, 2025

Did you know you can help improve health care for service members, veterans, and their family members? You’re...
Read More
Man in white shirt smiling

Mouth Taping: A New Trend–But What Are Its Effec...

News
Jun. 11, 2025

Mouth taping is the practice of using surgical tape to keep your mouth closed during sleep. It’s recently...
Read More
Service member stands behind optometry equipment

Keep an Eye on Your Vision Health With TRICARE

News
Jun. 10, 2025

About 11 million Americans over age 12 need vision correction, according to the CDC. Do you know if you’re one...
Read More
Woman sits at desk in front of papers, notepad, calculator, glasses, and laptop.

Unlock Your Health: How to Report Fraud and Abus...

News
Jun. 05, 2025

Health care fraud and abuse harms everyone. TRICARE is committed to protecting the health information of...
Read More
Woman writes at a desk.

Your TRICARE Checklist for Moving

News
Jun. 03, 2025

Are you preparing to move to a new location? Now is the best time to make sure your TRICARE benefits are ready...
Read More

June 17, 2025

Getting Care While You Travel: A TRICARE Guide for the U.S. and Overseas

Do you have an upcoming trip? TRICARE covers you whether you travel across the country or around the world. Whether you’re heading out for business or taking a family vacation, understanding your coverage options helps you stay prepared for any health issues that might arise.

June 16, 2025

A Quick Guide to Understanding Your TRICARE Dental Program Dental Explanation of Benefits

Understanding your TRICARE Dental Program dental explanation of benefits is important because it helps you track your coverage. This allows you to avoid any unexpected costs.

June 13, 2025

The Dentist Is In: Healthy Gums Mean a Healthier You — What You Should Know

Did you know there is a profound connection between gum health and serious medical conditions throughout the body? From heart disease to diabetes, the state of your gums can significantly impact your long-term health. This article explores the surprising links between oral hygiene and whole-body wellness, offering simple, practical steps you can take today to protect both your smile and your future health.

June 12, 2025

Provide Feedback for Clinical Practice Guidelines in Joint DOD, VA Patient Focus Groups: Osteoarthritis on June 27

Did you know you can help improve health care for service members, veterans, and their family members? You’re invited to join virtual focus groups! The next focus group will discuss osteoarthritis care on June 27 at 2 p.m. ET.

June 11, 2025

Mouth Taping: A New Trend–But What Are Its Effects on Oral Health?

Mouth taping is the practice of using surgical tape to keep your mouth closed during sleep. It’s recently gained popularity as a potential solution for mouth breathing and its related health issues. But is it supported by science or is it just another viral trend?

June 10, 2025

Keep an Eye on Your Vision Health With TRICARE

About 11 million Americans over age 12 need vision correction, according to the CDC. Do you know if you’re one of them? Getting routine eye exams to monitor your eyesight can help detect and prevent eye diseases early.

June 5, 2025

Unlock Your Health: How to Report Fraud and Abuse With TRICARE

Health care fraud and abuse harms everyone. TRICARE is committed to protecting the health information of service members, retirees, and their family members. You can help by knowing how to spot fraud or abuse—and by reporting it when you see it.

June 3, 2025

Your TRICARE Checklist for Moving

Are you preparing to move to a new location? Now is the best time to make sure your TRICARE benefits are ready to move with you. Here’s a TRICARE checklist to help you prepare for your move and what you may need to do after you get to your new location.

May 29, 2025

Unlock Your Health: How To Get Mental Health Care With TRICARE

Mental health is a vital part of your overall well-being. Whether you’re having difficulty managing day-to-day stress or navigating more complex challenges, TRICARE offers mental health support when—and where—you need it.

May 22, 2025

Learn About TRICARE Health Plan Options for Young Adults

As graduation season arrives, TRICARE-eligible young adults and their family members should understand how this milestone affects their TRICARE health coverage. Here’s what you need to know about TRICARE health plan options for young adults.