As a mental health professional in the private sector, I see, firsthand, the critical importance of our work within military communities. Sadly, I also witness the tremendous strain that delayed payments from Tricare East put on our ability to provide these much-needed services. Tricare East and the Defense Health Agency (DHA) under the direction of Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland, will not address this crisis, take accountability, or provide solutions towards keeping mental health facilities open to guarantee care to military families. Yet, systematic reimbursement failures are drastically affecting mental health providers and our ability to serve our communities.

These communication gaps and payment delays pose significant obstacles to the mental healthcare of countless military members and their families. Tricare East's reimbursement failures are not only a disservice to providers but also to the military community that relies on these essential mental health services.

Failure in mental health services funding affects over 9.6 million active duty, retired personnel and their dependents using Tricare's services countrywide (Sources: Military Health System and Tricare Enrollment Statistics 2020). Left unanswered and unattended, reimbursement issues can result in decreased availability of mental health facilities for military personnel.

It's time to demand answers and action from Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland, and require her acknowledgment of the systematic reimbursement failures within Tricare East. Let us ensure that our mental health professionals are adequately supported so they can continue serving our military communities.

This isn't just an issue of payment but of ensuring that our heroes have access to the care they deserve. Please sign this petition to uphold the commitment our nation has made to its military community.