TRICARE changes providers

  • Published
  • By 60th Medical Group Public Affairs
  • 60th Medical Group Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A new health care provider is at the helm for many patients of David Grant USAF Medical Center as TRICARE's West region contract transitioned April 1 and is now managed by UnitedHealthcare Military and Veterans.

Those enrolled at DGMC will no longer use TriWest Healthcare Alliance as their contracted provider. Instead, UHC M&V was selected as the new TRICARE West Region contractor on March 16, 2012, replacing TriWest.

UnitedHealthcare now serves the 2.9 million beneficiaries in the West Region as health care delivery and TRICARE benefits such as pharmacy and dental. TRICARE For Life contracts are not affected by the new West region contract. Please keep in mind, however, TRICARE benefits are always subject to change, due to Congressional legislation or adjustments in TRICARE policy.

Beneficiaries should see a seamless change as the new contractor makes every effort to ensure a smooth transition to new providers as continuity of care remains a top priority. All beneficiaries in the West region should have already received a Welcome Packet from UnitedHealthcare.

However, UnitedHealthcare experienced very high volumes of phone calls and high use of its new web portal by beneficiaries and providers inquiring about the contract transition and seeking information about health care benefits. Additionally, some TRICARE Prime enrollees may have to change their primary care manager. New claims filing and customer service addresses will be provided as necessary.

Please be aware any referrals written prior to April 1 will have an expiration date of May 31. This means you will need to get a new referral from your primary care manager. This can be done by calling DGMC's central appointments desk. Patients should call 423-3000 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and leave a telephone consult for your PCM.

For more information about UnitedHealthcare Military and Veterans, visit https://www.uhcmilitarywest.com/ or the TriWest Transition Update Center at http://tricare.mil/Welcome/CurrentTopics/WestTransition.aspx .