Operation Just Cause... ...for as long as it takes
From: Milton Bell
Bolling AFB, D.C. -- The Air Force Medical Service is making sure Air Force leaders are better informed about TRICARE, the health care plan for the uniformed services. "TRICARE has been called the only 'HMO(Health Maintenance Organization) that goes to war,'" said Lt. Gen.Charles Roadman, Air Force surgeon general. "It is structured to supply peacetime care while also supporting our readiness mission. We want to ensure our commanders and leaders understand the program and how it supports the readiness mission," Roadman said.
"Their support of the program means we all are better ready to do our peacetime and wartime missions." Gen. Michael E.Ryan, Air Force chief of staff, echoed the surgeon general's concerns. "Since health care and medical benefits consistently rank as one of thetop quality of life concerns in the Air Force, it is absolutely vital that our leaders understand TRICARE and better inform their local communities to ensure program success," he said. "Our commanders have a critical role in this effort." With that in mind, the Air Force is targeting its commanders and leaders with information about TRICARE with the objective of ensuring all medical beneficiaries know the facts about their health plan. AirForce leaders and commanders are in a unique position to help subordinates with their health care issues. The campaign plan for informing the leadership about TRICARE is being called Operation Command Champion, and was briefed to senior leaders at the June CORONA Top 99, one of three annual meetings of senior Air Force leadership. The campaign kicked off in July with the objective of reaching all commanders and leaders by November. Medical representatives will meet one-on-one with commanders at all levels to arm them with the TRICARE program facts. Victory will be achieved when commanders and leaders: -- feel comfortable assisting their troops in obtaining the highest quality care available, and know how to help their people solve problems with TRICARE; -- become better-informed healthcare consumers themselves; -- prevent misunderstanding and allay concerns by providing accurate information "It is imperative Air Force leaders help their people understand how to use TRICARE so they can get the best healthcare available," Roadman said.
Send TRICARE related questions to: QUESTIONS@TMA.OSD.MIL
Sent in by Veterans News and Information Services
Disclaimer of Endorsement:
Reference herein to any specific commercial products,
process, or service by trade name, trademark,
manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily
constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation,
or favoring by VNIS. The views and opinions of
authors expressed herein do not necessarily state
or reflect those of VNIS, and shall not be used for
advertising or product endorsement purposes.
VNIS is not a government agency and is a sole proprietorship,
own and operated by Christian L. Wilson USN/Ret
