“Yellow cards” required for clinical visits Published Dec. 13, 2010 By Julia Despain 90th Medical Group F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO -- For a routine visit, to pick up a prescription, to get an x-ray or to get lab work done, an identification card and a "yellow card" will be asked to be provided when visiting the 90th Medical Group's clinic. 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 Department of Defense Form 2569, Record of Other Health Insurance, is on file with the 90th MDG. Even if a patient or family member has no other health insurance, Congress has mandated a form be completed and kept on file as the patient there has no record of OHI. The DD Form 2569 must be completed by each individual every year for all Air Force Global Strike Command bases. Updating this form must be completed annually, even if there has been no change within the past year. The yellow card lets the Med Group staff know whether the form is current or needs renewal. Civilian health insurance companies are mandated by law to reimburse the government for medical treatment provided at the Med Group. In turn, the Med Group's OHI program is responsible for billing the insurance companies for services performed, items used or prescriptions filled. Finally, if an active duty, retiree or dependent patient's visit to a clinic is from a suspected disease or injury that occurred as a result of an accident, a medical provider must be notified. All providers are required to document such cases under the Federal Medical Care Recovery Act. These claims are then passed on to the 90th MW Staff Judge Advocate 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 then forwarded to the 90th MDG for local use. How does letting the Med Group know someone has OHI benefit the patient? By a deductible. When utilizing private health insurance, all visits to the Med Group can be applied to that OHI policy's deductible. It's a win-win situation. This is a way to meet one's annual deductible without paying a cent, and the Med Group can build up revenue to help continue providing quality health care for everyone. In fiscal year 2009, the Med Group used money collected from OHIs to purchase new exam chairs in family practice, a new optometry exam chair and specialized optical equipment, vital sign monitors, leg press and shoe insole grinder/shaper for physical therapy, waiting room and exam room furniture, a patient care conference room and much more. Concerned that other health insurance rates will go up if releasing this information to the Med Group? Insurance rates are calculated a number of ways. The cost of an 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 HMO vs. PPO plan. These things would happen regardless of whether receiving care at F. E. Warren or from an off-base provider. What if one's health insurance changes? Notify the medical technician or receptionist immediately upon check-in. Another form will need to be completed to get an updated yellow card. For questions or for more information, contact Angie Occiano, Other Health Insurance representative, at 773-3171, or Capt. Lisa Perry, 90th Medical Support Squadron, at 773-5674.