Their names sound similar, and they are both associated with military healthcare. But there are important differences between TRICARE vs. TriWest. If you are an active duty service member, a military veteran, a retiree of the U.S. armed forces, or a family member of someone in the previous three categories, knowing the difference between TRICARE vs. TriWest can help you get the treatment you need as quickly and efficiently as possible.
What is TRICARE?
We’ll begin our exploration of TRICARE vs. TriWest by taking a closer look at TRICARE.
TRICARE is the healthcare program that serves active duty members of the U.S. military, retirees, and family members. It is managed by the Defense Health Agency (DHA).
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) began to use the name TRICARE in 1996. For the prior 30 years, the program had been known as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS).
Active duty personnel, retirees, and eligible family members can receive healthcare at facilities that are operated by the military. When they need to access care from non-military providers, TRICARE functions as their health insurance.
As described on the program’s website, TRICARE’s scope of coverage includes:
- Medical care
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Mental health services
- Prescription drugs
- Reproductive health services
TRICARE also covers what the organization describes as “special needs.” This is a category of services that includes applied behavior analysis, cancer clinical trials, durable medical equipment, home health care, hospice care, and skilled nursing facility care.
What is TriWest Insurance?
The TriWest Healthcare Alliance, which is commonly shortened to TriWest, was formed in 1996 to meet the healthcare needs of active duty service members and veterans of the U.S. military.
Since 2014, TriWest has served as the third-party administrator (TPA) for regions 4 and 5 of the Veterans Affairs Community Care Network (CCN). These regions include California, 11 other states in the western continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and three U.S. territories in the Pacific Ocean (Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa).
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides healthcare services to veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. military, as well as current or former members of the National Guard and Reserves who were called to active duty by a federal order.
TRICARE is the Department of Defense health program for eligible service members, retirees, and families. TriWest Healthcare Alliance administers the TRICARE West Region under the current contract and also participates separately in the Department of Veterans Affairs Community Care Network. TriWest is therefore not simply another insurance plan equivalent to TRICARE.
What’s the Difference Between TRICARE vs. TriWest?
TRICARE is the Department of Defense health program for eligible service members, retirees, and families. TriWest Healthcare Alliance administers the TRICARE West Region under the current contract and also participates separately in the Department of Veterans Affairs Community Care Network. TriWest is therefore not simply another insurance plan equivalent to TRICARE.
Does TRICARE or TriWest Cover Rehab?
One similarity between TRICARE vs. TriWest is that both organizations can connect eligible members with drug and alcohol rehab services.
TRICARE’s mental health coverage includes a variety of addiction treatment services, such as:
- Outpatient therapy (individual, group, and family)
- Outpatient rehab programs
- Office-based substance use disorder treatment
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
- Medication management services
- Inpatient detoxification/withdrawal management
- Residential rehab for addiction
Veterans who need residential or outpatient addiction treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), relapse prevention services, or other types of care for addiction should first seek these services at a VA medical facility. If they cannot access the care they need at a VA facility, they may then turn to the Community Care Network.
For veterans who receive addiction treatment services in regions 4 or 5 of the CCN, their care may be provided at a center that is affiliated with the TriWest Healthcare Alliance.
Begin Treatment Using TRICARE or TriWest Insurance Today
If your healthcare coverage is provided by TRICARE or managed by TriWest, and you are seeking treatment for a substance use disorder (addiction), Phoenix Rising Recovery can help. Our team can help you navigate the TRICARE or TriWest system. We will ensure you receive all benefits to which you are entitled. Once we have accomplished that, our treatment professionals can provide the customized services you need to achieve improved health and long-term recovery. Contact us today to learn more.