FALLS CHURCH, Va. — TRICARE West Region beneficiaries should keep their eyes on their mailboxes. UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans, the incoming West Region health care support contractor, will be sending out welcome packages in early March.
The welcome packets include contact information for UnitedHealthcare, where to file claims and information on continuing automatic payments, new case managers, referrals and authorizations. All TRICARE beneficiaries should read their packets carefully to see if they have to take any actions to prepare for the April 1, 2013 transition to UnitedHealthcare.
One important date highlighted in the package is March 11, 2013, when beneficiaries must switch their automatic payment authorizations to UnitedHealthcare to maintain uninterrupted coverage.
Also highlighted are new features and benefit enhancements to improve beneficiaries’ access to quality providers and decrease wait times. Enhancements include Convenience Care Clinics, the UnitedHealth Premium Designation Program of providers and expanded telemedicine opportunities.
The packets contain information about how beneficiaries can request their current providers remain part of the TRICARE network after the transition to UnitedHealthcare takes place. Beneficiaries can ask their providers if they are members of the UnitedHealthcare network and if not, encourage them to sign up.
West Region beneficiaries can access additional information about the transition by visiting the UnitedHealthcare website at www.uhcmilitarywest.com or reach UnitedHealthcare customer service at 1-877-988- 9378. They may also visit the TRICARE website at www.tricare.mil/westtransition.
