TRICARE changes 2018

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class JaNae Capuno
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Starting January 1, 2018, TRICARE is making significant changes.

Tech. Sgt. Dustin Mayo, TRICARE operations and patient administration flight chief, explained that TRICARE Select will replace the TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra health plans, and is excited for the upcoming year’s changes.

To prepare for this change, the 366th Medical Group encourages Gunfighters to update their information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to avoid lapses in coverage during the transition from one contractor to the next.

"TRICARE will be transitioning to new contractors," said Lt. Col. Jason Buckner, Medical Support Squadron commander. "When that happens, sometimes we have (providers) that will drop off, but the majority will carry over and the contractor will help the patients who have lost their provider. A patient can find out using the TRICARE provider directory on their website if their current doctor of physician is no longer with TRICARE."

January 1, 2018, all current and eligible TRICARE patients will be enrolled automatically into the new plans. During 2018, patients can choose to continue to enroll or change their coverage plan.
For information on changes about TRICARE, please visit http://www.tricare.mil/changes.


TRICARE changes FAQ

Q1. How and why are the TRICARE regions changing with the new contracts?
A1. The North and South regions will combine to become the East region. Having two regions will reduce costs for the Department of Defense. It will also make it easier for DHA and the contractors to coordinate your care. To see what region you’re currently in, visit www.tricare.mil/About/Regions.aspx. To see what the new regions look like, visit www.tricare.mil/changes.

Q2. Will I have to change doctors?
A2. We won’t know until closer to the start of health care delivery. The provider directory is currently being updated with new provider information. You can also sign up for T-2017 e-mail updates.


Q3. Does this affect pharmacy, dental benefits, TRICARE For Life, US Family Health Plan, or the TRICARE Overseas Program?
A3. No. There these programs are covered by separate contracts.

Q4. Do I need to do anything to prepare for the contract change?
A4. Make sure your DEERS information is current and updated.

Q5. When do I have to reenroll?
A5. All beneficiaries will be automatically reenrolled in prime or if they are in Standard, they will be placed into Select by the TRICARE contractor starting 1 Jan 2018. After 1 Jan, we recommend that you verify with the TRICARE contractor that everyone in the family has been moved into the new plans.