USSVI Veterans News 
Posting Date: 24 April, 2005
From:   John Dudas
TRICARE Updates

TRICARE Updates

TRICARE Standard beneficiaries who live within a 40-mile radius of a military medical treatment facility (MTF) will no longer be required to obtain a non-availability statement or pre-authorization from an MTF before receiving inpatient care (other than mental health services) or maternity care from a civilian provider. The rule exempting these beneficiaries was published in the Federal Register 12 April 2005. DoD, however, is still authorized to make exceptions under certain conditions through a waiver process.

TRICARE also announced a new pharmacy Formulary Search Tool, which allows beneficiaries to find medication-specific information using either the drug name or medical condition. The Formulary Search Tool can be accessed through the TRICARE website at:
www.tricare.osd.mil/pharmacy