Health Matters (West) Newsletter

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This quarterly newsletter provides information about your TRICARE benefit. This stateside edition contains information specific to beneficiaries living in the West Region. Learn how to find your region.

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Issue 2 | 2026

Two young women wearing graduation caps and gowns smile while holding diplomas

  • Graduating in 2026? Learn how to stay covered with TRICARE Young Adult
    Becoming an adult comes with a lot of new responsibilities—including starting to manage your healthcare. If you’re a young adult who’s about to age out of regular TRICARE coverage from your parent or step-parent, you still have options.
  • Understanding the TRICARE claims process
    When you receive a service, medication, or treatment as part of your TRICARE benefit, filing a claim is the way your provider gets reimbursed for their services. If you pay for services up front, filing a claim is how you get reimbursed. Read more to learn about when you need to file your own claim, how to view claim information, and how you can appealThe action you take if you don’t agree with a decision made about your benefit. a denied claim.
  • How to manage a third-party liability claim with TRICARE
    Recently injured? Whether it was a car accident or a slip on a wet floor, if someone else is at fault, federal law allows TRICARE to seek payment of your medical costs from that third party.
  • How divorce affects your family’s TRICARE benefits
    During a divorce or an annulment, you may be concerned about what will happen to your family’s TRICARE coverage. In general, here’s what will happen to your TRICARE eligibility when your divorce or annulment is final.
  • How does a service, treatment, drug, or device become a TRICARE benefit?
    Have you ever wondered how a service, drug, or treatment becomes a TRICARE benefit? As drugs and technology continue to develop, TRICARE coverage evolves along with them.
  • Virtual community groups led by health experts now available
    Virtual Community Groups are online meetings led by trained health experts. These interactive virtual groups give you the chance to connect with others facing similar health challenges, share experiences, and learn simple, practical ways to improve your health.
  • Beat the heat: Stay safe and hydrated while traveling
    Whether you’re going on leave or heading to a hot climate, heat-related illness is a real threat. Knowing the warning signs can make the difference between a minor issue and a medical emergency.

FAQ image

I am moving. What do I need to do?

Moving (for example, PCSing) is a Qualifying Life Event that may require you to change regions. For details on what you need to do when you move, choose your plan from the list below:

Note: If you recently displaced back to the U.S., visit Displaced to learn more.

How do I file an appeal for a denied medical claim?

Follow the instructions on your explanation of benefits or your determination letter for your claim. Then send your appeal to your TRICARE contractor. Visit Appeals Address for a list of addresses. Your appeal must have a postmark within 90-calendar days from the date on your EOB or determination letter. To learn more, visit File a Complaint.

For issues you can't appeal (for example, concerns with the quality of health care you received, complaints about a provider or facility) visit the GrievanceYou can file a grievance when:
- You have a complaint about the quality of care you received,
- A provider or facility behaved inappropriately, or
- You have any other non-appealable issue.
The grievance may be against any member of your health care team. This includes your TRICARE doctor, your contractor, or a subcontractor. page.

 

Prefer to chat?

Log in to the West Region Beneficiary Portal to chat with a customer service representative. Chat is available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in your local time zone.


Providers can also chat through their provider portal to better coordinate your care.

Last Updated 5/13/2026