By Pixy

June 19, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

I choose to use Wright Patt, but I do realize that during this time that alot of our doctors and other flight members have been deployed and we are low staffed in areas needed, they should have thought this through better knowing how many people are seen at the clinic not to mention we have more coming in the new year. So what are they going to do about this situation!!! As for the people waiting for a letter if you want a Dr off base change your status from prime to standard at the tc office.

By Pixy

June 19, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

I have read through a lot of these comments and some of them are just rude! My Husband served his 20+ years had 2 back sugery’s and had been treated at the Va since we retired, we arrived at Wright Patt he got ill and was diagnosed with diabetes type 2 which they say he has had for quite some time, now he ws treated by civilan doctors/VA and not one of them noticed that he had blood sugar levels of 790!

By Phyllis A. Phillips

June 19, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

This is in response to Ohio and Ted Sucks. You need to think again about who is sucking off of Ohio. These men who have put in 20 years plus, are the ones who have made it possible for our country to remain a free country. If not for these brave men the U.S.A. wouldn’t be the great country it is. They have put themselves in perilous situations. Many have died so that you and others can live a free life. Don’t take away what they were promised. Wife of a Vietnam Veteran.

By Ron & Steve are a******s

June 17, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Ron & Steve, My mother died at WPAFBMC because of the substandard quality of care,if the butchers had diagnosed her cancer properly in the first place 2 years earlier she would still be alive today, instead they were too busy kissing some one star’s a*s trying to pick up their bronze cluster. Tricare is just as guilty. Welfare clients recieve better quality of care then our fighting forces and their spouses. How many time have you seen a field grade officer wait in the ER waiting room?? NEVER.

By Kevin

June 17, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

As one of the 3,400 being effected. I feel that WPAFB is doing what is in the best interest of the patients. I am not being let go by the system because Tri-Care reviews who they allow their patients to be seen by. And if I don’t care for the provider I can find a new one in the system at no cost. I have been at WPAFB hosp. 3 times with a new provider each time due to deployment or retirement. I will get to know my physician now and be seen quicker.

By M

June 17, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

And, to “mtm”, my father got in the AF in ‘76. Payment for benefits comes out of his paycheck just like every other company that offers benefits in the country. The money taken out of his paycheck was enough to cover his wife and three children. Now his children are gone, his benefits cost less, just like every other company that offers benefits. There is nothing wrong with the system.

By M

June 17, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

And, to “mtm”, my father got in the AF in ‘78. Payment for benefits comes out of his paycheck just like every other company that offers benefits in the country. The money taken out of his paycheck was enough to cover his wife and three children. Now his children are gone, his benefits cost less, just like every other company that offers benefits. There is nothing wrong with the system.

By M

June 17, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

My father is in the military, has been in the military for 32 years. When I went away to college I did not live near a military hospital, so I had to find a care provider in the area. I found a good one, Tricare reimbursed me for all expenses I encountered. All of these patients are going to receive the care they need, probably sooner than they would have at Wright Patt. They will also be able to be closer to home, and with gas prices being the way they are, why is everyone complaining?

By karen mendenhall

June 17, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

We left Dayton & now live in Fla. I am covered under TriCare Prime but soon will be TriCare for Life. I have a wonderful Dr. who was assigned to me and have received some of the finest medical care that I’ve ever received. Going to Wright Patt was not convenient & we were covered under BC/BS. My TriCare Prime has provided me with far more services than BC/BS and my co-pay is small, $12.00. I think TriCare is wonderful. The base hosp.& Drs. should be for those now serving.

By J

June 17, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Cont’d- And lastly, it is not that horrible that people 30 miles away get to go to regular civilian doctors- there are some of us with Tricare that would rather go to a regular doctor than have to hassle with the base. So, this effects people different but look at it this way, at least you still have excellent health care coverage like tricare.

By J

June 17, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Cont’d- And lastly, it is not that horrible that people 30 miles away get to go to regular civilian doctors- there are some of us with Tricare that would rather go to a regular doctor than have to hassle with the base. So, this effects people different but look at it this way, at least you still have excellent health care coverage like tricare.

By J

June 17, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

You people need to understand the military.It sucks that this is happening.If this is what WPAFB needs to do to give better treatment to patients then let them do it.I suppose some of you complaining have never had to call for days to get an appt. with your PCM and be given the run around because they are so busy.You know they are short staffed when you have to go to WPAFB’s ER for a cold.So,this is a good thing and will give those of us still at WPAFB better care.

