Do you have your blue card? Published Dec. 14, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Catherine Martin & Deizray Olson 5th Medical Group, Third Party Collections MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- This is a question that all patients can expect to be asked when checking in at the 5th Medical Group for their appointments, including physical therapy, the pharmacy, radiology and the laboratory. The Consolidated Ominibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 obligates military medical facilities to bill civilian health insurance carriers for the cost of medical care given to retirees and dependents who are covered by these insurance policies. The Third Party Collections blue card is proof that patients have filled out a DD Form 2569 or the record of other health insurance forms which allows the Department of Defense to gather information on a patient's other health insurance provider. This other health insurance provider is billed along with Tricare for medical services rendered at the time of the visit. Completing the DD Form 2569 is a DOD requirement which must be accomplished annually or any time there is a change in health insurance. This is required for all non-active duty personnel, regardless of whether or not Tricare is the only insurance they have. In addition to filling out this form, if the patient has other health insurance, they will need to have their insurance card with them so the front desk staff can make a copy. Having a copy makes it easier for the TPC office to verify their insurance. If the patient does have other health insurance and is seen at the clinic, they will not be responsible for any uncollected charges that the insurance company does not pay such as co-pays and deductibles. Instead, the government will absorb those costs. This may even satisfy their policy deductible if they later seek private medical care. Where does the money go? The money collected from the civilian insurance carries comes directly back to the 5th MDG, which in turn ensures patients get the benefits of the most modern and efficient health care available. These funds are used to provide updated medical equipment, extended medication formulary, as well as additional staffing. For more information on the Third Party Collections program, contact the TPC clerks, Deizray Olson or Staff Sgt. Catherine Martin, at 723-5121 or 5687, or stop by the TPC Office located on the third floor of the clinic in room 3J7.