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Medical concerns answered

U.S. Air Force Col. Lauren Byrd, 17th Medical Group commander, answers questions during an interview on some of the more common questions the medical group has been receiving. The purpose of the interview was to give Goodfellow members and the local community up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affects them. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Chapman)

U.S. Air Force Col. Lauren Byrd, 17th Medical Group commander, answers questions during an interview on some of the more common questions the medical group has been receiving. The purpose of the interview was to give Goodfellow members and the local community up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affects them. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Chapman)

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

Col. Byrd, 17th Medical Group commander, answered some of the more common questions being asked by Goodfellow members and the community in regards to the COVID-19 Pandemic and how it affects them.

Who is currently allowed to be seen at the 17 MDG Goodfellow Ross Clinic?

 

As of Monday, March 30th in-house care at the 17 MDG was restricted to Active Duty and Active Duty family members for acute care concerns.  We define in-house care as a face-to-face visit with a medical provider or accessing our Lab and Pharmacy.

 

Beneficiaries who are not Active Duty or Active Duty family members who need care during this time, should contact their Primary Care Manager through the Medical Group Appointment Line.  For routine and non-acute issues, the 17 MDG provider teams will maximize the use of virtual appointments and telehealth to assess your needs and when a face-to-face visit is needed, will direct you to a TRICARE-approved urgent care center in the community.

 

A lot of the veterans/retirees are on fixed incomes and adding this stress just doesn’t seem right...can it be worked out that retirees can pick up their prescriptions between 0600-0800, Mon-Fri on the base, during this temporary situation? 

 

Currently, Goodfellow Air Force Base is following Tier 2 or mission essential access procedures.  Veterans Identification Card holders and retirees are unable to access the installation while we remain in Tier 2.   

 

Can the copays for medications obtained outside of the Military Treatment facility be waived?a

 

Co-payments for TRICARE-covered prescriptions are established by federal statute in the National Defense Authorization Act.  Neither we at the 17 MDG nor the local network pharmacies have the authority to waive co-payments. 

 

We understand the impact the reduction of pharmacy services has on our beneficiaries and we do not take it lightly.  

 

As we monitor the latest updates and information regarding COVID-19, we are taking measures to do our part in flattening the curve of this global outbreak.  It is essential that we take precautionary measures to protect all of our beneficiaries. 

 

Inability to refill daily meds for retirees doesn’t seem right.  This isn’t a perk, it’s something we pay for and have earned.  Cutting off retirees from their meds is unconscionable. 

 

Our military retirees are our longest serving members of our community.  Our debt and our commitment to them runs deep and they remain a key consideration in most every installation decision.  We are committed to assisting each of our retirees with getting their medications in the safest way possible.

 

Retirees may obtain medication refills by transferring their prescription to TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery (also referred to as Express Scripts) or to a local TRICARE retail pharmacy.  

The best option during this time may be to switch your prescriptions to TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery (or Express Scripts). You can get up to a 90-day supply of most medications.  While copayments do apply, home delivery is cheaper than the TRICARE retail network. And you don’t have to leave the safety of your own home.

 

I encourage you to contact our pharmacy at (325) 654-3101 if you need assistance transferring your prescriptions.