This is a quick introduction and what I have learned about the medical clearance process (The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)/ Special Needs Identification and Clearance (SNIAC) ) for the Air Force for OREGON. Oregon does not have a military presence, so there are no bases to go to. After scouring the internet for clues on what to do (while waiting for a response from someone on DH base) I found that I could not a single thing about Oregon and the process and I had so many questions! So, I decided to write a blog post about it in hopes that if someone else where in the same position as myself (no insurance/doctor/dentist/clue what they are doing!) this might possibly help!
I am new to the military life. As in, brand-new-haven’t-even-PCS’ed-yet new. What I am not new to is being married. I have been married to DH for just over 10 years. DH decided that he, indeed, wanted to join the military. Naturally, my first response was a resounding “no!”. But after much discussion and compromise, I decided that it was not my place to deny him of his military dreams. I say compromise because DH wanted to join the Marines, which was an idea that I was not fond of! So it was decided that he would join the Air Force.
He left for BMT in August, graduated, and went on to tech school. BMT for me was very difficult. I had never spent that much time away from him. I have to be honest, the first few weeks were very difficult and I would find myself crying over the silliest things because I missed him so much. Slowly, I got used to sleeping alone, managing the bills, and running all the errands. Let me tell you, tech school is BY FAR way better than BMT. DH has his phone and I talk to him every day. So if your loved one is in BMT, look at tech school as the light at the end of the tunnel. Although you still may not be able to be with them just yet, communication with them is much easier at tech school.
DH received his assignment notification and it looks like we are heading to Ramstein, Germany! This will be our very first PCS and it is the mother of all PCS’s- overseas! So as it stands right now, I have about 10,000 things running through my mind! The first of which is getting my medical clearance so DH can get his orders and we can get this show on the road! Since I am in Oregon and there is no military bases nearby, here are a few things I have questions on and I am hope that I can answer them in the next few days so if any one is searching for answers too, I might be of some help:
1) I do not have medical records. I haven’t been to a doctor in about 10 years. DH just sent me DD form 2972 and told me to take it to my doctor. Like I said, I don’t have a doctor, so I have to figure out who can fill this form out.
2) Number 1 leads to this issue. I live in Oregon and the closest MTF is 2.5 hours away. Am I able to see a doctor near where I live?
ANSWER to 1 and 2: Since I am in Oregon, I am covered under Tricare Standard (Prime isn’t available to me here). I just went to their website and found a list of in-network providers, went to one and made an appointment for an exam. They said that they will give me an exam then fill out the forms. I will update on how the process went with filling out the forms.
3) And yet again, this question is connected. When am I covered under Tricare? Am I supposed to receive something in the mail? a card? I really have no idea!
ANSWER: From what I hear, I was covered since DH went to BMT. As far as any “insurance” card, you just use your military ID (I was told this when I called Tricare West today.)
In regards to Tricare Dental (for DD Form 1466D): I was informed that I needed to call Tricare dental to get enrolled. You MUST have your sponsor give them authorization to enroll you. The nice man I spoke with told me that DH could call them or conference call with me to give the authorization. He assured me that they only needed DH for a brief time, just to give authorization, and then he could leave the call. I imagine that they have received plenty of calls from spouses whose SO only had a few moments. Prior to this, I was told that DH could go somewhere on base and enroll me as well. I do not have specific details though.
Visiting a dentist without insurance (for DD Form 1466D): If you live in the Portland, Oregon area, I would suggest you go to Green Apple Dental. They may have other locations, I’m not sure, but the one that is closest to me on 82nd only charges $19 for the exam IF YOU DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE. This is wonderful! My Tricare Dental enrollment will not start until January 1, 2014 and I cannot wait that long to fill out that form. I made an appointment today, so I will update on that too.
4) What vaccines/immunizations are required? I don’t have a complete immunization list from childhood and I have heard from some people that they do check this and from others that don’t.
So this is where I am right now, holding a gigantic stack of papers with a million questions! I will update my questions as I find the answers!
The Life of an Air Force Wife 