This article by Karen Jowers originally appeared on Military Times, the nation's largest independent newsroom dedicated to covering the military and veteran community. Note: TRICARE For Life beneficiaries do not need to take any action involving this contractor changeover.

Beneficiaries living in Tricare’s West Region who missed the Tuesday deadline to set up recurring payments with the new regional contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, have been granted an extension.

Beneficiaries enrolled in Tricare Young Adult, Tricare Reserve Select and Tricare Retired Reserve plans now have until Jan. 15 to set up recurring payments directly with TriWest, while those enrolled in Tricare Prime or Tricare Select have until Jan. 30, according to Tricare’s website. The requirement applies to those who pay enrollment fees or premiums by credit card, debit card or electronic funds transfer.

Those who miss the deadline extension will be disenrolled from their health care plan back to Jan. 1, officials said.

Beneficiaries who pay by military allotment don’t need to take action, as those payments will be transferred automatically to TriWest. It also doesn’t affect those with Tricare for Life, a Tricare health plan overseas, or the U.S. Family Health Plan.

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In addition to TriWest officially becoming the new West Region contractor Wednesday, six states — Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin — and certain ZIP codes in four states are now part of the West Region. Beneficiaries in those areas who pay enrollment fees or premiums by credit card, debit card or electronic funds transfer must also update their recurring payments with TriWest by the deadline extensions.

There are different ways to provide the information to TriWest, including calling its customer service line at 888-874-9378.

Beneficiaries can also visit Tricare.mil/west and set up recurring payments via the “Self-Service, Secure Beneficiary Portal.” Beneficiaries will need their primary email address on file with DEERS to sign up as new users.

A verification code will then be sent to the beneficiary’s email, allowing them to complete the registration and provide all information requested, including the payment method. Beneficiaries have the option of signing up for monthly, quarterly or annual payments before submitting their request.

Another option is to download the Automatic Monthly Tricare Payment Set Up Request form, complete the form and mail it to the provided address.

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