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Healthcare notification system revamped
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- TRICARE has recently replaced select, multi-page, beneficiary notification letters with simple postcards to preserve resources and protect sensitive patient information.
In addition to removing private patient information, such as social security numbers, the postcards redirect members to informative websites and phone numbers.
"The Defense Manpower Data Center has begun to replace select beneficiary notification letters, generated by the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, with postcards," said 2nd Lt. Anna Lain, 30th Medical Support Squadron TRICARE Operations and Patient Administration deputy flight commander. "Sensitive beneficiary information has been removed and replaced with instructions directing beneficiaries to the milconnect website, or to call their Managed Care Support Contractor to retrieve their specific information."
While accessing their information electronically, members can also update contact information, view their current health care enrollments, obtain proof of insurance and find answers to frequently asked questions.
"It is imperative that our information is current in the system," said Tech. Sgt. Infinity Smith, 30th MDSS TOPA flight chief. "Active duty servicemembers may log on to www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect, with their Common Access Card. Beneficiaries without a CAC may create a self-service account. In doing so, members will receive essential healthcare notifications electronically."
By using all available resources, members have the ability to make important healthcare decisions with just a few simple mouse clicks.
"It's also important to remember newborn children are TRICARE Prime for the first 60 days," said Lain. "To ensure continuous coverage of the child, enrollment needs to be accomplished in DEERS and UnitedHealthcare Military and Veterans within the first 60 days. On the 61st day, the child will revert to TRICARE Standard."
For Medical Group personnel, it all comes down to providing yet another outlet for patients to receive the best possible care.
"By utilizing electronic resources available to us, we are able to manage our benefits from the convenience of our own home," said Jescha McIntosh, 30th MDSS referral management and health benefits supervisor. "At the 30th Medical Group, we are committed to improving the lives of patients by providing high quality patient centered services through timely communication of important healthcare information."
For more information, contact the TOPA office at 606-8624.