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                         November 21, 2001

TRICARE payments upped for some dual beneficiaries

WASHINGTON (Armed Forces News) -- TRICARE beneficiaries under the age of 65 who are eligible for Medicare due to a disability (dual-eligible beneficiaries) and who are enrolled in Medicare Part B should have seen increases in the amounts paid on many of their claims starting last month.

The change occurred because these claims procedures now use the same methadology that applies under TRICARE for Life. Under that system, TRICARE will pay beneficiary out-of-pocket costs (after Medicare’s payment) for services payable by both Medicare and TRICARE.

Also, for individuals participating in Medicare Part B and enrolled in TRICARE Prime, the enrollment fee will be waived.

Beneficiaries affected by these changes must continue filing paper claim forms for TRICARE reimbursement until an electronic linkage between TRICARE and Medicare is established.