Serves as a Contact Representative performing as a Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator (BCAC), coordinating TRICARE marketing and education to include Access to Care at the 5th Medical Group, and providing debt relief as a Debt Collections Assistant Officer (DCAO).

 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

All beneficiaries are eligible for assistance.

For More Information

Phone: (701) 723-5176

Services

- Serve as beneficiary advocates and advisors, providing dedicated service and assistance to military health systems beneficiaries in understanding and obtaining TRICARE benefits and services.

 -Educate beneficiaries on navigating and accessing services in the purchased and direct care systems.

- Counsel beneficiaries about their TRICARE program option benefits and processes, and consult with others, as necessary, for program or contract specific information.

- Research health care concerns and work with functional experts to address eligibility, enrollment, benefit, referral and authorization, and claims processing information based on the category of beneficiary seeking assistance.

- Resolve concerns when beneficiaries are dissatisfied or unclear about services provided by other MHS and contractor staff.

- Bring identified systemic problems to the appropriate DHA, TRICARE regional or area offices, MTF commander, higher headquarters.

- Assist beneficiaries in determining whether the basis for the underlying debt or collection notice is valid, in whole or in part, based on documentation from the provider or collection agency.

- Explain costs and responsibilities under the various TRICARE options.

- Help beneficiaries understand claims processing, including information on resolving unpaid health care claims, pre-authorization requirements, and third-party liability.

 

Prime Travel Benefit Office

The Prime Travel entitlement is for travel expenses incurred by non-active duty beneficiary enrolled in TRICARE Prime and were referred by your Primary Care Manager (PCM) for non-emergent, medically necessary specialty care at a location more than 100 miles (one way) from your PCM’s office, you may be entitled to the TRICARE Prime Travel Benefit (PTB).

Qualify for Travel Reimbursement

You must meet all of the following criteria:

-Be enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Prime Remote program

-Be a non-active duty member or a medal-of-honor veteran

-Have a referral from your PCM, authorized by TRICARE, to a specialty care provider more than 100 miles, one way, from the PCM ZIP code

-The benefit only applies if there are no other specialists (i.e. military, civilian network or non-network) available within 100 miles (one way) of the PCM’s office who can meet your medical/behavioral health needs.

*If your PCM is with the MTF, contact your PTB office. If your PCM is with a civilian, contact the TRICARE West Region PTB office.

Reimbursement

-This actual-expense reimbursement benefit provides reimbursement for reasonable travel-related expenses incurred while traveling which may include lodging, meals, gas, tolls, parking and tickets for public transportation (i.e. airplane, train, bus, etc.).

-To get reimbursed for your travel expenses, all invoices or receipts must be in the name of authorized claimants, must show valid travel dates, must show billing itemization (e.g. room rate per day, taxes, fees), and show payment in full (zero balance).

-Lodging: Reimbursement may not exceed local per diem rate for lodging at the specialty provider’s ZIP code

How to get started

-After program qualification has been verified and you have an approved TRICARE authorization, you are expected to make your own travel arrangements after contacting your PTB representative.

Contact Information

TRICARE East and West Region PTB Office Phone: 1-844-204-9351

Email: DHA.TRICAREPTB@mail.mil

Address:

7800 IH‐10 West, Suite 400

San Antonio, TX 78230

Fax: (210) 536‐6176

The Mental Health Clinic provides clinically competent, culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate mental health services. We tailor our services to help military members achieve their personal goals, increase their ability to achieve independence, and develop skills to support their leading the most constructive and satisfying life possible. The goal of the clinic is to ensure readiness. The clinic does this by helping members get back to a state of full functioning and equip them with the tools necessary to face future life challenges.

