The California Medical Association (CMA) recently learned that over the past year, Health Net Federal Services (HNFS) has been proposing provider rate adjustments via amendments to its TRICARE Provider Participation Agreement. Physicians who have received these amendments indicate that they are facing an across-the-board reduction to Health Net Federal Service’s TRICARE Compensation Schedule. To date, more than 1,500 providers have received the amendments.

Even if you do not sign or return the contract amendment to HNFS, the change will automatically take effect on the date indicated on the notice. Physicians who would like to object to the amendment or terminate their agreement must contact the HNFS contracting team at (855) 688-6589 or internalcontracting@centene.com within 30 days of receipt of the notice.

CMA reminds physicians that they do not have to accept substandard contracts that are not beneficial to their practice. To help physicians understand their rights and options when a health plan sends a notice of a material change to a contract, see CMA’s guide "Contract Amendments: an Action Guide for Physicians."

Contact: CMA's reimbursement helpline, (888)401-5911 or economicservices@cmadocs.org.