On Jan. 1, TRICARE began delivering health care under its new regional contracts. This means that TriWest Healthcare Alliance is now the contractor for the TRICARE West Region, including six states that moved from the East Region. (Humana Military remains the contractor for the states that have stayed in the East Region.)

On Feb. 5, the Kroger Family of Pharmacies rejoined the TRICARE Pharmacy Program network. This means that TRICARE beneficiaries now have access to over 2,200 additional network pharmacies across 35 states. These pharmacies are in rural, suburban, and urban locations.

Do you know what to do when you or a family member feels sick, but it’s outside of business hours or it’s the weekend? TRICARE has a service called the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line that can help when you need healthcare guidance.

Are you looking for the latest details about your TRICARE health plan? TRICARE has updated its entire publications suite with information about your health plan. The new publications now include current details like how to find your TRICARE region, how to contact your regional contractor, and what you’ll pay for care.

The Leapfrog Group has named two Defense Health Agency hospitals among the best in the nation. This shows the military's strong focus on keeping patients safe and providing high-quality care.

Do you currently live in the West Region? Or, do you live in one of the six states that moved to the West Region on Jan. 1? If you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card, you must now securely give your recurring payment information to the West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance.

TRICARE is the health care program for service members (active duty, Guard/Reserve, retired) and their families around the world.

With the end of the year approaching, it’s a good time to consider your family’s healthcare needs for the coming year. As you think about things like scheduling preventive care visits and knowing your 2025 TRICARE costs, you should also note some changes coming to TRICARE in 2025.

Respiratory syncytial virus is a common but potentially dangerous respiratory illness. Immunizations are available to protect TRICARE beneficiaries who are considered high risk from RSV infection. These immunizations help protect older adults and newborns, who face higher risks from respiratory illness.

Changes are coming to TRICARE’s regional contracts Jan. 1, 2025. These changes will affect you if you live in the U.S. The key to a smooth transition is to take a few simple steps now, before the end of the year.

Do you get your prescriptions at a military pharmacy in the U.S.? You should know that the Defense Health Agency is upgrading to a new prescription refill system at military pharmacies. The new Interactive Voice Response system will help standardize refill notices.

If you get care outside of a military hospital or clinic, it’s important to understand your civilian provider options. TRICARE’s new regional contracts, which begin Jan. 1, 2025, will affect the TRICARE provider networks in the U.S. You’re now able to check the network provider directories for both the East Region and West Region.

Time is running out to review and update your TRICARE health plan for 2025. TRICARE Open Season ends Tuesday, Dec. 10, marking your last day to enroll in a new plan or make changes to your health coverage.