Missouri Governor Applauded for Urging Doctors to Serve State’s Military Families

PHOENIX (July 17, 2007) — TriWest Healthcare Alliance, serving military families in Missouri and 20 other western states, today applauded Governor Matt Blunt for his extraordinary leadership and support for Missouri’s National Guard troops and the dedicated providers who care for them and their families.

"Governor Blunt’s support of the TRICARE program and his leadership in strengthening Missouri’s provider network are particularly welcomed by TriWest," said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr. "We have worked extensively to build a robust TRICARE provider network in Missouri and we are proud that so many providers have answered the call."

Missouri’s provider network since the fall of 2004 has grown 33 percent. There are currently more than 6,000 providers serving 118,000 TRICARE beneficiaries throughout the state.

Governor Blunt in a recent letter to Missouri State Medical Association President Charles Van Way, III, thanked Missouri providers presently serving military families and asked that the association urge its members to consider joining the TRICARE provider network.

The Governor referenced the federal government’s expansion of the health care plan for Reserve and Guard members to include many more of the nation’s citizen soldiers.

"With this new plan, coverage is expanded to those who were not activated but need coverage because they are unemployed, self-employed or do not receive health care through their employer," the Governor wrote. "Please urge your members to considering accepting TRICARE patients, especially now that our own Missouri National Guard and Reserve families will be signing up in greater numbers."

"I understand the administrative and financial challenges your members face on a daily basis," the Governor wrote. "Given these challenges, I believe those Missouri physicians who are able to provide health care to our military personnel and their families should be recognized as heroes in their own right."