~ 4,200 more doctors and hospitals agree to participate in TRICARE health plan ~

Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that the TRICARE health care network serving active and retired military personnel and their families is expanding to include 4,200 more doctors and hospitals in Minnesota, increasing the number of physicians in the network by nearly ten times.

“Health care providers have stepped up to the plate to ensure that members of the military and their families have access to services around the state,” Governor Pawlenty said.

“Last fall, only three percent of Minnesota licensed physicians participated in TRICARE. Today, that number is 40 percent. We’re very proud of these providers and their support for the men and women of the military is inspiring.”

Last fall, Governor Pawlenty directed Health Commissioner Dianne Mandernach and Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General Larry Shellito to work on increasing the number of health care providers participating in the TRICARE military health plan. TRICARE uses a civilian network of providers and facilities in addition to military doctors and hospitals around the country.

These network expansion efforts have increased the number of physicians available to treat TRICARE beneficiaries in Minnesota by nearly tenfold – from 485 to 4,702. The number of hospitals in the TRICARE network will increase from four to 27.

 “When service members deploy, their largest concern is that their families are well cared for while they are gone. Consistent, familiar health care is a critical component of this confidence,” General Shellito said. “On behalf of the men and women of the Minnesota National Guard, thank you to the providers participating in the TRICARE network.”

The TRICARE health plan serves members of the active military, retired military and their families worldwide. There are 9.2 million total eligible TRICARE beneficiaries; about 55,000 in Minnesota.

“Support for the military is a core Minnesota value that transcends politics, geography and age,” Governor Pawlenty said. “With the additional burden being placed on these heroes right now, we need a surge of support for our military and their families. More participation in TRICARE is another way to show our support for military families and veterans.”

In his State of the State address, Governor Pawlenty called on Minnesotans to, “find a way to express support for these outstanding Americans.” Ways to show that support include purchasing a “Support Our Troops” license plate, helping a veterans’ organization, attending a “welcome home” or deployment ceremony, or signing up for the First Lady’s Military Family Care Initiative

Earlier this month, Governor Pawlenty proposed two dozen initiatives in his $74.8 million Military and Veterans Support Package to assist veterans, active military members and their families. Included in the package is a 100% exemption from state income tax for military pay and military pensions and a Minnesota GI Bill that will provide education benefits to thousands of veterans and their dependents.