By doc

June 17, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

If the base does not want these patients, try Fairborn Medical Center. We accept Tricare.

By mtm

June 17, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

My father retired from the usaf after 23 years. I joined the usaf in 1978 and promptly got out after 4 years. The writing was on the wall. The benefits were going away. Medical, dental, retirement, GI bill. Both political parties are guilty of stripping benefits from veterans. To all, think twice about enlisting and get out as soon as you can.

By Ron

June 17, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

As a 30 year military retiree I have had good and bad doctors in both military, VA and civilian hospitals.

By Ron

June 17, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

As a 30 year military retiree I have had good and bad doctors in both military, VA and civilian hospitals.

By Ron

June 17, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

By You enter & never leave! You my friend are a idiot. I have had good and bad military and civilian doctors. That applies to Wright Pat hospital and the VA!

By Ron

June 17, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

By You enter & never leave! You my friend are a idiot. I have had good and bad military and civilian doctors. That applies to Wright Pat hospital and the VA!

By TriCare

June 17, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

Call CareFinders — they will help you find a doctor that accepts TriCare. Call 1-866-608-FIND(3463).

By Steve

June 17, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Comments such as those made by “You enter and never leave” are not correct. Such comments are normally made by someone who is just repeating rumors.

I am retired military and we use Wright Pat. For the past 10 years, our health care has been excellent but their resources are strained to the breaking point. I am willing to go out into the local area for my medical care if it will open up a spot for an active duty military member.

By Wordell

June 17, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Congressmen/Senators aren’t denied medical care, haircuts, free breakfast, lunch, dinner, cars, fuel payed for, homes in D.C. paid for, 1st class airfare, and their salary paid for a lifetime after two years as a Congressman, four years as a Senator. The perks are endless, cost hundreds of millions. Question?: Could we deny our employees (congress/senate) all these perks, and fund getting staffing for the people THAT WERE PROMISED IT AFTER THEY WORKED FOR IT!!!!!!!! Time to lock and load!!!!!

By You enter & never leave

June 17, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

I’d say that is 3400 people who have a chance of living. Military doctors are hacks and butchers who are nothing more then med school drop outs that got suckered into signing a contract. They talk a good game but in the end they are about as worthless as a congressman. And yes,I served my country as did my father and both my grandfathers, so I know about the half-assed medical care you recieve in the military. The only thing worse then being treated at Wright Patt Med Center is going to the VA.

By blah

June 17, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

CHUCK…you need to check your punctuation and spelling

By Chuck

June 17, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Well we are becoming a country that is ruled by the High class and wealthy now. We need less attorneys in these leadership positions and more common people. We pay these leaders way to much money and for the most part they have to much power for themselves. They no longer do the work of the people they do the work of special interests. As far as the military goes reinstate the draft, would do some of these smart assed kids some good to learn responsibility, and to grow up !

By Reggie98ud

June 17, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

You can thank Bill Clinton and his military cuts for this one. Maybe if the military got the respect they deserve there would be more people in the military. Instead we see liberal politicans calling our troops bandits, murders and terrorists. Why the hell would anyone want to go into the military for that, especially a doctor who has huge personal debt to pay off form med school? Expect more of this from the Dumbocrats, they will gut the military and leave us exposed again, just like 9/11.

By David

June 17, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

I would rather see a civilian doctor so the Military doctors can be deployed to save our troops over sees. As for meangrandma’s comment she should try the Army there motto is “If we wanted you to have a family we would have issued you one at signing”. It is a small change compared to what I am sure we will see in the future of Medical care in the Air Force.

By MikeySays

June 17, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

It seems clear to me that the military needs to get out of the healthcare business entirely and allow for / pay for their people to go into the private sector healthcare system. The patients will benefit from better care (waiting 8 hours? yikes), and the taxpayers will benefit from private sector efficiency.

By David

June 17, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

I am an Air Force spouse with several medical issues. I have seen all sides of the medical system, overseas off base, civilian and Military. To me one is not better or worse than the other. To me it matters that I recieve the care I need. My wife is a nurse in the Service and it sadens her to see people (active duty or Veterans)not getting the best care possible. I think that this move will allow people to have a better chance at that care.

