Post by peterd on May 25, 2012 6:28:50 GMT -8
Memorial Day is the traditional kickoff of summer, but for TRICARE beneficiaries in the western U.S., this season will bring more than barbecues and trips to the beach.
In July, government officials will decide which of two warring insurers will begin delivering TRICARE West services starting next year. And although there's no love lost between the two firms -- Phoenix-based TriWest and Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare -- officials with both companies said TRICARE beneficiaries shouldn't worry about what will happen to them. Unless, they argued, their rival winds up with the contract.
In March, the Defense Department awarded next year's TRICARE West contract to UnitedHealth after having used TriWest for all 16 years there's been a regional system. TriWest challenged the award, arguing that it submitted a lower bid and that DoD officials had not taken into account what TriWest calls UnitedHealth's poor past performance.
www.military.com/daily-news/2012/05/24/tricare-provider-battle-rages-on.html?comp=7000023317843&rank=1
In July, government officials will decide which of two warring insurers will begin delivering TRICARE West services starting next year. And although there's no love lost between the two firms -- Phoenix-based TriWest and Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare -- officials with both companies said TRICARE beneficiaries shouldn't worry about what will happen to them. Unless, they argued, their rival winds up with the contract.
In March, the Defense Department awarded next year's TRICARE West contract to UnitedHealth after having used TriWest for all 16 years there's been a regional system. TriWest challenged the award, arguing that it submitted a lower bid and that DoD officials had not taken into account what TriWest calls UnitedHealth's poor past performance.
www.military.com/daily-news/2012/05/24/tricare-provider-battle-rages-on.html?comp=7000023317843&rank=1