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03-06-04, 11:05 AM
Dr. William Winkenwerder, Jr., assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, announced today's award of the TRICARE Health Care Services for Puerto Rico contract to Humana Military Healthcare Services, Inc., of Louisville, Ky. The contract will provide ongoing health care services and support through enrollment in TRICARE Overseas Program Prime in Puerto Rico for active duty service members and their families located in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Since the Roosevelt Roads Naval Base and Naval Hospital Roosevelt Roads closed, TRICARE Management Activity has been working to advise beneficiaries of their health care options.

"This contract is designed to provide all of our active duty members and their families with continuous access to health care services," said Winkenwerder. "We are sensitive to the needs of our beneficiaries in Puerto Rico and we will work closely with the new contractor to ensure that civilian providers meet TRICARE's high standards for timely, quality care."

The contract is valued at $9,187,660 and includes a two-month base period, three one-year option periods and one nine-month option period. Delivery of health care services is scheduled to begin May 1, 2004.

Beginning May 1, 2004, active duty service members are eligible to receive routine, urgent and emergency medical and dental services under the new contract on a cashless, claimless basis. Active duty family members may also receive routine, urgent and emergency medical services under the new contract on a cashless, claimless basis; however, their dental services will continue to be provided by the TRICARE Dental Program. Medical records will be automatically transferred to the active duty member and/or family member's provider once the new contract is implemented.

During the transition, the Navy will provide sick call services to active duty sponsors and their family members for routine, urgent and emergency care. Beneficiaries may call after hours; however, if active duty sponsors and/or family members have an immediate need after hours, they should go to an emergency room.

"We will continue to support our beneficiaries throughout the transition by providing them with the information they need to understand and utilize their health care benefits," Winkenwerder said. "Beneficiaries will receive information about enrollment choices, primary care manager selections and the availability of specialists."

TRICARE beneficiaries may contact the Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office (DSO) at (800) 538-9552 if there is a question about their eligibility for Department of Defense benefits.

The Military Health System is an integrated delivery system, one that is unique in its mission and composition, yet is based on sound business practices in health care purchasing and services delivery. For more information about health care in Puerto Rico, visit the TRICARE Web site at www.tricare.osd.mil.