TriWest Healthcare Alliance News

TRICARE Benefits, Service and Support Remain Available for Military Families During Iowa, Missouri Flooding

PHOENIX, June 18 PRNewswire — While National Guard members in Iowa and Missouri assist with efforts to thwart the rising flood waters in both states, TriWest Healthcare Alliance assures TRICARE beneficiaries and families affected by this natural disaster that their health care benefits will be maintained, and that service and support will continue during this critical time.

"Our thoughts go out to our service members and their families during this most challenging time," said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr. "I want to assure them that TriWest remains committed to proactively respond to their health care needs."

TRICARE beneficiaries can manage their health care 24/7 from any location with an Internet connection by visiting http://www.triwest.com. They can also find general updates and flood-related resources at TriWest's newly-launched "Crisis Connection" site at http://www.triwest.com/crisisconnection.

Below are some additional tips for those who need immediate assistance.

Getting Emergency Care

Hospitals and clinics in Iowa and Missouri that accept TRICARE remain open. In an emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest hospital emergency room. For TRICARE Prime/TRICARE Prime Remote enrollees, emergency care does not require a referral or authorization; however, beneficiaries or their family members should notify TriWest at 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378) within 24 hours or as soon as possible after receiving emergency care.

TRICARE Service Centers Remain Open

TRICARE Service Centers (TSC) located in Iowa, Missouri and eastern Kansas, including Des Moines, Fort Leonard Wood and Fort Leavenworth are open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Beneficiaries not near a TSC should visit http://www.triwest.com or call 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378) for more information or to find an authorized provider still operating in their area.

Relocating Outside the TRICARE West Region

Beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Prime who are displaced or evacuated to states outside of TriWest's 21-state region should contact TriWest immediately at 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378) to ensure coverage at their new location. Beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Standard, a fee-for-service option, may seek care from any TRICARE-authorized provider.

Prescription Refills

Beneficiaries may take their prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy. Contact Express Scripts at 1-866-363-8779 or visit http://www.triwest.com to find a nearby pharmacy. If beneficiaries are displaced without their prescription bottle they should visit the pharmacy where the prescription was received. They may request assistance at another pharmacy; however, help provided is at the pharmacy's discretion. If beneficiaries use a retail chain (Wal-Mart, CVS, etc.), they may obtain medication from another store in that chain. If the beneficiaries' primary care manager is available, he or she may call in a new prescription to any network pharmacy in the area.

About TriWest

TriWest Healthcare Alliance partners with the Department of Defense to do "Whatever It Takes" to support the health care needs of 2.9 million members of America's military family. A URAC-accredited, Phoenix-based corporation, TriWest provides access to cost-effective, high-quality health care in the 21-state TRICARE West Region, the 2007 TRICARE Region of the year. TriWest is a proud Corporate Team Member of America Supports You. Visit http://www.triwest.com for more information.

SOURCE TriWest Healthcare Alliance

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