By Not Interested In This

June 17, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Let’s go to King’s Island, screw Dayton

By Ohiogal

June 17, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe the amount of people thinking it would be OK to take benefits away from spouses. Shame on you for not giving the respect that they deserve. They are the ones that hold the family together, take care of things when their spouse is deployed, and take care of the children. They sit day and night, worried sick about their loved one who is away while keeping a smile on their face for the sake of their families. How awful.

By nofairjustin

June 17, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Justin ur post on June 17, was uncalled for, I am not black but what u posted is uncalled for, obviously u have issues,learn to deal with them in a manner that is not name calling, that is so immature,stop stereo typing and get the real facts before you start ur prejudice.

By Just My 2 Cents

June 17, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

The idea that anyone would consider any service member not worthy of whatever they need to be healthy without cost never sacrificed their very life for someone other than themselves. As a former military wife and supporter of all they stand for, I find it sad that anyone would think differently. However, I am a realist and the facts are that everyone’s livelihood is threatened with difficult times and NOTHING ever stays the same. If resources aren’t available, then what are their choices?

By jonbuoy186

June 17, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

To urban dweller,I was not gripeing about 8 dollar meds,I was just letting folk’s know how it is in north Florida,The V.A. system is overun with seniors,an appointment time is usually 2-3 months.when your appointment time arrives you can plan on spending at least 8 hours at the Gainesville,FL.V.A. providing you can even find a place to park.I’m grateful that I can still recieve my meds from the A.F. My meds at the V.A. would cost about 120.00 dollars. I don’t mind driving 220 miles for free Meds

By Ron

June 17, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

I think that. if a person was in the miliyary. Should be able to go to WrightPatterson medical center.Thereare now looking like the nation has deserted them in a time of need. Taking care of a person that protected this country should be taken care of after the fact.

By Military Spouse and Mom

June 17, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

For those of you (Ohio And Ted Sucks) who have never served a minute protecting freedon of speech or the lives of others do not have the right to an opinion in this arena. You are self absorbed and only want to see your crap in print. You are obviously uneducated and don’t feel that you yourself have the right to draw a pension, medicare, or social security when you retire. Tell me where you work and I’ll let your boss know that you are a blood sucker employee and that your time is worthless.

By Cnuce

June 17, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

I recently retired and I find everything that I worked 26 years for is getting taken away from me. First I loose a portion of my retirement pay to pay for health care when I initially joined was also medical care free for life. Now I loose some for I pay my own disability. I was also told if I die my wife would still receive my retirement pay until she remarried or die now I must pay for her to receive only half of my retirement. Now pay copays and still take my kids to WPAFB. Where does it end?

By Chuck

June 17, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

I wrote a letter to the former WPAFB Medical Center Commander a few months back when I learned through my primary care manager (PCM) that retiree’s who are 65 and older can no longer be seen by a specialist due to shortage of physicians. They problem was, they forgot to tell the retiree, they left that up to the PCM. In most cases the care at the medical center has always been questionable at best, but their communication process is really broken.

By StacyH

June 17, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

aharddaysnight - the health benefit that military members recieve is taken into account when they are compensated. And while you have stayed in the same area (presumably) for the last 4 years - my parents have moved 5 times. From Boston, to Ohio, to California.

I am not entitled to that health benefit. My father EARNED that health benefit to provide for his family with his service for the last 30 years.

By StacyH

June 17, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

First, this is happening all over the place, not just at Wright-Patt. Edwards AFB closed down it’s ER. For those unaware, Edwards is 30 miles from the nearest emergency room. People live on that base and have families there. I can not imagine having to drive 30 miles in an emergency.

And further more - if we ever do go to to a universal health care system, you can expect more of the same. Vets have complained for years - if the government takes over health care we will ALL be complaining

By Roger

June 17, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

This is a glimpse of what universal healthcare will look like. You’ll have overcrowded hospitals (the equivalent of being understaffed) and patients being turned away. They’ll have to look elsewhere and may find themselves waiting on lists to be seen. Furthermore, it is likely the service will not be high quality and personal, because of the overwhelming number of patients that will need to bee seen. You’ll get less time to spend with the doctor and the quality of the visit will plummet.

