Plain Language Summary
# TOTAL Care Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The TOTAL Care Act would allow women covered by TRICARE Prime (the military health insurance program for active-duty service members, retirees, and their families) to see an obstetrician or gynecologist directly without first getting a referral from their primary care doctor. Currently, TRICARE Prime requires referrals for most specialist care. Under this five-year pilot program, women could designate an OB/GYN as an additional primary care provider, giving them direct access to reproductive and women's health services. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects female beneficiaries of TRICARE Prime—including spouses and dependents of military members, as well as military retirees and their families.
It could streamline care for routine gynecological visits, pregnancy care, and other reproductive health needs. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was introduced by Representative Steven Horsford (D-NV) in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
TRICARE OBGYN Treatment and Access without Lags in Care Act or the TOTAL Care ActThis bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to implement a five-year pilot program under which female beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Prime may receive obstetrical and gynecological care without a referral. (Generally, the TRICARE Prime program requires a beneficiary to obtain a referral for care through a designated primary care manager.)Under the pilot program, participating female beneficiaries may elect to designate an obstetrical or gynecological care provider under the TRICARE program (i.e., the various programs carried out by DOD, including TRICARE Prime) as an additional designated primary care manager.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.