Thousands in West Region being booted out of military's Tricare
Thousands of beneficiaries are finding out they are being disenrolled from Tricare health care coverage in the West Region because they didn't set up recurring payments by an April 30 deadline.
'We anticipate the total being approximately 30,000 beneficiaries' who will be disenrolled in the process that is currently under way, TriWest officials said in a statement to Military Times.
Those who want to reinstate their coverage must do so by June 30.
This applies to beneficiaries who pay for their Tricare coverage using a credit card, debit card or bank electronic funds transfer and haven't set up those payments with TriWest.
That sensitive payment information couldn't be transferred automatically from the previous West Region contractor, Health Net Federal Services, to TriWest Healthcare Alliance, which took over the West Region on Jan. 1.
Beneficiaries are receiving letters from Defense Manpower Data Center informing them of their disenrollment, according to Tricare officials. The program set up a way for beneficiaries to request reinstatement of their coverage, but it won't be automatic, and beneficiaries must request reinstatement before June 30.
'This disenrollment is retroactive to your paid-through date,' Tricare officials stated in an announcement. Those who haven't made any payments for coverage this year are finding their disenrollment dates back to Jan. 1. They are responsible for paying the full cost of any health care services received by anyone in their family back to Jan. 1.
Beneficiaries in the Tricare West Region who have been disenrolled can't request reinstatement through the TriWest portal. Instead, they must call TriWest at 888-874-9378 and say they've been disenrolled and want to reinstate their enrollment, according to Tricare officials.
They'll be required to provide the payment information to TriWest and pay all overdue enrollment fees or premiums back to Jan. 1, officials said.
Many beneficiaries were having trouble getting those payments set up because of glitches in the TriWest online portal and difficulties getting through to their call center.
TriWest officials have been working to fix the problems and have added staff to the call center. After several extensions of the deadline, disenrollment of beneficiaries from Tricare began May 1 for those who didn't submit payment information to TriWest by April 30, according to Tricare officials.
This issue doesn't apply to those who have Tricare for Life, the U.S. Family Health Plan or a Tricare health plan overseas. Those who had set up allotments through the Defense Financing and Accounting Service previously for their payments were told they didn't have to take action for their allotments to be automatically transferred to TriWest.
It's not clear how many of those 30,000 beneficiaries expected to be disenrolled have actively chosen not to continue their coverage. In early January, TriWest officials told Military Times that 59% of those who needed to provide payment information had done so.
Initially, West Region beneficiaries were required to provide their information to TriWest before the Jan. 1 start date of the TriWest West Region contract. But because many beneficiaries were having difficulty setting up those payments, Tricare extended the deadline several times.
In late April, Defense Health Agency officials extended their referral approval waiver through June 30 for the West Region, which allows military families enrolled in Tricare Prime in that region an extra two months to get specialty care without having to get approval from the contractor, TriWest.
They didn't extend the deadline for setting up recurring payments.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Health Line
7 hours ago
- Health Line
Medicare and Private Insurance: Can You Have Both?
If you're covered under an employer-provided plan, COBRA, or TRICARE, you can have both Medicare and private insurance. If you have both, the guidelines determine which provider pays for your healthcare services first. Health insurance covers many medical expenses. Generally speaking, there are two basic types of health insurance: Private: These health insurance plans are offered by private companies. Many people get private health insurance through a group plan provided by their employers. Public: Public health insurance plans are government-funded. One example of a public health insurance program is Medicare. Others include Medicaid and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. According to a 2024 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, 65.4% of Americans had some form of private health insurance in 2023. Only 36.3% had public health insurance, including 18.9% enrolled in Medicare. In certain instances, private health insurance and Medicare can be combined. How does private insurance work with Medicare? It is possible to have both private insurance and Medicare at the same time. When you have both, a process called 'coordination of benefits' determines which insurance provider pays first. This provider is called the primary payer. Once the payment order is determined, coverage works like this: The primary payer pays for any covered services until the coverage limit has been reached. The secondary payer pays for costs that the primary payer doesn't cover. However, it may not cover all costs. The provider who is the primary payer can depend on the type of private insurance you have and your individual situation. In some cases, Medicare may be the primary payer, while in others, it may be the secondary payer. Did you know? Private insurance companies manage some parts of Medicare, including: Medicare Advantage (Part C) Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) While these plans can be considered private insurance, companies that offer them must be approved by Medicare and agree to follow its rules. Because of this, they're still considered part of the Medicare program. What other types of coverage can you have with Medicare? There are several different situations when you may have private insurance and Medicare at the same time. This can happen if you have: Coverage through an employer: When you're eligible for Medicare, you may still have private insurance through your employer. Coverage under your spouse's private health insurance: You can have Medicare and also be covered on a group plan provided by your spouse's employer. COBRA: COBRA allows you to temporarily keep private insurance coverage after your employment ends. You'll also keep your coverage if you're on your spouse's private insurance and their employment ends. TRICARE: TRICARE provides coverage for active and retired members of the military and their dependents. You can have both TRICARE and Medicare if