Do you live in the West Region? Do you have TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has extended the West Region referral approval waiver through June 30. TRICARE-authorized specialty care providers don’t need to wait for TriWest Healthcare Alliance to approve referrals issued by your primary care manager before providing outpatient care.

Do you currently live in the TRICARE West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card? If you haven’t done so already, you must securely provide your payment information to the West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, by April 30. If you haven’t submitted payment to TriWest by April 30, you and your family members will be disenrolled from your TRICARE plan on May 1. This disenrollment is retroactive to your paid-through date.

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Spring is one of the most important times of year to become “tick smart” by learning about the risks ticks pose and how to avoid tick bites.

Did you know that Saturday, April 26, is the next National Drug Take Back Day? It’s a day to safely dispose of unwanted, expired, or excess medications. But it’s also important to know that military pharmacies offer ways to safely dispose of drugs all year long through the Military Health System Drug Take Back program.

Sexual trauma can happen to anyone, and it can have long-term effects on your mental health. But it isn’t something you have to deal with alone. There’s help available if you need it. If you’re an active duty service member (ADSM) who has experienced sexual trauma at any time, you may be eligible to participate in the Sexual Trauma Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Pilot.

TRICARE covers age-appropriate doses of vaccines, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Need technical assistance with accessing the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal? Beneficiaries are encouraged to contact the Defense Manpower Data Center web support.

This video is an introduction to the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.

Are you feeling anxious or on edge? TRICARE covers mental health services that can help.

TRICARE covers both the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line and telemedicine services. This video breaks down the key difference between these two services.

TRICARE covers seven different types of mental health providers. This video gives a brief overview of some of the mental health providers and if you’ll need a referral.

Your child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. Learn more about TRICARE's mental health coverage.

Did you know TRICARE covers three different pharmacy options? TRICARE covers prescriptions filled at military pharmacies, network pharmacies, and TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery.

As a part of TRICARE’s telemedicine benefit, you can access mental health care through telemental health services.

We'll break down the difference between a copayment and a deductible. Learn more at www.tricare.mil/costs.

TRICARE covers age-appropriate vaccines, as recommended by the CDC. You can get TRICARE covered vaccines from military hospitals or clinics and network pharmacies at no cost.

This month’s DHA Minute focuses on the Defense Health Agency’s new Employee Engagement Advisory Council.