TRICARE Prime Open Enrollment at DGMC Published March 1, 2007 By Lt. Col. Scott Dawson 60th Medical Support Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Enrollment in TRICARE Prime at David Grant USAF Medical Center remains open to TRICARE eligible beneficiaries who currently use TRICARE through the Standard and Extra options. "While active duty members are required to enroll in TRICARE Prime, it is optional for active duty family members and retirees, including their family members," said Mrs. Sabrina Kelley, 60th Medical Support Squadron Health Benefits Advisor. Open enrollment in TRICARE Prime is not a change to DGMC's enrollment policy. However, significant improvements in DGMC's healthcare delivery system give plenty of reason for current TRICARE Standard/Extra beneficiaries to reconsider the TRICARE Prime option. TRICARE Prime members at DGMC are assigned a primary care manager to provide and oversee their healthcare. Primary care manager assignments are made with the assistance of the TRICARE staff and are based upon specific healthcare needs. "TRICARE Prime provides priority access to care over the Standard option," explained Mrs. Kelley. "Additionally, there are no co-payments. TRICARE Prime members also enjoy the convenience of in-house diagnostic and testing services, access to superb disease management and lifestyle management programs." According to Mrs. Kelley, DGMC welcomes the opportunity to serve and meet patients healthcare needs. "Also, please ensure your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System is updated," said Mrs. Kelley. "Active-duty and retired service members are automatically registered in DEERS, but they must take action to register their family members." Mrs. Kelley also added that everyone also needs to ensure information such as home address, unit of assignment and phone numbers are correctly entered into the database. Mistakes in the DEERS database can cause problems with TRICARE claims, and the ability of the PCM to contact the patient. Individuals can update their DEERS information by doing one of the following: -- Call 1-800-538-9552 or 1-866-363-2883 (TTY/TDD for the deaf) -- Fax changes to 1-831-655-8317 -- Visit your local ID card facility. To find your local ID card facility, visit the locator at: http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/owa/home Individuals can mail new information to: Defense Manpower Data Center Support Attn: COA 400 Gigling Road Seaside, California 93955-6771 For further information on DGMC's TRICARE Prime program or other healthcare services, call DGMC's Health Benefits Advisor office at 423-7921 or 423-3472.