In an effort to continue support for military personnel, families and retirees, the TriWest Healthcare Alliance has submitted its bid to continue the Department of Defense's healthcare program, TRICARE.
The partnership between Phoenix-based TriWest Healthcare Alliance, a privately held corporation, and the DOD supports the healthcare needs of 2.7 million members of America's military in the 21-state TRICARE West Region.
The new bid is a re-compete for the same 21-state region.
"It has been our honor and privilege over the past 12 years to contribute to the health and well-being of military families and those brave men and women who so selflessly serve in defense of freedom and we hope to continue to do so for years to come," said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr. "If afforded the privilege of continuing to serve those we count as heroes, we will maintain our strong record of stewardship toward those we serve, the 135,000 healthcare providers who partner with us in this endeavor, and the taxpayer. We will continue to support our military health system partners with solid, effective and efficient programs that are fair, transparent, and deliver an optimal outcome."
TRICARE is the DOD's healthcare entitlement for active duty, Guard and Reserve and retired members of the military and their eligible family members and survivors. TRICARE receives its funding as part of the annual federal defense budget.
"My company and the 17 other not-for-profit healthcare entities native to the TRICARE West Region who build and manage TriWest's provider networks have been honored and privileged to serve the military, their families and retirees these past 12 years," said Michael Unhjem, TriWest's chairman of the board and president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Dakota. "We appreciate the more than 135,000 providers who have partnered with us to make this service possible, and we welcome the Department of Defense's careful examination of our proposal as they determine who will be granted the opportunity to serve the TRICARE beneficiaries of the West Region in this next contract."