Questions, answers with wing senior leaders

Published Feb. 19, 2013
By 21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Every 21st Space Wing Airman has a part in making Peterson AFB the best place to work, live and visit in the Air Force. Here is one issue raised by a concerned Team Pete member, and answered by wing leadership.

How will the switch from TriWest Healthcare Alliance to UnitedHealthcare Military and Veterans affect TRICARE beneficiaries?

Because doctors and benefits will not change (only the contractor oversight will change), the switch will have minimal impact on the way patients receive their healthcare. On April 1, 2013, the TRICARE West Region Managed Care Support Contract will transition to and be managed by UnitedHealthcare Military and Veterans (UHC M&V). UHC M&V is a well-established healthcare provider in the Colorado Springs area and across the United States.

Although the contractor that provides our TRICARE benefit will change in April, the DoD's TRICARE benefits will not change as a result of this transition. UHC M&V's initial goal was to secure contracts with 90 percent of those civilian/off-base network providers currently participating with TriWest. We're happy to report that they have already exceeded this goal and are well over 95 percent of their target. Essentially, this means that our patients will, in most cases, be able to continue their existing relationships with their off-base providers. Although we say good-bye to TriWest, a partner since 1996, we look forward to our future with UHC M&V and continuing to provide our patients the best care in the AF!

(The Space Observer will publish answers each week to questions raised at the town hall meetings.)