7th Medical Group third party collection update Published May 19, 2008 7th Medical Group DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Department of Defense now requires all non-active duty patients and retirees to complete a Third-Party Collection Program Insurance Information sheet when seen at any time in a military treatment facility. This requirement is regardless of whether the beneficiary has other health insurance. The program is designed to assist military treatment facilities with an alternative means of funding to better access and provided more advanced care. Third party reimbursements allowed the Dyess Clinic to add more than $500,000 to operations and maintenance budget for medications and medical equipment in fiscal year 2007. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 requires that other health insurance be billed for visits and the use of other services such as laboratory, radiology, physical therapy and the pharmacy. The beneficiary's insurance rates will not be affected. Billed charges can be applied to their yearly deductible if the clinic has the beneficiary's health insurance information. This year alone, the Dyess Clinic has paid $106,329.68 towards deductibles. Beneficiaries will not be responsible for any amount that is not paid by their insurance, and will never receive a bill from the third party collection office. The Dyess Clinic obtains beneficiaries' other health insurance information when patients check-in for appointment or pickup prescriptions. After completing DD Form 2569, third party collection program medical services account/other heath, beneficiaries are issued a third party verification card to present when receiving care at all clinic areas and picking up prescriptions. For more information contact The Party Collections Office at 696-5421.