THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 29, 1995 TAG: 9511280344
SECTION: MILITARY NEWS PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REAR ADM. WILLIAM R. ROWLEY
LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
Health care for military family members and retirees has been a major issue in Hampton Roads for many years.
Historically, we have not had enough primary care resources available to see all of the 425,000 people in this area eligible for care in military medical facilities. If you've used the military medical system here in the past 10 years, you know what I mean - calling from clinic to clinic to try and find an appointment. It's been a frustrating, confusing system.
Tricare was developed as a Defense Department initiative to address the issues of access to and cost of health care for military families and retirees. 1995 has seen Tricare advance significantly in Hampton Roads, culminating in the opening of nine Tricare Prime clinics, operated by Sentara, in October.
I think most people by now have heard of Ticare Prime. I'm not going to give an exhaustive analysis of the program. I do want to outline the advantages of Tricare Prime:
You will receive free primary care that is available whenever you need it.
You will use a 24-hour, 1-800 number to call for appointments and medical advice.
You will see the same doctors each visit in a clinic close to your home.
For speciality care, you will either be seen in a military hospital for no cost or by a civilian doctor who agrees to charge you only $12 for the visit, $6 if your sponsor is an E-4 or below.
If you have to be hospitalized, you will either go to a military hospital and pay $9.75 a day for your meals, or to a civilian hospital and pay $11.
If for any reason you do not like Tricare Prime, you can disenroll immediately and continue to receive your care as you did before enrolling.
The military staff and Sentara employees who will provide your medical care have met the highest professional standards. All doctors must meet stringent standards with respect to both specialty medical training and experience requirements.
I will reiterate that Tricare Prime is not for everyone. If your current physician is not part of the Tricare network, and you do not wish to see another doctor, you should probably stay with your current plan. If you are a ``snowbird'' and travel to warmer climates each winter, you will probably not get the most benefits that Tricare Prime has to offer. You should not enroll any child who is attending college outside of Hampton Roads. Consider your family's specific needs and talk to a health benefits adviser if you have any questions.
If you decide that your best option is to enroll in Tricare Prime, I suggest that you do it as soon as possible. Enrollment is limited to 62,000 people through October 1996, after which the number of people who can enroll will increase. About 25,000 people are currently enrolled. In early 1996, retirees and their families will be able to enroll for the first time, and enrollment may fill up very quickly. Call 677-6000 for information.
Most of all, I ask you to become informed about your health care. Changes are coming fast and they will impact your family's health care. Portsmouth Naval Medical Center and each of the branch medical clinics have a team of health benefit advisers to answer your health care questions. Take the time to find out what your options are. Your family's health is worth it. MEMO: Rear Adm. William R. Rowley is commander of Portsmouth Naval Medical
Center. by CNB