Health Care 154 A “Pre-Authorization” is a more comprehensive review of certain medical services and Specialty Care to confirm if TRICARE will cover it. If so, your contractor will first try to refer you to a military hospital or clinic. If unavailable, you will be referred to a network provider in your region. UPDATE TO MILCONNECT Modernizing your log on experience, myAuth is replacing DS Logon for milConnect access. This new, secure and user-friendly way to access your DoD applications is supported by the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). Please note that the myAuth update will roll out in phases that began with milConnect and ID Card Office Online on May 21, 2025. Eventually, all DoD applications using DS Logon will transition to myAuth. For details, visit milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil. PROVIDER DIRECTORIES November 2024, TriWest and Humana Military published their respective network provider directories listing provider subspecialties. This makes it easier to find providers for the exact type specialty care you need. Directories also note if providers offer telemedicine appointments. Those living in the new West Region should check the TriWest provider directory at Tricare.mil/west. You can also call TriWest at 888-TRIWEST (874-9378). For a full list of contractors and providers, visit Tricare.mil/partners. If your provider is no longer part of the TRICARE network, you may still continue seeing them and pay the applicable TRICARE Prime copayments. Providers may leave the network for various reasons, such as retirement or choosing not to accept TRICARE. To confirm your provider’s current network status or to locate a new TRICARE network provider, visit the official TRICARE website or contact your regional contractor for assistance. T-5 BENEFITS 2025 T-5 Contract Improvements: • More efficient Referral transfers between the two regions • Greater access to highly specialized medical and surgical care • Improved choices, including virtual value network tools that help to quickly identify providers with the best outcomes • Better access to telehealth appointments TRICARE REFORM The 65th annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) supported a total of $913 billion in FY 2026 funding for national defense. 2026 Enhancements Will: • Direct a study on the impact of behavioral and mental health staffing shortfalls at military medical treatment facilities Rolling out for 2025 were enhancements that: • Authorize TRICARE health providers to offer tele-mental health care services to members of the Armed Forces and their dependents without regard to the location of the provider or the patient • Require the establishment of policies for the priority assignment of medical personnel of the DOD, and require the Secretaries of the military departments to assign medical personnel consistent with the Secretary of Defense’s priorities. • Require the establishment of a demonstration program to expand partnerships between DOD and Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities for the purpose of increasing case volume for DOD graduate medical education programs • Authorize DOD to reduce or waive cost sharing amounts for prescriptions for family members enrolled in the TRICARE Remote Program • Commend the ongoing work of the Nutrition Committee and encourage the committee’s important initiatives to be widely implemented • Direct a briefing on DOD’s plan to share documentation with the Veterans Administration (VA) regarding personnel who were exposed to radioactive material
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