News

Appointments for TRICARE Plus patients will soon be limited

  • Published
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs

The Ehrling Bergquist Clinic will soon be changing how appointments are scheduled in their Family Health and Family Medicine Residency clinics due to a loss of providers.

With maximum enrollment capacity reached, appointments for TRICARE Plus patients are expected to be very limited. Priority will now be given to active duty and reserve forces and their families, followed by TRICARE Prime retirees and their families, and then TRICARE Plus patients.

“We value our TRICARE Plus community very much,” said Col. Julie Ostrand, 55th Medical Group commander. They have been loyal to military healthcare, but the changes are necessary to ensure we continue to provide quality healthcare for our military members so they are ready to fight.”

The changes in appointment access are expected no later than Jan. 1, 2020.

“TRICARE Plus patients are Medicare and TRICARE for Life eligible, which allows them the freedom to seek care from any civilian Medicare-participating provider,” Ostrand said. “We want to ensure that our TRICARE Plus patients continue to have ready access to quality healthcare. By selecting a civilian primary care provider, they will continue to have access to Ehrling Bergquist Clinic for laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, dermatology, and surgery referrals on a space available basis.”

TRICARE Plus patients affected by this change will receive mailed letters and secure messaging notifications with information on how to select a civilian Medicare-participating provider. The clinic will assist in providing medication refills and digital copies of medical records for a smooth transition. 

To locate a civilian Medicare-participating provider, patients should visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov or contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. Information on TRICARE for Life coverage is available at www.tricare.mil/tfl.

Questions regarding the change should be directed to the Ehrling Bergquist Clinic TRICARE office at (402) 232-3195 or (402) 232-8932, or by emailing usaf.offutt.55-mdg.mbx.tricare-offutt1@mail.mil.