New Advocacy Program Assists Wounded Warriors in TRICARE's Southern Region
By Tricare
Jan 14, 2008 - 7:08:51 PM
Blackanthem Military News
FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Navigating the Military Health System (MHS) is getting easier for Wounded Warriors and their families thanks to a new advocacy unit in TRICARE's Southern Region. The Warrior Navigation & Assistance Program (WNAP) provides guidance to Active Duty and Guard and Reserve Service Members as they transition through the MHS.
Established by Humana Military Healthcare Services (HMHS), the managed care support contractor for TRICARE's Southern Region, the WNAP offers one-on-one assistance with many unique health care challenges service members may face. Issues may include access to care; or simply the need for information on all available resources - be it the MHS, Veterans Affairs (VA) or other community assets.
"This is the kind of program that is a great enhancement to ongoing efforts within the MHS to help Wounded Warriors and their families," said Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, Deputy Director, TRICARE Management Activity.
A dedicated toll-free number can be used by Service Members transitioning through the health care system. Calling 888-4GO-WNAP provides direct access to a multi-disciplinary team with the mission to assist Service Members and/or their family members.
"The military's operational tempo, including the activation and deployment of Guard and Reserve forces, creates special challenges for Service Members in transition and their loved ones," said Dave Baker, president & chief executive officer of HMHS. "We're here to assist these American heroes - and their families - in obtaining access to high quality health care services, and ensuring they have actionable information about the full range of their medical benefits."
The WNAP incorporates four elements: tools and information for the Service Members; program management; clinical programs; and provider education and resources.
Resources on the HMHS Web site at www.humana-military.com include the "Information and Resources for Combat Veterans" brochure. Health care providers can find tools and resources addressing the unique needs of Service Members returning home from deployment.
Care management initiatives include behavioral health support and assistance with seamless transition for Service Members and families for the care they need, when they need it. There is also expanded outreach to Guard and Reserve members with transition coordinators delivering detailed TRICARE benefit education.
WNAP services via the toll-free line are available to those who live in the TRICARE Southern Region which includes South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and all but the southwestern corner of Texas. Web site tools and information are available to anyone worldwide with computer access.
About TRICARE Management Activity and the Military Health System
TRICARE Management Activity, the Department of Defense (DoD) activity that administers the health care plan for the Uniformed Services, retirees, and their families, serves more than 9.1 million eligible beneficiaries worldwide in the MHS. The mission of MHS is to enhance DoD and national security by providing health support for the full range of military operations. The MHS provides quality medical care through a network of providers, military treatment facilities, medical clinics, and dental clinics worldwide.