you: are age 65 or over and enrolled in Medicare Part B have a disability, end stage renal disease (ESRD), or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and are enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B have Medicare and are a dependent of an active duty service member with TRICARE Who pays first for your services and medications? Whether Medicare or your private insurance pays first depends on the specific circumstances. You have private insurance coverage through your employer or a spouse's employer When you're eligible for Medicare, you can still have private insurance coverage provided by an employer. Generally speaking, you're eligible for Medicare when you: are age 65 or older have a qualifying disability receive a diagnosis of ESRD or ALS How Medicare works with your group plan's coverage depends on your particular situation, such as: If you're 65 or older: In companies with 20 or more employees, your group health plan pays first. In companies with fewer than 20 employees, Medicare pays first. If you have a disability or ALS: In companies with 100 or more employees, your group health plan pays first. When a company has fewer than 100 employees, Medicare pays first. If you have ESRD: Your group health plan pays first during a 30-month coordination period. This is regardless of the company's number of employees or whether you're retired. Your company may offer you coverage under a group plan after you retire. This is called retiree coverage. In this case, Medicare pays first, and your retiree coverage pays second. Some health insurance plans, such as Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, require using in-network providers. If this is the case with your group health plan and it pays first, you may not be covered by Medicare if you choose to use an out-of-network provider. You have COBRA If you have both Medicare and COBRA, the provider that pays first depends on your specific situation, such as: You have TRICARE If you have TRICARE, the provider that pays first depends on whether or not you're on active duty: If you're on active duty: TRICARE pays first for any services covered by Medicare. TRICARE also covers Medicare deductibles, coinsurance costs, and any services covered by TRICARE but not Medicare. If you're not on active duty: Medicare pays first. TRICARE can pay second if you have TRICARE for Life coverage. What if I have additional questions about coverage? Working with both private insurance and Medicare can be a complicated process. If you have questions or concerns about what's covered and which provider pays first, you can reach out to several sources, including: Medicare: You can contact Medicare using its general contact information or by contacting its Benefits Coordination and Recovery Center directly at 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048). Social Security Administration (SSA): Contacting the SSA at 800-772-1213 can help you get more information on Medicare eligibility and enrollment. State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Each state has its own SHIP, which can help with any specific questions about Medicare. United States Department of Labor: If your employment has ended, you can contact the Department of Labor to learn more about COBRA coverage at 866-487-2365. TRICARE: Contacting TRICARE directly at 866-773-0404 may be beneficial when navigating coverage alongside Medicare. The takeaway In some situations, you can have both private insurance and Medicare, such as if you're covered under private insurance through an employer. When you have private insurance and Medicare, one provider will pay for healthcare services first, and the second may potentially cover the remaining costs. This depends on your situation and the type of private insurance you have. If you have questions about how Medicare works with private insurance, don't hesitate to contact Medicare, the SSA, or your local SHIP for assistance.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
AXIL Brands, Inc. Receives Prestigious Features in Leading Military Publications
AXIL's cutting-edge hearing solutions draw acclaim for innovation and performance LOS ANGELES, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AXIL Brands, Inc. ('AXIL' or the 'Company')(NYSE American: AXIL), a leader in innovative hearing protection, hearing enhancement, and wireless technology, is proud to announce its recent recognition in esteemed military and technology media outlets. Renowned publications including Military Times, Marine Corps Times, Air Force Times and Navy Times spotlighted AXIL's groundbreaking products in a series of articles. Additionally, the article was syndicated with Yahoo Tech. The features showcase how AXIL's innovative hearing protection and enhancement solutions cater to the unique demands of military personnel, outdoor enthusiasts, and professionals operating in high-intensity environments. The articles explore AXIL's commitment to providing cutting-edge technology, superior comfort, and unparalleled performance in hearing protection gear. 'These features reaffirm what we've always believed,' says Tyler Smith, Axil's national sales director. 'Our mission is to revolutionize hearing protection and spatial awareness for those who rely on clarity and safety in extreme environments. We're honored to have our products recognized by trusted media outlets that resonate with military professionals and technology enthusiasts alike.' AXIL products redefine tactical awareness by integrating state-of-the-art technology with practical, field-tested features that enhance performance in critical environments. Designed with advanced digital sound processing, AXIL's earplugs, earmuffs, and earbuds provide unparalleled hearing protection while simultaneously amplifying essential sounds. This ensures users can maintain full situational awareness during high-intensity activities. Whether identifying subtle environmental cues in military operations or maintaining focus in the great outdoors, AXIL's gear offers clarity and precision like never before. To learn more about AXIL's industry-leading hearing solutions, visit For direct links to the media features, check out the following outlets: Military Times Feature Marine Corps Times Feature Air Force Times Feature Navy Times Feature Yahoo Tech Feature About AXIL BrandsAXIL Brands (NYSE American: AXIL) is an emerging global consumer products company. The Company is a manufacturer and marketer of premium hearing enhancement and protection products, including ear plugs, earmuffs, and ear buds, under the AXIL® brand and premium hair and skincare products under its in-house Reviv3® brand - selling products in the United States, Canada, the European Union, and throughout Asia. To learn more, please visit the Company's AXIL® website at and its Reviv3® website at Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The use of words such as 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'expect,' 'continue,' 'will,' 'prepare,' 'should,' and 'focus,' among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available information, and management's beliefs, intentions, strategies, projections, and current expectations concerning future events, including, but not limited to, any statements regarding the Company's anticipated offline expansion, anticipated revenue mix and market share, strategic partnerships and distribution channels, and the potential divestiture of the Company's hair and skin care business, which may not occur in a timely manner, or at all. