Did you know that Tricare is changing? Just when you thought you had a grasp on how Tricare works, it’s going to change.
Here are the things you need to know about the changes that are coming, when they will begin, how they will impact your military family and what actions you need to take.
If you are currently enrolled in Tricare, you don’t need to do anything if you want to stay in the same plan.
Upcoming Changes Are Coming to Tricare
Region Consolidation
Regions stateside will be consolidated from the current North, South and West to simply Tricare East and Tricare West as North and South merge. There are 2 contractors that will cover Tricare East, Humana Military and Health Net Federal Services.
Tricare Select
While Tricare Prime will not change, Tricare Standard and Tricare Extra will combine into one program, Tricare Select. This will happen on Jan. 1, 2018.
Tricare Select will be a self-managed program with a preferred provider network option available. You will not need to have a primary care manager (PCM). This will allow beneficiaries to go to any Tricare provider without a referral.
While change is usually unsettling, some things will improve. Access for beneficiaries to network providers under Tricare Select will be expanded to include more non-cost preventive services from network providers. The treatment for obesity, high-value care and telehealth will be expanded under Tricare Select.
Enrollment Deaadlines
Automatic enrollment for current Tricare beneficiaries will take place on Jan. 1, 2018. This means Tricare Standard and Tricare Extra beneficiaries will switch to Tricare Select instantly.
Throughout 2018, beneficiaries will be able to enroll in or change plans. In the fall however, Tricare will begin an annual open enrollment time.
At this point, beneficiaries will have to decide if they want to keep or change their Tricare plan for the next year. The open enrollment time will begin each year from now on the Monday of the second full week in November until the Monday of the second full week in December.
Under the previous Tricare rules, a beneficiary could change from Tricare Prime to Standard and vice versa at any time. Under the new Tricare policy, beneficiaries will not be able to. All changes must occur during open enrollment only.
The rules for qualifying life events (QLE) will also change. When a QLE occurs, the beneficiary has 90 days after the event to change the Tricare program they are enrolled to different one. Any member of that person’s family can also change their coverage during that time.
2018 will be a transition year meaning you can still change your Tricare program anytime however.
Specific Changes
Prime beneficiaries will be able to get appointments quicker by not needing a referral for some things. Going to Urgent Care without a referral by the primary physician will be included in this.
Select beneficiaries will see a change to finances. Currently there is a cost share that requires the beneficiary to pay a percent of the total care. Under the new Tricare program, Tricare Select will pay a fixed dollar amount.
Tricare for Life beneficiaries will see their benefits preserved but the authority is there to restructure and updated them.
How will these Tricare changes impact military families?
As Tricare changes from a fiscal year to a calendar year period, military families might see a shift in money. If catastrophic caps or deductibles have been reached, now that the timeline has shifted, there will be no increase in out-of-pocket expenses during that time.
Tricare beneficiaries will be divided into 2 groups. All sponsors that joined the military prior to Jan. 1, 2018 will be in group A, which will be grandfathered in. Those who join the military on that date or later will be put into group B, known as the non-grandfathered group. There will be distinct enrollment fees as well as out-of-pocket costs associated with each group.
What actions should you take?
Beneficiaries must enroll in one of these programs or coverage will be terminated. If this happens, they will only be able to get care at a military clinic on a space available basis.
If you are currently enrolled in Tricare, you don’t need to do anything if you want to stay in the same plan.
If you want to change plans, you should do so. Before Jan. 1, 2018, dependents should make sure they are registered in DEERS. Updating your information in DEERS is a good idea.
Interesting, but for us retirees, what can be said about changes, if any, regarding Tricare For Life?
How will these changes impact the surviving spouse and children of a service member who died while on active duty?
What will the co-pays for Tricare For Life be?
Dose the retired tricare for life change and what will we have to do or know. Co pay changes and are we included in sign in for
Yes we are retired military enrolled at age never paid in to tricare but have trivcare for life/
I’m not sure if it’s the same everywhere but my Daughter just went to physical therapy and our co-pay went from $12 to $30 with this new change. We are in N. Cali.
I’m currently at a doctor appointment and was told that the copay is now $30. That’s a BIG jump…especially if you’re like me and have 4 specialty docs with a minimum of at least two appointments per month. It’s sad that Tricare did not notify of the change in copay!
Tricare Select is a joke now. My family has tricare standard and now going to the new select plan, financially we’ll be paying triple or quadruple what we normally pay out of pocket for medical expenses.. This change is just to cut the cost of what the government has to pay for medical and to force those who have select to switch to prime and endure the lack luster care they give on base. The government never makes changes unless it is to their benefit, even if it’s at the expense of the men and women who serve this country. Extremely unsettling.
Both of the above questions are mine also
Both of the above questions are mine also
Good question; what about Tricare for life?
I am also in my co-pays for Tricare for Life?
I have Tricare for Life and also a widow. i am concerned about any changes if any .Is there to be a co pay now.
Why do they have a comment section but not answering anyones questions??
If you are retired and on Tricare for Life, you should also be on Medicare with both A and B coverages. Tricare for Life is the secondary payer and usually results in no cost to you. This coverage is for doctors and hospital stays. Medication is another story.
I am on Tricare for life and I moved from Mississippi to Maryland to be close to my son because I lost my husband to a brain tumor (Glioblastoma). When I call Tricare to see a doctor at Andrews Air Force Base the person that answers the call tells me to go to Annapolis. I have always been to Tricare now because of age I’m on Tricare for life. I wish to be seen at this base, I need to see internal medicine and rheumitologiest.
I hope Tricare for life doesn’t change.
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Why are none of the doctors and hospitals I have been using for the last 15 years NOT in network anymore? Everyone I have looked up are showing NOT in NETWORK.