MCRP recovers millions for the AF

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jesenia Landaverde
  • 92 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
The Medical Cost Reimbursement Program recovers the cost of medical care rendered to Air Force beneficiaries (active duty, retirees and dependents) as a result of injuries caused by third parties.

The MCRP asserts cases against liability insurers and medical insurers or plans in cases where there is third party liability.

These cases can include: motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, slips, trips, falls, mishap, dog bites, medical malpractice, sports injuries, assaults and products malfunction (i.e., drug side effects, failed mesh or other implants).

The Federal Medical Care Recovery Act authorizes recovery of accrued pay and lost time from work when an active duty member has been placed on convalescent leave following an accident or incident.

“The MCRP office will send the money toward the Operation and Maintenance Fund for the injured party’s squadron if the Airman is on convalescent leave,” said Capt. Arnold Hong, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Judge Advocate chief of civil law. “That’s why it’s important to turn in the questionnaire the office sends.”

Airmen must fill out and return a questionnaire in addition to the Tricare form, to their respective MCRP office within 15 days. The MCRP region will not contact Airmen, unless more information is needed or if the form is incomplete. The goal is to minimize the impact on Airmen’s lives.

Air Force Legal Operations Agency MCRP has eight regional offices across the country that handle these types of claims. Region 8 handles claims that arise in Alaska, California, Guam, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.

Region 8 collected approximately $2 million in fiscal year 2017. The entire program has recovered $22.5 million.
The recovered money goes toward the military health care system, including Tricare, which pays for treatment when beneficiaries are treated at civilian healthcare facilities.

The funds are used for a variety of support programs such as sending doctors to courses that will help improve skills and learn new medical techniques. Remaining funds are used to improve Medical Treatment Facilities in other ways; such as self-help projects, better medical equipment, supplies and staff development programs.

“I’m excited to be a part of this unique program that actively seeks reimbursement of government funds,” said John Vassallo, Medical Cost Reimbursement Program region 8 chief. “The best part is, along with returning funds to the Defense Health Agency, some of those dollars go back to work at the local level where we can actually see them used at the military treatment facilities and the squadrons.”.

For more information, call the AFLOA/MCRP Region 8 at (707) 816-3650.