HURLBURT FIELD — The 1st Special Operations Medical Group, which oversees the Hurlburt Clinic, is asking retirees and their dependents to transfer their care to Eglin Air Force Base.
The request is being made in anticipation of about 400 new active-duty airmen set to relocate from Eglin to Hurlburt Field this summer, which could tap resources at the already-busy clinic.
TRICARE Prime-eligible retirees and their dependents are asked to voluntarily transfer enrollment to Eglin’s 96th Medical Group. Beneficiaries who live more than a 30-minute commute from Eglin may have the option to choose a network primary care manager.
About 2,500 people could be affected, according to Hurlburt’s 1st Special Operations Wing.
“This change in policy is driven by an increase in demand for health care services at the Hurlburt Clinic, which has exceeded the resources available,” Col. Troy Monar, commander of the 1st Special Operations Medical Group, said in a written statement. “To maintain quality care and timely access for all patients, the clinic must transfer some enrolled beneficiaries to other facilities.”
All TRICARE beneficiaries can continue to use the pharmacy and lab, and utilize immunization and radiology services at Hurlburt.
For more information about the transfer or about qualifying for a network primary care manager, call TRICARE customer service at 1-800-444-5445.
