A message to West Region TRICARE beneficiaries from the Defense Health Agency Director.

A new TRICARE Dental Program contract will bring changes and improvements starting March 1. United Concordia will continue to administer the TDP. However, they’ll offer new services and lower costs for many members. If you have TDP coverage, you'll see these changes in your February bill for coverage effective March 1.

Are you enrolled in TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has waived the requirement to obtain approval for referrals to outpatient specialty care for TRICARE Prime enrollees in the West region. This means TRICARE-authorized specialty care providers don’t need to wait for TriWest to approve referrals issued by your primary care manager before providing outpatient care. However, you’ll still need to get a referral from your Primary Care Manager before getting that specialty care. This process will be in place through March 31 and is retroactive to January 1, 2025.

On April 1, the TRICARE Online Patient Portal will no longer be available. The Department of Defense’s new electronic health record—MHS GENESIS—has replaced the TOL Patient Portal. If you want to keep a copy of your legacy health records for personal use, you must download them from the TOL Patient Portal before April 1.

U.S. Navy first class petty officers assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Bremerton were greeted by command leadership – Capt. Karla Lepore, Naval Hospital Bremerton director and NMRTC Bremerton commanding officer, Capt. Molly Jenkins, NMRTC Bremerton executive officer, NMRTC Bremerton Command Master Chief William Eickhoff, as well as the command’s Chiefs Mess for the Navy-wide advancement exam for chief petty officer, Jan. 16, 2025. “This is your first step. This is your time,” said Eickhoff, addressing the 39 hopeful Sailors. “We’re here to support you. Good luck to everyone,” shared Lepore (Official Navy photo by Douglas H Stutz, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton public affairs officer).

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer Benedict, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton Public Affairs – For 46 years, the Navy Chaplain Corps has been ably supported by a dedicated group of Sailors from chapel pew to field of battle.

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Julian C. Correa was recognized with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, cited for “professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving as Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Bremerton Security Department harbor patrol unit, October 6, 2024. While off-duty, Correa came across an apartment in his complex with smoke escaping from its door and windows. Without hesitation, he ran to the family’s aid and instructed another person to retrieve a second fire extinguisher and call 911. Despite the impending danger, he made entry through a locked door and began to safely combat the flames in the residence, saving three lives.

This Cold and Flu Season Nothing to Sneeze at By Douglas H Stutz, NHB public affairs officer -- This flu season is nothing to sneeze at.