Third party billing Published April 23, 2009 92d MDSS Resource Management Office FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The 1991 National Defense Appropriation Act enables military treatment facilities to bill third party health insurance carriers for the cost of medical care furnished to retirees and family members covered by civilian health insurance, except Medicare and TRICARE. As a result, public law requires the hospital ask non-active duty patients whether they have insurance. The medical group uses the Third Party Collection Program-Record of Other Health Insurance, or DD Form 2569, to collect this information during appointments whether you have insurance or not. The original form is kept in outpatient records and only has to be filled out once a year or when the information changes. Patients do not receive preferential treatment based on the type of policy or existence of other health insurance coverage. Patients will not be billed by the hospital for the deductible or any balance remaining after the insurance company pays. In fact, reporting insurance information during a hospital visit may satisfy most insurance company's annual deductible without out-of-pocket expense to the patient. This can represent significant savings if you require future treatment in a civilian facility within the specified year. Providing this information also helps the hospital enhance patient care to our population. The 92d Medical Group uses these funds collected to purchase new equipment, supplies and create a better environment for our patients. If you have questions concerning our Third Party Collection Program, please call the Resource Management Office at 247-5111.