TRIWEST -- The recent floods in the Midwest, wildfires in Northern California and earthquake in Southern California, are reminders that Mother Nature's fury can strike at anytime. TriWest Healthcare Alliance assures TRICARE beneficiaries and families affected by any natural disasters such as fire, earthquake, hurricane or flooding, that their health care benefits will be maintained, and that service and support will continue during those critical times.
Prepare a disaster readiness kit
TRICARE advises its beneficiaries to prepare emergency safety kits that include health care information if you have to evacuate your home. Having this information and other items organized in emergency safety kits prior to inclement weather will help alleviate stress and ease the burden on family and loved ones.
Supplies to include in the kits are non-perishable foods, flashlights with extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, extra eyeglasses and first-aid supplies.
TRICARE recommends including these additional health-related items:
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n Copies of each family member's TRICARE and military ID cards, medical records or other health insurance cards
n List of doctors names and contact information
n List of emergency contacts and phone numbers
n List of family members' allergies
n A 30-day supply of any prescription medications or over-the-counter medications such as anti-pain, antacids, etc.
n A 30-day supply of insulin, if applicable
n List of model and serial numbers for medical devices such as pacemakers
All paper items should be kept in plastic bags and placed inside waterproof backpacks or duffle bags placed in easy-to-find locations so they can be grabbed quickly. Prescriptions should be stored in proper containers.
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To learn more about how to prepare for disasters, visit http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit .
Know your benefits information
Your benefits will travel with you if you are displaced or evacuated outside of TriWest's 21-state region during a disaster. If you need medical care:
n Contact your TRICARE Service Center (TSC) or TriWest at (888) TRIWEST (874-9378) to verify that it is still open.
n Contact TriWest immediately at (888) TRIWEST (874-9378) if you are displaced or evacuated to a state outside of TriWest's 21-state region to ensure coverage at the new location. Beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Standard, a fee-for-service option, may seek care from any TRICARE-authorized provider.
n In case of an emergency, call 911 or seek treatment at the nearest emergency room for treatment. For TRICARE Prime/TRICARE Prime Remote enrollees, emergency care does not require a referral or authorization; however, beneficiaries or a family member should notify TriWest at (888) TRIWEST (874-9378) within 24 hours or as soon as possible after receiving emergency care.
If a disaster hits your area, you can manage your health care 24/7 from any location with an Internet connection by visiting www.triwest.com . You may also find general updates and disaster-related resources at TriWest's newly-launched "Crisis Connection" site at www.triwest.com/crisisconnection .