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond management's control and may cause the Company's results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other things: (i) the Company's ability to grow its net sales and operations, including developing new products and expanding internationally, and perform in accordance with any guidance; (ii) our ability to generate sufficient revenue to support the Company's operations and to raise additional funds or obtain other forms of financing as needed on acceptable terms, or at all; (iii) potential difficulties or delays the Company may experience in implementing its cost savings and efficiency initiatives; (iv) the Company's ability to compete effectively with other hair and skincare companies and hearing enhancement and protection companies; (v) the concentration of the Company's customers, potentially increasing the negative impact to the Company by changing purchasing or selling patterns; (vi) changes in laws or regulations in the United States and/or in other major markets, such as China, in which the Company operates, including, without limitation, with respect to taxes, tariffs, trade policies or product safety, which may increase the Company product costs and other costs of doing business, and reduce the Company's earnings; (vii) the Company's ability to engage in strategic partnerships and expand its distribution and retail channels; and (viii) the impact of unstable market and general economic conditions on the Company's business, financial condition and stock price, including inflationary cost pressures, the possibility of an economic recession and other macroeconomic factors, geopolitical events, and uncertainty, decreased discretionary consumer spending, supply chain disruptions and constraints, labor shortages, ongoing economic disruption, including the effects of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the Israel-Hamas conflict, and other downturns in the business cycle or the economy. There can be no assurance as to any of these matters, and potential investors are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements. Other important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the Company's estimates of the addressable market for its products may prove to be inaccurate, and the projected demand for the Company's products could differ materially from actual demand. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future. Investor Relations:Media Relations:Todd McKnight(917) 349-2175investors@
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
National pharmacy company sues Arkansas over law eliminating PBM pharmacy ownership
Video: Arkansas bill would prevent Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning pharmacies LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A lawsuit was filed in Little Rock federal court on Thursday to overturn an Arkansas law preventing pharmacy benefit managers from operating pharmacies in the state. The suit filed by the pharmacy benefit management firm Express Scripts by Evernorth claims that violates the Constitution and federal law. It requests that the court prevent Act 624 from going into effect. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs bill blocking PBM ownership of pharmacies into law St. Louis-based Express Scripts is the pharmacy benefit management arm of The Cigna Group, a multinational health care and insurance company. Pharmacy benefits managers act as intermediaries between pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies to set rates, including the compensation amounts paid to pharmacies. Act 624 prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies in Arkansas. The lawsuit claims that Act 624 violates the Constitution's Commerce Clause and the Privileges & Immunities Clause. It also states the law violates the Constitution's Attainder Clause, which prevents laws from being passed that punish individuals or groups without a trial. The lawsuit continues to claim that it interferes with federal law since the act would prevent Express Scripts from honoring its TRICARE contract with the Department of Defense. TRICARE is the health plan, including pharmacy support, for active duty National Guard, reserve, and retired military members and their families. The suit has multiple plaintiffs under the Express Scripts umbrella and is filed against the state pharmacy board and its members. CVS shares statement after Arkansas bill restricting PBMs from owning pharmacies is signed into law Evernorth Health Services Vice President of Pharmacy Practice and pharmacist Susan Peppers said the suit was filed to ensure continued access to care. 'Our family of pharmacies—including Express Scripts Pharmacy, Accredo Specialty Pharmacy and Freedom Fertility Pharmacy—are proud to serve Arkansans, and this law will disrupt their access to the care we provide,' Peppers said. 'If this law takes effect in January, hundreds of thousands of Arkansans will be left scrambling to navigate the forced closure of pharmacies and finding new ways to get their medicines and critical clinical support.' Peppers continued that Evernorth was doing 'everything we can' to protect Arkansas patients. Arkansas Attorney General Griffin signs letter asking for federal law to prohibit Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning pharmacies Attorney General Tim Griffin, whose office will defend against the case, stated that PBMs hinder access and quality. 'Pharmacy benefit managers wield outsized power to reap massive profits at the expense of consumers,' Griffin said. 'The rise of PBMs as middlemen in the prescription drug market has resulted in patients facing fewer choices, lower quality care, and higher prices.' Griffin added that PBMs 'leverage their affiliated pharmacies to manipulate prices, corrupt the market, and destroy competition. Through Act 624, Arkansas is standing up to PBMs on behalf of consumers, and I will vigorously defend our law.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
