TRICARE Mobile Access 

 

We live in an increasingly mobile world, with more and more people possessing technology that allows them to use the Internet on the go. Beneficiaries can access their TRICARE benefits and benefit information on their mobile devices through a variety of mobile applications and mobile-optimized sites. The first mobile tool people should know about is the mobile version of TRICARE.mil, accessible on mobile devices including tablets and smartphones. Simply type http://www.tricare.mil  into a mobile device’s browser to get benefit and contact information. Beneficiaries can download educational materials, view episodes of TRICARE TV, listen to podcasts, read TRICARE news, find contact information for different regions and plans, submit benefit questions and access costs, plans, referrals and other information specific to their plan.

 

     Each of the TRICARE regional contractors also has their own mobile site or app. Health Net, the North Region contractor, operates http://www.hnfs.com/go/mobile , which allows beneficiaries to locate TRICARE-authorized providers and access resources including contact information and information about benefits, claims and eligibility. The South Region contractor, Humana Military, has a mobile site at m.humana-military.com . Humana Military Mobile offers links to a provider locator, a search tool for urgent care centers and eligibility and plan information. In the West Region, UnitedHealth Military &Veterans has a mobile app for mobile devices called “OptumizeMe.” This app encourages healthy lifestyles by letting users challenge other users to health and fitness goals on their smartphones. OptumizeMe lets users track their own progress and post the results to Facebook. Beneficiaries can download OptumizeMe from iTunes or the Google Play store.

 

     The TRICARE pharmacy contractor Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI) offers both a mobile site, http://www.express-scripts.com/mobile, and an app called Express Rx. These allow beneficiaries to get benefit information, start home delivery of their prescriptions, check order status, order prescription refills and find a nearby network pharmacy. They even have information about drugs and potential side effects. Beneficiaries must register with ESI before using the mobile site by going to http://www.express-scripts.com/activate . The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) also offers a mobile app (for Android phones) called milConnect Mobile. The app allows beneficiaries to locate identification card-issuing facilities, find contact information for TRICARE regional contractors and review frequently asked questions. Beneficiaries can download milConnect Mobile from the Google Play store.

 

These mobile options make it easier than ever to get the information and access beneficiaries need to take control of their health care options. If beneficiaries can’t get the information they need from one of these mobile options, they can always call TRICARE or their contractor. Visit http://www.tricare.mil/callus  for a list of contact numbers  [Source:  TRICARE e-Mail Update 16 Oct 2013 ++]

 

 

Chuck Weber

Registered Veterans Service Officer