The health insurance, TRICARE, is changing contractors in 2025. This will change up the current regions, enrollment, networks and claim services. Know what to expect ahead of these changes.
The current contractors for TRICARE East, Humana Military, and TRICARE West, Health Net Federal Services, LLC, remain in effect until December 31, 2024. There are NO changes to TRICARE For Life, U.S. Family Health Plan or TRICARE Overseas health plan users. The only changes will affect those using TRICARE East and TRICARE West.
The regions of TRICARE East and West are changing. The following six states are part of TRICARE East until December 31, 2024, and then move to TRICARE West on January 1, 2025:
- Arkansas
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Wisconsin
Those members located in those states will receive direct communication from the new contract company to assist with the changeover. As healthcare providers must “enroll” in the healthcare insurances that they take, the communication with the new contract company will happen ahead of the changeover.
The TRICARE East region contract company will remain Humana Military, but as noted above, certain states will no longer be part of the East Region.
The TRICARE West region, including the new states as above, will be managed by the TriWest Healthcare Alliance Corporation.
Per the TRICARE news release, the new contracts “include a commitment to help you identify top-performing providers and improve access to highly specialized care.” The news release specifically reported that the changes would lead to “improved choice, including virtual value network tools that will help you quickly identify providers with best outcomes and better access to telehealth appointments.”
To make sure you do not miss out on any changes with TRICARE, sign up for email alerts here. Confirm that family members are active in the DEERS system, with current address and contact information as the DEERS system is where TRICARE pulls information for healthcare coverage. Up to date information in DEERS will ensure continuity of healthcare coverage.
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is the healthcare umbrella over the TRICARE Regions. Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland, director of the DHA said of the change in contractors, “We are committed to keeping all of our military families informed about your health plan, your choices, and ensuring a seamless transition to new contractors.”
