We all know that a military ID card is required when a beneficiary attempts to enter a military installation or purchase goods at the Exchange or Commissary. Unfortunately, military members sometimes forget they need to present their ID card for medical services and to pick up prescription medicine. Since October 2009, 762 visits to Naval Hospital Oak Harbor (NHOH) were by patients not carrying their military I.D. card. Of these patients, 55 percent were minor children over the age of ten, 14 percent were spouses and 17 percent were active duty members.

So why does this matter and how does it affect patient care?  Every Military Treatment Facility (MTF) is mandated by the Department of Defense (DoD) to verify eligibility for care using the military ID at every medical appointment. If the patient does not bring their ID card, the MTF is required to send the patient to medical records to complete an eligibility form. The patient is then given 30 days from the date of visit to present their ID card to the medical records department. If they donít, the patient is billed for the visit.

In the past, NHOH has extended a great deal of leniency in this requirement. However, effective Oct. 1, the hospital began complying with this mandate.

The process of referring a patient to medical records is time consuming and inconvenient for the patient. However, it is important for every family member to understand that while it may be inconvenient to carry your ten and older childrenís ID cards with you, especially when this responsibility is shared by the parents, this screening process helps to prevent non-military dependents from seeking unauthorized healthcare. 

If you have minor dependents in your household that are required to possess a military I.D. card, make a family decision as to who should be responsible for safeguarding it. Ideally, the parent most likely to transport the child to medical appointments should keep the ID card with their own. 

The hospital wants to make your visit hassle-free. By presenting the appropriate ID card at the time of your appointment, you are checked in quickly and arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. 

If you have any questions concerning this requirement, call the Uniformed Business Office at (360) 257-9955.