Tricare provides healthcare to over 9 million beneficiaries, including military service members, retirees and eligible family members. The GAO estimated four in five listings of behavioral health providers in Tricare’s online directories contained inaccuracies.
The contractors Tricare works with to administer its networks estimated their online listings for behavioral health providers are 82% accurate.
The Department of Defense monitors its 1 million Tricare provider listings for accuracy, according to the GAO, but does not specifically audit behavioral health provider listings. The GAO recommended the department assess the accuracy of behavioral health listings so they are as accurate as those for physical health providers, and periodically monitor listings for any errors.
Some officials have expressed concerns with inaccurate “ghost” provider networks. In December, a report from the New York attorney general’s office found more than 80% of mental health provider listings in insurers’ directories in the state were inaccurate.
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