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90th MDG requires ‘yellow card’ during clinic visits

  • Published
  • By Nicole Church
  • 90th Medical Support Squadron
The 90th Medical Group asks for an identification card and "yellow card" for all visits, whether for a routine visit, to pick up a prescription, get an X-ray or get lab work done.

Similar to the civilian health insurance system where patients are required to show proof of insurance, the Air Force asks all retirees, retiree family members and active-duty family members show proof that a Defense Department Form 2569, Record of Other Health Insurance, is on file with the 90th MDG. The form must be completed by each individual; one form per person, once per year. It is required to update form-information annually, regardless if there has been any change in the past year. Presenting the Other Health Insurance Card, or yellow card, indicates that the DD Form 2569 is current or needs renewal.

Civilian health insurance companies are mandated by law to reimburse the government for medical treatment provided at the 90th MDG. In turn, the 90th MDG is responsible for billing the insurance companies for services performed, items used or prescriptions filled. To fulfill the insurance companies' legal requirements for documentation, a DD Form 2569 must be kept on file each year.

Even if a patient or family member has no other health insurance, Congress mandates the form be completed and kept on file as a legal statement that the patient does not have any other health insurance.

Once the civilian insurance companies receive the monies, it goes toward bettering the clinic and enhancing patient care, such as purchasing medical equipment, renovating the facility and hiring more staff.

The 90th MDG asks that all non active-duty patients show their yellow card with their government ID at check-in.

How does letting the 90th MDG know about having other health insurance benefit the patient? 

When private health insurance is used, all visits to the 90th MDG can be applied to a policy's deductible. An annual deductible can be met without paying a cent, and the 90th MDG can build revenue to help continue providing quality health care. It also allows for use of the various facilities on base, such as the pharmacy, and not have to pay the co-pay that would have had to be paid at other doctors' offices or pharmacies. Also the 90th MDG recently used the monies collected from private health insurance program to purchase new items: exam chairs in the family practice office, an optometry exam chair, specialized optical equipment, vital sign monitors, leg press, shoe insole grinder and shaper for the physical therapy office, waiting room and exam room furniture and a patient care conference room.

Won't my health insurance rates go up if the information is released to the 90th MDG? 

Insurance rates are calculated a number of ways. The cost of the employer's health insurance is dependent on the total number of claims it has across the entire organization plus other factors such as adding or subtracting people on the plan, increasing or decreasing deductibles or co-pays, or offering a health management organization's versus preferred provider organization's plan. These things would happen regardless if you received your care at Warren or at other health care providers.

What if my health insurance changes? 

Please notify the medical technician or receptionist immediately upon check-in. They will provide another form to complete and update the yellow card.

When should I file a third party claim?

Please notify the medical provider if a patient's visit to a clinic is a suspected disease, e.g. food poisoning, or an injury that occurred as a result of an accident; e.g.., slip, fall, sports, car.

All providers are required to document such cases under the Federal Medical Care Recovery Act. These claims are then passed on to the 90th Space Wing Staff Judge Advocate office for review. If the SJA determines the injury or disease was the fault of another party or occurred on public or private property, then the SJA will attempt to recover the medical care costs. These funds are forwarded to the 90th MDG for local use.

Patients will provide a complete statement regarding the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident only when contacted by the SJA. Be as open with the provider as possible in regard to the reason for the visit.

The 90th MDG asks for support and patience to comply with federal law. For more information call Master Sgt. Laura Pennell at 773-4373, Capt. Kathleen Mackey at 773-5674 or Nicole Church at 773-3171.