Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Timely Information Management Enforcement Act” or the “TIME Act”.
Timely Information Management Enforcement Act
A BILL
To amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that a TRICARE beneficiary receives written notice of any change to benefits received by the beneficiary under the TRICARE program, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Provision of written notice of change to TRICARE benefits
In general— Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1097c the following new section:
“1097d. TRICARE program: notice of change to benefits
“(a) Provision of notice
“(1) If the Secretary changes any benefits provided by the TRICARE program to covered beneficiaries, the Secretary shall provide individuals described in paragraph (2) with written notice explaining such changes.
“(2) The individuals described by this paragraph are covered beneficiaries and providers participating in the TRICARE program who may be affected by a change covered by a notification under paragraph (1).
“(3) The Secretary shall provide notice under paragraph (1) through both mail and electronic means.
“(b) Timing of notice—The Secretary shall provide notice under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) by the earlier of the following dates:
“(1) The date that the Secretary determines would afford individuals described in paragraph (2) of such subsection adequate time to understand and respond to the change covered by the notification.
“(2) 90 days before the date on which the change covered by the notification becomes effective.
“(c) Delegation—The Secretary may not delegate the authority under this section to any individual who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government.”
Clerical amendment— The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1097c the following new item: