MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The 42nd Medical Group and Humana Military held a Provider Open House on base to strengthen the relationships with local care providers November 8, 2023.
The open house provided the opportunity for the medical group to connect with the more than 30 community providers of mental health services to help them understand the base mission, the unique challenges faced by military families and how providers can better assist military members, retirees, and dependents.
As an ambulatory clinic, the 42nd Medical Group offers only limited specialty services. To ensure optimal access to all specialty services, Humana Military partners with the Department of Defense to administer the TRICARE health program, which coordinates access to network services for beneficiaries.
"The medical group directly supports 11,000 enrollees and indirectly supports more than 42,000 beneficiaries and retirees here. We know how challenging the health insurance and managed care industry has become, and we understand how the complexity can affect network providers,” said Arthur James Thornton, Jr., 42nd MDG TRICARE liaison. "We are making every effort to build bonds and partnerships to ensure providers realize the value they bring to the treatment team."
Access to mental health care in the network is key to supporting the beneficiaries at Maxwell.
“Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States, and we depend on our network partners to provide care to many of our non-Active Duty beneficiaries,” said Maj Valeri Bennett, 42nd Medical Group Mental Health flight commander. “This event allowed us to build relationships with our community partners and teach them about Maxwell’s mission.”
“While we often think of healthcare in terms of our physical well-being, our ability to maintain our mental health goes a long way in ensuring we can maintain strong relationships and a stable, positive outlook on life. The military lifestyle, with frequent moves and deployments, means that the mental health of our families is also tested. Robust community partnerships ensure our families and other beneficiaries have access to these crucial services, leading to a stronger military community,” said Lt. Col. Anastasia McKoy, 42nd Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander.
This is the Medical Group’s second open house event this year, after a successful pediatrics-focused event in the spring. The medical group will continue using these events to open opportunities for network care for all Maxwell-Gunter beneficiaries.
For TRICARE coverage, use a TRICARE-authorized provider. These providers are licensed by the state, accredited by national organizations or meet other medical community standards.