AVAILABLE SERVICES

Mental health services provided include assessments, case management, crisis intervention, medication support, and other rehabilitative services. The following are all examples of services provided at the clinic:

-Individual Therapy
-Group Therapy
-Medication Management

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF PROBLEMS
•Eating or sleeping too much or too little
•Pulling away from people and usual activities
•Having low or no energy
•Feeling numb or like nothing matters
•Feeling helpless or hopeless
•Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, or angry
•Yelling or fighting with family and friends
•Experiencing severe mood swings
•Having persistent thoughts and memories
•Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
•Thinking of harming yourself or others

*Eligibility: Active Duty Service Member or Reservist/Guard HM on Active duty orders

Mental Health Clinic
Phone: (701) 723-5527

Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) is a service within your primary care clinic designed to optimize your overall health. It is a flexible program available to active duty members, family members, and retirees. At PCBH, you will receive services from a specially trained psychologist or social
worker working as a consultant to your Primary Care Manager (PCM). Your Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) works with your PCM as part of a team to treat all aspects of your health.

In a brief 20-30 minute initial appointment, the BHC will work with you to address
factors that limit your overall health and functioning.
a) Sleep problems
b) Chronic Pain
c) Stress
d) Tobacco Cessation
e) Anxiety
f) Depression

The program is designed to help you reach effective changes quickly in a few brief sessions. The PCBH model will targets biological (physical), psychological (thoughts and feelings), and social (behaviors) factors to achieve overall health.
Call (701) 723-5633 to schedule an appointment or talk to your PCM about a referral.

Military families face unique challenges. They may struggle with issues such as deployment-related stress, reintegration and pressures of managing parenting and finances while a loved one is deployed.

To support military families facing these or additional challenges, the MFLC program:
-Provides short-term, non-medical counseling services to service members and their families at no cost
-Provides psycho-education to help military service members and their families understand the impact of deployments, family reunions following deployments and other stresses related to the military life
- Augments existing military support services
-Offers flexible service delivery
-Can provide services on or off of military installations
-Can provide services to individuals, couples, families and groups

With the exception of child abuse, domestic abuse and duty to warn situations services are private and confidential.

NON-MEDICAL COUNSELING SERVICES

Life skills                                                                                   Military lifestyle
- Anger management                                                               -Deployment stress
-Communication                                                                       -Coping skills
-Relationship issues                                                                 -Homesickness
-Conflict resolution                                                                   -Relocation adjustment
-Parenting                                                                                -Reintegration
-Decision-making skills                                                            -Separation                     

                                                                                                -Building resiliency
                                                                                                -Sadness, grief and loss

MFLC
Phone: (701) 723-5633

Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, occurs when one person causes physical or psychological harm to a current or former intimate partner. It includes all acts of violence within the context of family or intimate relationships. The DAVA program provides support to victims of domestic abuse.

DAVA PROGRAM OVERVIEW
-Provides domestic maltreatment support 24 hours/7days a week response capability. 

-Establish and maintain current and effective safety plans.

-Offers victims information regarding their identified needs.

-Offers follow-up DAVA services to each victim to empower the victim to advocate for the safety needs of self and children.

- Advise victims of the impact domestic violence on children.

- Accompany the victim to appointments or court proceedings when requested by the victim.

-Support development of coordinated community response to domestic abuse.

-Partner with military and civilian resources.

-Provide legal resources: divorce, custody, protection orders.

 

REPORTING OPTIONS FOR VICTIMS

Restricted: Allows a victim to dis- close  the details of abuse to victim advocate, healthcare providers and Family Advocacy Program staff. Allows victim to receive medical treatment and victim advocacy services without notifying commanders or law enforcement.

Unrestricted: Victims who want to pursue an official investigation should use current reporting channels such as Chain of Command, Family Advocacy Program or Law Enforcement.

DA
VA CRISIS LINE Phone: (701) 343-3531

Life has its challenges. People undergoing stressful life events may turn to alcohol or other substances to help alleviate their distress or to cope. ADAPT offers prevention, education, and treatment to address substance misuse and abuse. 

OUR SERVICES

Substance Abuse Awareness Briefings: Offered to ensure that the Minot AFB community is aware of substance abuse issues and the available treatment options. Information includes discussing applicable Air Force Instructions and state laws to heighten awareness of the potential legal consequences of sub-stance abuse, such as drinking while driving.

Alcohol Brief Counseling: Individuals not meeting diagnostic criteria for a sub-stance use disorder are provided alcohol awareness education accomplished via the Alcohol Brief Counseling (ABC) module. Additional counseling addressing other problem areas may be prescribed.

