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TRICARE to make changes in 2018

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Elora J. Martinez
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
On Jan. 1, 2018, TRICARE will transition from three regional contractors to two: the North and South regions will combine into a single East region. If you are currently enrolled in or eligible for TRICARE coverage on Dec. 31, 2017, you will transition to your respective TRICARE plan on Jan. 1, 2018.

According to TRICARE, this consolidation from three to two regional contracts will improve continuity of care, reduce administrative burdens on beneficiaries and reduce unnecessary variation among contractors.

Once the new contracts take effect at the beginning of 2018, a new contractor may administer your health plan based on the region in which you reside.

Cindy Arnold, beneficiary and counseling assistance coordinator with the 319th Medical Support Squadron, suggests updating current personal information in Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System to ensure a smooth transition with the new contractors.

Arnold also recommends creating a DS account at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/identitymanagement if you do not already have one, as it allows access to multiple Department of Defense websites with only one username and password.

Although Arnold said there aren’t many changes regarding active-duty members and their families enrolled in TRICARE Prime, there will be some changes to affect retiree members enrolled in TRICARE Prime and beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Standard and Extra.

“When the contractor changes in January, if a retiree is paying his or her enrollment fee through their retirement allotment, they won’t have to do anything,” Arnold explained. “TRICARE will continue to deduct enrollment fees on January first. If fees are paid by credit card or an electronic fund transfer, the new contractor will send information on how to update payment information.”

In addition, retirees should keep an eye out for an increase in enrollment fees, starting Jan. 1, 2018.

Those using TRICARE Standard or Extra on Dec. 31, 2017 will be automatically enrolled in TRICARE Select on Jan. 1, 2018. Arnold mentioned members who will be in TRICARE Select may have higher out-of-pocket expenses, but the catastrophe cap will remain the same.

Arnold strongly recommends all beneficiaries to take advantage of the https://tricare.mil/changes site, which has all the information regarding the scheduled changes.

“There’s nothing more important than for people to understand their healthcare benefit,” Arnold said. “When you don’t follow the rules of your TRICARE plan, you may receive an expensive and unexpected bill.”

If you have questions regarding TRICARE’s upcoming changes, Arnold welcomes questions or concerns and can be reached via email or telephone at cindy.m.arnold4.civ@mail.mil or 701-747-5855.