Recent Defense Health Agency (DHA) actions have caught the attention of a large number of military members—active, reserve, and retired. Although DHA actions may realize some efficiencies and cost savings, one recent DHA initiative has generated serious concerns for all, especially active-duty service members and their families. DHA currently is in the process of reducing the number of military treatment facilities (MTFs) and the capabilities of those remaining. In concert with these actions is the mandate to cut 18,000 military healthcare uniformed billets. Many are convinced, and DHA concedes, these actions will eliminate or significantly reduce support for military families and retirees.
This is particularly troubling for service members deploying or relocating. Instead of affiliating with the nearest MTF, families will have to establish relationships with civilian providers in the community. Military families move on average every two to three years, and considering everything involved in those moves (finding housing, schools, spouse employment, various necessary services, churches, etc.), this action puts another rock in the packs of service members: finding doctors and medical support for their families. Although DHA has indicated it will ensure there is sufficient civilian medical care available in affected communities, no one can guarantee the civilian doctors or treatment facilities will take on additional patients or that the community has any specialty care that may be needed. Added to that are the additional costs associated with TRICARE. This will have a significant impact on the continuity of care for service members, their families, and the retiree community.
Military leaders are concerned about the effects these actions will have on the career force. For decades, service members have found it reassuring to know that during their many deployments their families have the base, station, or post hospital/clinic to turn to if a family member becomes ill or injured. There is no question many service members will consider leaving the service if family members no longer have access to an MTF.
In addition, and perhaps most important, cutting medical billets and MTFs reduces the capabilities of the services to respond to national medical crises, whether they come from natural disasters, terrorism, foreign adversaries, or infectious diseases. The need for a surge capacity in such circumstances has been starkly demonstrated in the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Congress and the Office of the Secretary of Defense must reevaluate the impact these actions will have on force readiness, the morale of all service members and families, and the military medical response capability the nation expects and must have.
