Team Offutt begins transition to UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans Published Feb. 26, 2013 By Maj. Keith M.R. Vollenweider 55th Medical Support Squadron OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The men and women of the 55th Medical Group would like Team Offutt to be aware of a major change occurring in the management of TRICARE. Beginning April 1, UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans will take over as the managed care support contractor for the TRICARE West Region. Until then, TriWest, the current contractor, will continue to serve the 2.9 million beneficiaries in the West Region with support for off base medical referrals and related services. Here are some details on the how the upcoming changes will affect patients. Between now and March 31, new patient enrollments will process normally, but due to the transition between contractor data systems, it is recommended that patients keep all enrollment documentation as proof of enrollment. Additionally, primary care manger panel changes are currently frozen until April 1, but clinic staff can override this for urgent cases. The clinic is ready to assist with enrollment: 232-2273 (CARE) or 294-3549. The management of the TRICARE Service Center, located in the Ehrling Bergquist Clinic, has already transferred from TriWest to UHCM&V. We are happy to report that all staff have been retained, for a smooth transition. For those enrolled in the Retired Reserve, Reserve Select or TRICARE Young Adult programs there is a March 10 deadline for establishing automatic payment for enrollment fees and premiums with UHCM&V. Come by the TRICARE Service Center to fill out a short form. This requirement does not affect active duty personnel or dependents under 21 years old enrolled in TRICARE Prime. Unfortunately, referrals authorized by TriWest will expire as part of the transition. Referrals authorized prior to March 31 will expire no later than May 31. Obstetrics (pregnancy) referrals are the exception and will be valid for the duration of the pregnancy. Referrals authorized after April 1 by UHCM&V will be honored as written. For assistance, call TriWest at 1-888-TRI-WEST, UHCM&V at 1-877-988-WEST or the Referral Management Center in the clinic at 294-4010. TRICARE and UHCM&V mailers, plus new TRICARE Cards are going out to all beneficiaries in the next few weeks. Please be on the lookout for these in your mail. Websites for more information include are: TRICARE: http://www.tricare.mil/Welcome/MediaCenter/CurrentTopics/WestTransition.aspx TriWest: http://www.triwest.com/en/about-triwest/transition-update-center/ UHCM&V: http://www.uhcmilitarywest.com/ 55th MDG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/55mdg For more information, call Maj. Keith Vollenweider at 294-9477.