Substance Abuse Treatment (Group/Individual): Individual and group treatment services are provided to individuals (TRICARE beneficiaries) duty Tricare Beneficiaries (TP) who are addressing substance use disorder issues. Referrals for those needing a higher level of substance abuse care will also be provided.

SIGNS OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER

In the last 12 months has alcohol/drug use repeatedly caused/contributed to:

*Role Failure - interference with home, work, or school obligations

*Risk of Bodily Harm - Entering into physically hazardous situation to include but not limited to driving under the influence, risky sexual behavior, or violence HM

*Relationship trouble - family or friends*Tolerance - needing more of alcohol or drug to achieve same effect

*Signs of Withdrawal - tremors, sweating, nausea, insomnia when trying to quit or cut down, or using the substance to relieve or avoid symptoms

*Not Able to Stick to Limits - repeatedly exceeding your drinking limits

 

5th Medical Group / 10 Missile Ave

Minot AFB, ND (701) 723-5633

Family Advocacy is the primary office for the support of education, prevention and treatment of family maltreatment involving active duty members and their families.

SERVICES

Active Parenting of Teens: Help your teens thrive and survive through understanding the challenges of adolescence.

Anger Management: Focuses on anger triggers, thinking errors, communication styles and impact on health.

Breastfeeding Class: Basic techniques are taught to help parents and babies succeed with breastfeeding. Those interested in knowing more about nutrition and its importance for a healthy infant can come to this class.

Play Group: Moms, dads, and kids up to age five are welcome to join our interactive playgroup. This is a casual opportunity to meet and play with other families, hear speakers, and share parent-child activities.

Dads - the basics: Dads teaching dads the basics! Open to any expecting father or father with a child up to six months of age.

Marriage L.I.N.K.S.: Keeping your love strong requires ongoing communication. Skills for trust, communication, forgiveness and conflict resolution.

Parenting with Love and Logic: Practical tools to help parents achieve respectful and healthy relationships with their children.

FASES: Developed to prevent escalation of family violence for families who have been identified as “at risk” to Family Advocacy.

OB Orientation: This class is held for all newly pregnant women/couples. It includes policies and services of the OB and Family Practice clinics.

Phone: (701) 723-5096

Suicide is a desperate attempt to end suffering that feels unbearable. Most people who contemplate suicide are conflicted about ending their own lives. The best way to prevent suicide is to recognize the warning signs and respond. It’s important to show you care and get the help the situation requires.

CONCERNS AND RISK FACTORS

- Relationship issues                                                                                              - Work problems
- Financial problems                                                                                               - Feelings of failure or hopelessness
- Access to weapons                                                                                              - Prior attempts
- Lack of social support/isolation                                                                            - Unresolved emotional trauma
- Pending legal actions                                                                                           - Alcohol and substance misuse/abuse
- Unresolved anger                                                                                                 - Prolonged illness or chronic pain                                                          
- Family history of suicide/mental illness                                                                - History of depression or anxiety

WARNING SIGNS

- Mood changes (depression, irritability, anxiety)                                                 - Changes in their normal behaviors
- Withdrawing from people/activities                                                                    - Risk-taking behaviors
- Increased alcohol/substance use                                                                      - Expressing hopelessness/helplessness/worthlessness
- Change in sleep or appetite                                                                              - Discussing death, suicide or ‘not being around’
- Problems concentrating                                                                                    - Making a plan for suicide
- Changes in appearance (not taking care of personal appearance)

WHAT TO DO?

If you’re worried about someone, it’s important to discuss your concerns with them. Be open and honest. Express your concern without personal judgment.

WHO CAN HELP?

- Mental Health Clinic: (701) 723-5527
- Chaplains Office: 723-2456
- Primary Care Manager: 723-5633
- First Sergeant
- Squadron Commander
- Military Family Life Counselor: (701) 425-7905 or -8679

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) works to ensure service members, their eligible family members and overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so, from anywhere in the world. Voting is a citizen’s most fundamental right. FVAP helps Service members, their families and overseas citizens vote by providing tools and resources to receive, cast and return an absentee ballot during all federal elections. Additionally, FVAP works with overseas citizen organizations to provide information for absentee voting. By forging relationships and using their networks, FVAP is able to reach more U.S. citizens than by traditional methods to ensure they have the tools and resources they need.

