PORT ANGELES — As many as 400 retired military personnel and dependents of active duty personnel in Jefferson and Clallam counties could be looking for new primary care physicians as a result a change in TriCare health insurance benefits effective June 1.
The change in insurance benefits, according to Capt. Bill Peterson, Coast Guard Group Port Angeles commander, eliminates payment for diagnostic services for those covered under TriCare Standard.
Peterson said the change affects the West Coast — TriCare previously eliminated payment for those extra services on the East Coast.
Peterson said he believes people currently covered by TriCare Standard will receive better medical care at a lower price by picking a private health care provider and switching to TriCare Prime if they are younger than age 65 or TriCare for Life if they are older than 65 and eligible under Medicare Plan B.
“Economically, it’s smarter and there’s less risk for people to go with TriCare Prime,” Peterson said.
The Coast Guard’s clinic at the Ediz Hook station will continue to accept patients who choose to stay with TriCare Standard — and are willing to go elsewhere for services not offered at the clinic.
——————-
The rest of this story appears in today’s Peninsula Daily News. Click on “Subscribe” to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.