TriWest Healthcare Alliance Announces Decision Regarding TRICARE West Region Contract Challenge

PHOENIX, July 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- TriWest Healthcare Alliance announced today that the company will not continue to challenge the Department of Defense award of the TRICARE West Region Contract. This announcement comes after TriWest originally secured the contract in July 2009.

"July 13 is the third anniversary of the initial award to our company of the Defense Department's third generation TRICARE contract for the 21-state West Region, a contract that has yet to start. It is also the day we are announcing that we will not be continuing our challenge of the government's subsequent decision to now award this contract to someone else, in spite of being the lowest cost bidder.

Our greatest privilege these past 16 years has been to serve those who wear or have worn the uniforms of the United States, and their families. And, while we will soon turn the reins of this work over to another, one thing is certain… we are committed to fulfilling all transition requirements through the end of our current contract on March 31, 2013.

It is with mixed emotions that we make this decision; however, continuing to challenge the government's decision will not bring an end to the uncertainty that has plagued this program for the last three years and will only drive up the costs for all involved. On behalf of our 17 non-profit owners and our employees it has been an honor and privilege to serve you in a manner that has earned us an 'Exceptional' past performance rating by the government, through accomplishments including:

1. Our owners leveraged their presence to build a robust, high-quality, cost effective network of more than 175,000 providers. Through our partnership with Wisconsin Physician Services, we pay our providers in an industry-leading five days, with greater than 99 percent accuracy, and at discounts saving the taxpayer and Defense Department more than $1.2 billion the last eight years.
2. We have achieved an unparalleled customer satisfaction rating, as measured by TRICARE survey results… and, we resolve customer issues on first contact more than 96 percent of the time.
3. We have developed special programs to address the unique needs of Wounded Warriors, survivor families, special needs children and those of the special ops/special forces communities.
4. We have given back to assist with the unmet needs of our customers… nearly $75 million in contributions to support organizations on which they rely, such as the USO, Fisher House Foundation, Armed Services YMCA, TAPS and the Relief Societies.

To all whom we have been privileged to call our customers, you humble us with your sacrifice. We wish you and your families the very best and will always value the honor we were granted to be of service to you!"

About TriWest
TriWest Healthcare Alliance partners with the Department of Defense to do "Whatever It Takes" to support the healthcare needs of 2.9 million members of America's military family. A Phoenix-based corporation, TriWest provides access to cost-effective, high-quality health care in the 21-state TRICARE West Region. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook or visit www.triwest.com for more information.

SOURCE TriWest Healthcare Alliance