In this urgent solo episode, Tripp Johnson, CEO of Advaita Health and a veteran himself, sounds the alarm on a major policy change from TRICARE that quietly went into effect in January 2025. While it hasn’t made national headlines, the consequences are real and devastating for psychiatric nurse practitioners, physician associates, and—most importantly—the military families they serve.

TRICARE has stopped reimbursing psychotherapy add-on codes for NPs and PAs, slashing pay by up to 50% for comprehensive mental health visits. This bureaucratic decision undermines integrated care, threatens patient-provider relationships, and risks pushing more veterans and service members out of treatment altogether.

Tripp breaks down:

What changed in TRICARE’s reimbursement policy

Why this decision makes access to care worse, not better

How it impacts providers, clinics, and most critically, patients

Why this isn’t just a billing issue—it’s a values issue

What providers, patients, and policymakers can do right now

This episode is a call to action. If you care about mental health access for those who’ve served, this is your moment to listen, share, and speak up.

Takeaways:
• TRICARE has eliminated reimbursement for psychotherapy codes for NPs and PAs
• Reimbursement drops by up to 50% per visit, making care unsustainable
• Providers are reconsidering TRICARE participation nationwide
• Veterans risk losing trusted relationships and access to care
• Action is needed—from clinicians, patients, and policymakers alike

Chapters:
00:00 – A change no one is talking about
01:12 – What this means for providers and patients
02:30 – The business model impact
03:33 – This is a values issue, not a billing issue
04:25 – What you can do about it

Listen. Share. Raise your voice. This isn’t just about policy. It’s about people.

About Flourish by Advaita Health

Flourish by Advaita Health explores how people, providers, and communities move from suffering to flourishing. Each episode weaves together perspectives from healthcare, wellness, and human experience — from the science of mental and physical health to the art of living well.

Advaita Health is a North Carolina–based behavioral health organization dedicated to supporting whole-person flourishing. Learn more about our work and clinical services below.

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