Tricare computers, files stolen
/ Published December 26, 2002
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --
Officials from the Tricare Management Activity announced Dec. 23 that computer equipment and files were stolen Dec. 14 from its Tricare Central Region health contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance Corp. in Phoenix.
TriWest contracts with the military health system to provide health services to servicemembers, their families and retirees. The equipment and files were used to help deliver health-care services to beneficiaries residing in Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and far western Texas.
The total impact of the theft is still being assessed. The case is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, FBI and other law-enforcement agencies.
Defense Department officials, after learning of the theft from TriWest on Dec. 20, began working with the company to ensure uninterrupted delivery of medical benefits.
TriWest has established a toll-free number and an e-mail address for Tricare beneficiaries who have questions about what they need to know and do.
DOD officials have ordered all contractors working with the Tricare system to assess their current physical and electronic security.
For further information, beneficiaries may call toll-free (888) 339-9378 or e-mail questions to computertheft@triwest.com.