Air Force TRICARE benefits shine: national health care reform

  • Published
  • By Col Gregory B. Canney
  • 6th Dental Squadron commander
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The excitement and passion of the health care reform debate have faded since the spring, as the oil spill and Russian spies have dominated national news. But the 6th Medical Group still fields questions on our health care benefit and if changes will occur.

As most military members, families and retirees know, lifelong medical coverage may be the most valuable benefit of all. Although some beneficiary groups face slight increases in premiums or co-pays in the future, having a solid health plan brings considerable peace of mind. In spite of occasional hurdles and frustrations, such as changing Primary Care Managers and 14 minute waits for prescription refills, the Air Force Medical Service provides world class care. The TRICARE plan provides incredible value that is hard to replicate in the civilian sector and is in stark contrast to what millions of Americans face every day - no medical coverage at all!

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed by President Obama on March 23 2010 does not affect TRICARE. On April 26 2010, the House Armed Services Committee released a statement on H.R. 4887, the TRICARE Affirmation Act, and declared that the TRICARE military health plan already meets the minimum requirements for health insurance coverage and that military health coverage will not be adversely affected by the new health care reform law. Defense Secretary Robert Gates reassured service members and their families that excellent health care remains a high priority for both him and the President.

So it is comforting in these turbulent and uncertain economic times that the military health benefit is solid and enduring. The 6th Medical Group has improved access to care by adding providers and streamlining schedules. We've added active duty sick call hours each day at 7 a.m. and the Brandon Community Clinic expanded hours until 10 p.m. each night.

Deployment rates for the medics are at an all time high but the MDG continues to improve customer service and maintain high standards to keep the 32,000 empanelled patients in good health and deployable.

The Medical Group's vision is one we work toward each day: "First choice for world-class health services: reliable, responsive, renowned."

Additional information is available at www.tricare.osd.mil, click on "National Health Care Reform and TRICARE", stop by the TRICARE Service Center located on the second floor of the new clinic at 3250 Zemke Ave, building 1078.