TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --
With the Defense Health Agency in the process of reforming the entire Military Health System, changes are expected.
“The goal is to have the transformation be transparent for the staff and indivisible for the ones we serve,” said Maj. Gen. Ronald Place, acting assistant director of health care administration for the Defense Health Agency.
Several Tinker Air Force Base commanders, first sergeants, key spouses and other base personnel attended the town hall Tuesday to discuss the transition of medical treatment facilities administrative oversight, to DHA. The event was hosted by the 72nd Medical Group and was held at the Tinker Clinic.
Beginning in less than a week, Place said the Air Force Medical Operations Agency will cease to exist, and in turn; DHA will take on responsibilities for shared services, functions, and activities in the Military Health System, including but not limited to TRICARE health plan, pharmacy programs, medical education, medical research and development, health IT, facility planning, public health, medical logistics, acquisition, budget and resource management.
“This isn’t going to be easy,” Place said.
In fact, Place compared the transformation to a hot Oklahoma summer day, with high winds and the high probability of tornadoes.
“We’re going to take what has been a highly reliable Air Force health system and make it a highly reliable military system,” he said. “At all military bases, whether it’s Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines, the care will be standardized.”
Place’s visit comes a month after a town hall addressing the TRICARE health system. The changes addressed at that town hall included modifications to the new pharmacy queuing system, enrollment options for dependents, capturing money through other health care insurance collections, and recruitment for patient focus groups
And just like at that one, the questions were plentiful.
“What will this mean for families,” an attendee asked.
Place said ultimately, nothing will change for families.
“The processes will take time,” he said. “In the end, the quality of care will be great for families.”
Col. Jennifer Trinkle, 72nd Medical Group commander, asked Place to address the rumor of a reduction in manpower positions aligned to medical headquarters across the system.
He confirmed the rumor to be true and not DHA led, but said it will improve readiness and overall, focus on the needs of the warfighter.
“A position that is now held by military personnel, could in the future be taken over by a civilian or contractor, and vice versa,” Place said. “I would be hesitant to think the way it is now, is how it will always be.”
The 72nd MDG supports the wartime and in-garrison medical capability of HQ Air Force Sustainment Center, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, the 72nd Air Base Wing, and more than 45 associate units assigned to six major commands, including the largest flying wing in Air Combat Command, the Navy's Strategic Communications Wing ONE and several Defense agencies. Additionally, the 72nd MDG provides health services for more than 51,000 beneficiaries.