Veterans in select areas of the country may soon be hit with a reduction in health care coverage, a proposal that has sparked outcry from lawmakers representing affected regions.

It looks like the announcement of the controversial move to discontinue TRICARE Prime for military members and their families in certain states, though, will wait until after Election Day.

As first reported by Military Times, starting April 1 TRICARE Prime services would be offered only to those living within 40 miles of a Military Treatment Facility as a result of the incoming contractor, United Healthcare, not planning on covering the services.

This would affect as many as 30,000 veterans and their families in Nevada, Oregon, Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri. While those outside of an acceptable distance from an MTF wouldn’t lose coverage, they would be reduced to the standard plan that carries higher out-of-pocket costs.

Lawmakers right and left have been sounding off to Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, about the plans to nick healthcare in select TRICARE West Region markets...

Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) said if the Pentagon is planning on cutting these benefits, military families need to know right away.

“I am very troubled by these changes and am concerned that these alterations are not being made in a transparent manner,” Heller wrote to Woodson.

“Has the Pentagon reached a decision to cut TRICARE Prime providers in Northern Nevada?” he asked. “If so, is the Pentagon waiting to announce this decision? Why? Do you agree that such cuts will cost more money and/or result in longer drives for care to those currently enrolled in TRICARE Prime?”

Reports citing Pentagon sources indicated that discussions have included delaying a formal announcement until after Nov. 6.

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