NE Florida News

U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean, representing Florida's 4th District, along with Congressman John Rutherford from the 5th District, have addressed a letter to Dr. David J. Smith, the acting Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA). The letter raises concerns about reimbursement issues affecting TRICARE beneficiaries and medical providers in Northeast Florida.

Congressman Bean has been receiving feedback from constituents and healthcare providers regarding problems with TRICARE compensation. Despite efforts by these parties to contact TRICARE independently, many have not seen their issues resolved.

The lawmakers stated: "We have heard from countless concerned constituents that the new T-5 contract has had a severe impact on our military families and community medical providers. Providers across the nation have reported millions of dollars in unpaid or unprocessed claims. TRICARE beneficiaries are experiencing unfathomable delays. This crisis has put smaller practices at risk of shutting down, jeopardizing access to care for thousands of military families across the country."

The full text of the letter details further issues faced by service members and their families in Northeast Florida who are experiencing reduced access to medical care due to billing problems. Some mothers have expressed concerns over their children's continued access to necessary health services such as physical therapy and surgical services.

Providers serving TRICARE beneficiaries report significant financial strain due to unpaid services, with some clinics owed substantial amounts—upwards of $100,000—which affects around 30% of their patient population who are TRICARE patients.

The congressmen stressed that it is critical for this situation to be resolved swiftly to prevent military families from losing essential healthcare coverage. They posed several questions seeking clarity on when reimbursement delays would be resolved and what measures are being taken to prevent similar issues in the future.