On February 1, 2006, beneficiaries who call 1-888-TRIWEST will hear a whole new system! The goal of the new system is to get the caller to the correct agent as quickly as possible.

Once you indicate you are a beneficiary and supply your sponsor's Social Security Number and date of birth, you will hear only one menu of options that are tailored to your specific TRICARE coverage plan. Your choice from this menu will connect you with a customer service representative who specializes in that service.

Simplified Menu Options

• The first message for all beneficiaries will ask if you are calling about 'Behavioral Health Services.' Choose this option for behavioral health assistance or to check behavioral health coverage.
• The top three menu choices for all callers will be 'Claims', 'Authorizations & Referrals' and 'Benefits' (medical coverage).
• Beneficiaries will have additional customized menu options based on their sponsor's status so that they only hear options relevant to them.

• Beneficiaries calling about an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) they receive in the mail should select 'Claims' and be transferred immediately to an agent.

On February 1, 2006, providers who call 1-888-TRIWEST will hear a whole new system! The goal of the new system is to get the caller to the correct agent as quickly as possible.

Patient Information

Once you indicate that you are a provider and supply the policy holder's Social Security Number and the patient's date of birth, you will hear three menu options:

• Claims - transfer directly to a customer service representative
• Authorizations & Referrals - select medical or behavioral and transfer directly to a customer service representative.
• Eligibility - verify eligibility for multiple beneficiaries through self-service.
• More benefits - select medical or behavioral to transfer to a customer service representative for more detailed information.

• Obtain information on whom to contact regarding a TRICARE contract, to discuss your existing contract for TRICARE, or contact your local representative to obtain provider education.