By Pete

June 17, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

For the MORON using the named “Ohio & Ted Suck…” You can always leave this state & country if you don’t want to deal w/ us “people looking for a free ride” or “sucking off of society.” It’s A$$HOLES like you are the ignorant MORONS who don’t appreciate anything from anyone. Leave or just shut the F*K up! 24 years + retired Navy!

By cost more

June 17, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

One other question. What is happening with all the money being collected from the private insurance companies that is a requirement. If I had insurance though my job I would have to let the base know about it so they could bill them for services. Where is that money going? I agree that the hallways do look much nicer now the they have been remodeled. Good thing there is no shortage of building contractors in the hallways there.

By KH

June 17, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

This is for “aharddaysnight”, you said and I quote: “I get irritated at spouses, retirees, and family members that come in thinking they are entitled”. Listen up “Sports Fan” they are entitled! Every retiree and their family spent 20+ years in the military, I don’t care what branch they retired from but part of their retirement package that they are “ENTITLED” to is health care. From the way it sounds you don’t fall into the military retiree category qualifying you for this “ENTITLEMENT”!

By Boob

June 17, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

That’s what you get with the heartless conservatives. Leave humanitarian issues to the bleeding heart liberals.

By Cost more

June 17, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

I am not asking for a handout or free care. I have paid for this care. I use to get annual statement about how my reduces pay was justified by the fact I was to get health care free after retirement. So I have already paid for this care for the low pay over the 21 years of service to this country.

By aharddaysnight

June 17, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Joe doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I work there and the care is just fine. However I will say that alot of people are upset about this but I get irritaed at spouses,retirees,and family members that come in thinking they are entitled. It’s sickening to hear them complain about co-pays and deuctibles that the rest of us have to pay. Welcome to reality. But I guess they would rather settle for an overworked doctor who might miss something because they’re free.

By Mike

June 17, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

These are tough times, gotta take care of the folks on the front line first. That gateway to care money sure spruced up the hallways though.

By Alan

June 17, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

I served the Air Force for over 22 years. I believe if the Air Force is going to properly give medical care it should be given to Active duty, retired and then the spouses. Also I am not quite sure where Col. Slawinski staff came up with the mileage for Springfield but according to Map Quest it is 19.01 miles, 30 minutes from my house to the base hospital. I live on the east side of Springfield in the Warder Park area, it would be closer if the gate by the Hospital was open.

By Cost more

June 17, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

As a retired Navy vet the issue I have with this is the out of pocket expenses. As a Tricare Prime patient I pay the extra few dollars out of my retire pay for the to be a Tricare Prime patient. I did this to use the base for no out of pocket expenses. (No Co-pays) With the base closing there doors they are increasing my expenses by forceing me to pay a copay. If the base can not see me for what ever reason then the copay required by tricare should be removed. This was not my choice.

By Trish

June 17, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

I do feel active duty and their families should still have care at WPAFB, the rest of us should be able to find doctors in our areas. ANYONE with special needs should have the choice to stay at WPAFB or go elsewhere. The care over the years has been inexpensive, but it can always be better in the outside world and if you have to pay a co-pay of sorts, then so be it!

By Trish

June 17, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

We live 40 minutes away and my 5 children and I would be MORE THAN HAPPY to go elsewhere for care, however we have yet to receive a letter. My husband was Air Force for 23 years, which gave us the right to FREE care, but if the care were better at WPAFB he would not have died at the age of 41 this past January of cancer…..his “condition” and need for more testing would not have been ignored for over 2 years with a civilian doctor. PLEASE send us a letter and let us transfer——

By Stacie

June 17, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

You should have learned by now that the only things in life that are guaranteed are death and taxes.

By Stacie

June 17, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

You would think by now that the only things guaranteed in life are death and taxes.

By JB

June 17, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

I am retired USAF (1993) and I agree with the comments posted about the need to take care of the active duty first. But I also think this is an eye opener for those who clamor for “National Health Care”. Remember - any government big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take it away. As Ronald Reagan said so eloquently “Government is not the solution to the problem - government IS the problem”.

By Ohiogal

June 17, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

First off, I think the people you have to think about are the docs. They are overworked, understaffed, and underpaid. Half of them are being deployed while the other half are picking up the patient load. For veterans who have “been there done that” I think of all people YOU would understand the sacrifices that are made when we are at war and people are deployed. The other problem is the hospital administration. Maybe we should question why they cancelled the contracts with civilian docs at WP?

