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Accessing Family Care / TRICARE
Hampton Roads has the largest military catchment area in the world. There are 430,000 people eligible in local military treatment facilities. Because of the large number of active duty service members (125,000) in Hampton Roads, it can be difficult for family members to get the care they need in a timely manner in the military treatment facilities.
In the past CHAMPUS has been the answer for military families seeking care in the civilian community. Since 1992, TRICARE Tidewater has worked to enhance the CHAMPUS benefit by improving access to care and controlling out-of-pocket costs.
TRICARE Prime
All active duty families are eligible to enroll in TRICARE Prime, a TRICARE option similar to a health maintenance organization. TRICARE Prime enrollees are afforded first priority appointments after active duty members. TriPrime clinics, managed by Sentara, are located throughout Hampton Roads and offer health care at locations close to the patient. TRICARE Prime enrollees are assigned to a single health care team to ensure continuity of care and have periodic wellness checks included in their routine care.
It is Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth's goal to enroll as many families as possible into TRICARE Prime. As more families enroll, it will become more difficult for non-enrollee families to be seen in the military treatment facilities as TRICARE Prime patients have priority in appointing.
Non-availability Statements (NAS)
For family members who are not enrolled in TRICARE Prime, and who wish to use a civilian health care provider, be advised that all planned inpatient procedures require an NAS. NASs are granted only when the service is not available in the military treatment facility. If you undergo a procedure with a civilian provider and have not obtained an NAS, you will be responsible for the entire bill.
How to Get More Information
The TRICARE Service Center (1-877-TRICARE) can explain your family's health care options, provide CHAMPUS claims processing assistance, send you TRICARE Prime enrollment information, as well as answer any questions you may have about health care. The Health Benefits Office at NAVMEDCEN Portsmouth (953-2596/2597) can provide similar assistance, as can the Health Benefits Advisors assigned to each branch medical clinic.
Last Updated: 09-Feb-2006
