Immediate Action Required to Address TRICARE West Region Transition Disruptions

I am writing to express serious concerns about the impending transition of the TRICARE West Region contract from Health Net Federal Services to TriWest Healthcare Alliance, effective January 1, 2025. With only weeks remaining, TriWest is clearly unprepared to manage this transition. The credentialing process remains incomplete, leaving providers without clear guidance despite repeated outreach efforts over the past year through emails, calls, and inquiry forms. This failure to act and communicate will disrupt care for thousands of TRICARE beneficiaries, including active-duty service members, their families, veterans, and retirees. This disruption will have severe consequences: • Disruption to Patient Care: Many TRICARE beneficiaries will lose access to their established healthcare providers. Mental health patients, particularly those managing PTSD, depression, and anxiety, will face severe setbacks due to interrupted care. • Financial Harm to Providers: Providers, especially those in solo or small practices, will face significant financial losses if they cannot continue treating TRICARE patients. This strain could force practice closures, further reducing access to care for military families. • Erosion of Trust in TRICARE: TriWest’s inability to adequately prepare and communicate undermines trust in the TRICARE system, which is vital for ensuring the health and readiness of military families and retirees. To mitigate these issues, I respectfully request the following actions: 1 Demand Transparency: Require TriWest to provide a clear and immediate timeline for completing provider credentialing and to directly communicate credentialing status to providers. Mandate that all providers currently contracted with Health Net Federal Services, including non-network preferred providers, be grandfathered into the TriWest system without delay. 2 Ensure Continuity of Care: Mandate that all current Health Net providers be allowed to continue serving their patients after January 1, 2025, to prevent any lapse in access to necessary services. This measure will ensure continuity of care for TRICARE beneficiaries and minimize disruptions during the transition. 3 Hold TriWest Accountable: Investigate TriWest’s failure to communicate effectively with providers and complete the credentialing process. Ensure that systems are implemented for seamless communication, credentialing, and care continuity. This investigation should also address why TriWest delayed contracts with providers and failed to adequately prepare for this transition. TRICARE is a vital lifeline for those who serve our nation and their families. It is essential to hold TriWest accountable for this breakdown in execution to prevent further harm to patients and providers. I urge you to act swiftly to demand transparency, enforce continuity of care, and ensure TriWest fulfills its responsibilities.