#United States #Aurora #Children's Colorado #TriWest #TRICARE

Children's Colorado and TriWest Agreement for Pediatric Care Access

On December 24, 2024, Children's Hospital Colorado (Children's Colorado) announced a significant agreement with TriWest Healthcare Alliance (TriWest) aimed at preserving access to pediatric healthcare services for military families in Colorado. This new arrangement, effective January 1, 2025, allows TRICARE patients to benefit from the hospital's comprehensive care offerings, a crucial development given the hospital's role as a nonprofit institution catering to the unique healthcare needs of children.

The Importance of TRICARE for Military Families

TRICARE serves as the healthcare insurance program for service members, veterans, and their families, facilitating access to quality healthcare services. The agreement ensures that military families have uninterrupted access to the wide range of services offered by Children's Colorado, including outpatient, emergency, and specialty pediatric care. This continuity of care is vital, as military families often face unique challenges, including frequent relocations and the pressures associated with military life.

Commitment to Ongoing Improvements

While the new agreement signifies an important first step, Jena Hausmann, president and CEO of Children's Colorado, emphasizes that more actions are needed. The hospital has achieved concessions in the contract but acknowledges that TRICARE reimbursement rates remain significantly lower than the actual cost of providing care. Hausmann expresses optimism about the current arrangement yet underscores the necessity for further engagement with TriWest and the Department of Defense to address ongoing funding challenges that could affect the quality and sustainability of pediatric healthcare for military families.

"We are committed to advocating for the health needs of every child, especially those from military families who deserve the best care possible," Hausmann stated. She noted that unless TRICARE fundamentally adjusts how it compensates healthcare services related to child health, the hospital system may face ongoing difficulties in providing necessary care.

Future Outlook

Children's Colorado has laid out plans for extensive discussions with policymakers to address these issues. The hospital aims to ensure that high-quality pediatric care remains accessible, underscoring the imperative of supporting military families, who often rely heavily on these services. As the only safety-net provider for pediatric care in the region, Children's Colorado is on the front lines of advocating for continuous improvement in government support and recognition of children's healthcare needs.

Resources for Families

Families with questions regarding their child's care can visit childrenscolorado.org/tricare for more information. The site's resources are designed to assist military families in navigating the healthcare landscape, ensuring they receive the support and information they require.

About Children's Hospital Colorado

Founded in 1908, Children's Hospital Colorado is recognized as one of the leading pediatric healthcare systems in the United States. The facility's mission is centered around enhancing children's health through comprehensive patient care, outreach programs, education, and advocacy efforts. Its dedication to pioneering innovative medical treatments has positioned it at the forefront of pediatric healthcare not only in Colorado but across the nation. The hospital operates multiple urgent care and specialty locations, including a prominent academic medical center on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado.

Children's Colorado remains steadfast in its commitment to providing exceptional care and is dedicated to shaping the future of pediatric healthcare, ensuring that all children, particularly those from military families, have access to the care they need and deserve.