Armed Forces News

As a first step of congressionally dictated outreach, Tricare officials are preparing to mail information packets to all eligible Tricare beneficiaries. This will include more than two million beneficiaries of Tricare Standard, which will be a first. Additionally, in response to reports that fewer providers are willing to accept Tricare patients, officials are expected to survey physicians’ attitudes toward Tricare Standard. Furthermore, the Comptroller General is to review Defense Department procedures for assisting beneficiaries in gaining access to Tricare Standard. Also coming are a communication plan and an active outreach program between Tricare administrators, providers and beneficiaries. Tricare Standard, with higher costs than Tricare Prime (a managed care system) and Tricare for Life (for Medicare-eligible retirees), allows beneficiaries to choose their own providers if those in their area will accept them as patients.