Technical problem shuts down Tricare online enrollment in the midst of open season

https://www.militarytimes.com/pay-benefits/2019/11/22/technical-problem-shuts-down-tricare-online-enrollment-in-the-midst-of-open-season/

Technical problem shuts down Tricare online enrollment in the midst of open season

By: Karen Jowers    2 days ago

Want to make a switch in your Tricare health plan? You’ll have to do it by phone or by mail, because a glitch has shut down your online option — likely for the rest of open enrollment season.

And if you thought you’ve made a switch during this open enrollment season that began Nov. 11, you’d better call your Tricare regional contractor to make sure your new plan start date is Jan. 1, 2020, according to Tricare officials — so you don’t have a gap in coverage.
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There is no telling right now how many beneficiaries may be affected by this glitch.

Open enrollment ends on Dec. 9. It’s the annual period when beneficiaries can change between their Tricare Prime Option or Tricare Select health plan. This is the only time of the year that beneficiaries can change plans, other than because of a qualifying life event, such as marriage, retirement from active duty, or birth.

Those who want to stay in their current Tricare health care plan don’t have to take any action.

The web enrollment will likely remain unavailable throughout the open season for beneficiaries who want to change plans, according to Tricare officials. However, it will be available for new enrollments, such as those retiring from active duty, and those who have a qualifying life event.
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In the absence of the online option, here’s how you can make changes in the enrollment::

By phone

Call your regional contractor:

*Health Net Federal Services (Tricare West): 1-844-866-9378

*Humana Military (Tricare East): 1-800-444-5445

*Visit a Tricare Service Center or contact International SOS (Overseas only)

By Mail

Mail an enrollment form. Download that form at https://www.tricare.mil/forms
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