Edwards AFB News

TRICARE change for Edwards AFB area

  • Published
  • By 412th Medical Group
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  TRICARE beneficiaries in the West Region, including those in the Edwards AFB area, now have TRICARE coverage from UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans. This change affects members using TRICARE Prime and Standard. TRICARE For Life beneficiaries (generally those over age 65) are not affected by the change.

Members with a current specialty care authorization issued by TriWest can continue receiving care with that authorization through May 30. However, after May 30 members can renew their referral by calling the appointment line at (661) 277-7118. Current maternity care referrals issued by TriWest will be valid for the duration of the pregnancy. Retired families paying for TRICARE Prime through allotment do not need to change their allotment. However, retirees paying through electronic funds transfer should update their payee data to ensure continuation of coverage. Additional information on changing EFT payments can be found at www.uhcmilitarywest.com.

The local TRICARE network of physicians and hospitals is very similar to the TriWest network. Currently, High Desert Urgent Care is the only contracted urgent care facility in the local area. UnitedHealthcare continues to aggressively work network development issues. Members are advised to check the United Healthcare provider directory at www.uhcmilitarywest.com to receive the latest update on participating network providers and must notify the Referral Management Center (661) 275-2259 of any appointments booked outside of the Edwards AFB Medical Treatment Facility.

Edwards AFB beneficiaries with questions about their TRICARE coverage can contact UnitedHealthcare at (877) 988-WEST or visit the UnitedHealthcare website at www.uhcmilitarywest.com. The 412th Medical Group at Edwards AFB also has a TRICARE Service Center for walk-in questions regarding benefits, enrollment, claims, etc. For the most up-to-date information on the transition, visit www.tricare.mil/westtransition.