By UrbanDweller

June 17, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Jonbuoy186, I can’t believe you are griping about $8 meds?!?!? Do you know what they would cost without insurance?

By Joe

June 17, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

I would not take a dead raccoon to the base hospital

By jonbuoy186

June 17, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

I gave the Air Force 24 years of my life. My father gave them twenty years,and my oldest son gave the Air Force 21 years.I have always thought that Wright-Pat was the finest you could recieve.I made the Mistake and moved to Florida.And have to deal with the V.A.Now there’s a real mess!I can still get my Meds at Moody AFB But I have to drive 220 miles round trip to do it.but at least they are free, while the V.A. charges me Eight dollars each.The military Medical help down here is a real mess.

By robert carr

June 17, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Why does Congress have the ability to go any where for free and we have to go and pay for ours? Why am I told I can only go certain places and they can go anywhere? I have a daughter that possible needs brain surgery and we are beening told we can’t go where the only place in the U.S. they can help her. Why? Let the retire personel decide where they want to go for medical care, where its on a miltary base like Wright-Pat. or out in town. They earn it, give it to them.

By robert carr

June 17, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

I been retire now for 14 years, and one of the things I heard all of the time in the service was free medical for you and your family if you stay in and retire. Well about a year after I retire Senator Snow (R-Me.) sent a law from the Arm Forces committee to Congress to do away with free medical for the retire miltary families. Now you have to pay for it, yes it’s not a lot you have to pay but I was promies free medical. But Congress has free medical and they can go anywhere they want to.

By L Berry

June 17, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

As a retired AF member I have seen our medical benefits erode over the years. Our promise of “free for life” medical care changed to a pay for use Tricre Program. But with Tricare we were forced to use the base as Primary Care Provider if we lived within 50 miles of WPAFB. That was so the Government could save money. It is more cost effective to use Base Facility. Now that they cut personell they find themselves unable to continue our services. Poor planning and troop reductions in war.

By Ralph

June 17, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

RE: Ohio& Ted suck,

I served 20+ years inthe U.S. military to provide the freedom to be as ignorant as you obviously are. I have already paid for this benefit! We were at war during my career and we (the United States) took care of our vets, so what’s different now. Morons like you. If your going to sling mud, get your facts straight or leave - or both. Broken promises is a legacy ofour government, just ask any American Indian.

By BC

June 17, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

I use the WP Medical Center and think it is wonderful. But honestly, it has gotten to the point where it is difficult to get appointments; appointments are rushed (the doctors are apologetic); and I never see the same provider twice, so there is little consistency of care. As a retiree’s spouse, I am ready to switch to a local physician. I’ll give up my slot for an active duty member and their family. It is such a small sacrifice for those who are currently serving and sacrificing so much.

By TFOL61

June 17, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Military medical facilities are there to serve the MILITARY. Priority should be given to active duty military and retirees. If anyone has to go off base it should be family members (dependents) regardless if the sponsor is active duty or retired. For the record, I am prior service, married to a retiree, who raised children in the military health service. The military needs to care for its members FIRST, regardless of status and then the dependents.

By Ohio & Ted Suck

June 17, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Again, “people” sucking off of society! You people suck! Stop looking for a free ride. Why is Dayton/Mont Cty full of people who suck off of society?

By Fred

June 17, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

As a recent retiree I have not forgotten that we are still at war, and I will also say the rest of the retiree’s have not either and we support our fellow service brothers and sisters. However promises were made to us and we do not mind adjusting but just like every where else cuts are being made and we do not like it. Don’t ever once think we do not realize our countries state of affairs.

By Bob

June 17, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

I agree the governments first priority should be the soldier’s on the front line, but I also believe the government should have been prepared to take care of those who have already sacrified themselves for this country.

By Bob

June 17, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

I agree the governments first priority should be the soldier’s on the front line, but I also believe the government should have been prepared to take care of those who have already sacrified themselves for this country.

By Chris

June 17, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

What else can they do? If there are not enough physicians per patient then patients will not be able to get the proper care and attention that they need anyway. I think they are trying to do the best of what resources they have.

By Julie

June 17, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Sometimes I think the retirees forget that we are still at war and the government’s first priority is the soldier on the front line.

By meangrandma

June 17, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

It just seems to be one more broken promise by the Air Force to the veterans.