TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Unlike in years past, all non-active duty TRICARE participants have the chance to change their health insurance plan during open season, Nov. 12 to Dec. 10, according to information provided at a town hall meeting held by 72nd Medical Group Commander Col. Jennifer Trinkle on Sept. 5 at Tinker Air Force Base.
More than 200 Tinker AFB beneficiaries attended the town hall to discuss new TRICARE policies and changes within the medical group that will impact every Airmen, retiree and dependent.
“Taking care of the patients in the clinic is taking care of everybody: not just our active duty and their dependents, but our retirees and warriors,” Trinkle said. “It is my honor to bring forth new things coming from our clinic and TRICARE.”
Changes discussed include four new vision plans, and 10 different dental plans through FEDVIP. These plans are dependent on eligibility and location. Retirees may have different options than dependents, where one who is state side may have different options than those who are overseas. This TRICARE enrollment period runs between Nov. 12 and Dec. 10.
Other changes discussed include a limited time offer, where certain beneficiaries may select a primary care manager off base, new pharmacy processes such as the drive through or dispensary machines at the Base Exchange, Bldg. 3001 and multiple TRICARE health plans. One major change is that the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program ends Dec. 31.
1st Lt. John Mitchell, the TRICARE Operations and Patient Administration Flight Commander, urges beneficiaries to learn their options and know they are working within a time constraint. “Do not procrastinate. Open season enrollment only has a one month opt-in period and nothing is done automatically for you,” Mitchell said. “Be proactive with your decisions so you do not have to wait another year to make a change. Your health and safety are important to us, but ultimately, it is a choice that you must make.”
For those unable to attend the town hall, live feed and slides used from the event, including Q&A, are available at https://www.facebook.com/72MDG/.
Members are also encouraged to seek out the Health Benefits Advisor at the 72nd Medical Group at (405) 582-6339 to run through individual scenarios or visit https://www.tricare.mil to review specific changes. Due to the high level of participation, an additional town hall will be scheduled in the upcoming future.