Pilot program on access to obstetrical and gynecological care under TRICARE Prime program

(a) Pilot program Beginning not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program under which— (1) the referral requirement in section 1095f(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, does not apply with respect to obstetrical and gynecological care for covered participants, including the ordering of related obstetrical and gynecological items and services; and (2) covered participants may elect to designate an obstetrical or gynecological care provider under the TRICARE program as an additional designated primary care manager under such section. (b) Duration The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program for a period of five years. (c) Report Not later than four years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the pilot program that includes the following: (1) An assessment of any increases or decreases to TRICARE Prime enrollment during the period in which the Secretary carries out the pilot program. (2) An assessment of any changes in the associated costs of providing obstetrical and gynecological care under TRICARE Prime. (3) Any other matters the Secretary determines appropriate. (d) Definitions In this section: (1) The term congressional defense committees has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code. (2) The term covered participant means a female beneficiary enrolled in TRICARE Prime who elects to participate in the pilot program. (3) The terms TRICARE Prime and TRICARE program have the meaning given those terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.