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ARMED FORCES NEWS |
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Last March, beneficiaries told a House panel that Tricare Standard (formerly CHAMPUS) has been neglected and that a rising number of doctors won't accept Tricare Standard patients. They said that Tricare should publish lists of providers who accept Standard patients, and that patients and providers needed current information about Tricare Standard. In response, the House version of the fiscal '04 defense bill urges DoD to develop an outreach plan for Tricare Standard. The Senate version directs DoD to ensure continued viability and adequacy of Tricare Standard benefits. Beneficiaries also complained about a requirement that Tricare Standard patients living within 40 miles of a military treatment facility procure a non-availability statement from the facility in order to obtain care from Standard providers. Ed Wyatt, principal Defense deputy for health affairs, has stated that the non-availability requirement will virtually disappear when Tricare support contracts take effect next year. |
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