How do I vote by absentee ballot?

Elections are managed individually by state governments, which means there are 55 different sets of rules for absentee voting by service members, their eligible family members and overseas citizens.  The basic steps are:

1.   Register to vote and request an absentee ballot by filling out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) and sending it to your election office in your state of legal residence.

2.   Once the FPCA is approved, the election office sends an absentee ballot to you.

3.   You then complete and return your voted absentee ballot to your election office by your state's deadline.

State rules, required forms and phone numbers for local election or voting offices can be found in the Voting Assistance Guide at https://www.fvap.gov/guide.
 

Where do I get the form?
The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or SF-76, can be obtained from the Installation Voter Assistance (IVA) Office. It is also available online at the Federal Voting Assistance Program website.

How do I complete and send the form?
Many states have specific rules. Depending on the rules of the state, voters can mail or register and request ballots electronically (email or fax, etc.). Although there is a deadline, some states allow late registration. Please use the "FPCA Wizard" which guides you according to the requirements of your state.

Since my family members are not in the military, can they vote absentee?
The law entitles eligible family members of military personnel to vote absentee. Family members are considered to be in the same absentee voter category as military members and generally should follow the same procedures. Family members of military personnel residing overseas, who are U.S. citizens and who have never resided in the U.S., usually claim a parent's legal status as their own if that parent is a U.S. citizen.

• AFPC Voting Assistance
• Federal Voting Assistance Program

Why is voting different for military members and their families?
Voting in the U.S. is controlled and conducted by state governments who have various rules if a local voter is temporarily gone on Election Day, whether it's voting early, by absentee or at local polls.  Military voting is different because extended or overseas absences can prevent service members from using normal state voting rules. A special law, called the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, or UOCAVA, requires that the states and territories allow certain groups to register and vote absentee in federal elections.

What if I am deployed?
While a few deploying or deployed members may be able to vote at their local polls prior to departure or will return in time to vote at their local polls, most deployed members must use the absentee voting process if they want to vote. Local briefings during deployment processing should encourage deploying members to take a copy of two voting forms with them:  the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or SF-76, and Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB), or SF-186. The Voting Assistance Officers (VAO) at the Installation Voter Assistance (IVA) Office can help. The SF-76 is also available at the Federal Voting Assistance Program website.

Who is eligible to vote under the UOCAVA law?
All members of the U.S. uniformed services (on active duty), including Merchant Marines, their family members and U.S. citizens residing outside the U.S.

Do all military members vote under the UOCAVA law or can I vote locally? 
Military and family members stationed/working in their voting residence city and state may vote locally at the polls or use their state's absentee process. Each state has specific residency and voter registration requirements.  State rules, required forms and phone numbers for local election or voting offices can be found in the Voting Assistance Guide on the Federal Voting Assistance Program website.

Where is my "legal voting residence?"
Proper legal voting residence is critical to ensure a state’s timely approval of the registration, absentee ballot request and transmittal of the ballot to the voter. Your voting residence is within your state of legal residence or domicile. It is the true, fixed address that you consider your permanent home and where you have/had a physical presence.

State of legal residence and voting residence is sometimes mistaken for home of record. Your voting residence may be the same as your home of record but needs to be updated if and when you decide to establish a new state of legal residence. Military spouses and eligible family members may retain the sponsor’s or service member’s residency, keep the current established residency or take the appropriate steps to establish a new residency.

Consult the base legal office when claiming a new residence or domicile since there may be tax implications, in-state tuition rate issues and other factors to consider. 

Regardless of your legal voting residency, the election office needs your current contact information. The most efficient way to maintain your current contact information is to complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) annually, with every change of address and at least 90 before the election.

Minot Voting Assistance Office

Building 291
Airman and Family Readiness Center
DSN: 453-5222
Comm: (701) 723-5222