The Department of Defense will begin a major effort to consolidate all military hospitals and clinics under a single agency starting Oct. 1.
On that date, all services will start the final two years of a multi-year transition to shift all medical facilities to the Defense Health Agency. The shift is scheduled for completion by October 2021.
“For the first time in our modern military’s history, a single agency, the DHA, will be responsible for all the health care the Department of Defense delivers to our 9.5 million beneficiaries,” Vice Admiral Raquel Bono, the DHA Director, said in a statement. “Whether you receive your care at an on-base facility or through our TRICARE civilian networks, DHA will oversee your care. This consolidation will drive higher levels of readiness for operational and medical forces and integrate health care services to standardize practices across the entire Department, which means patients will have a consistent, high-quality health care experience, no matter where they receive their care.”
The reason for the change is the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017, which mandated that a single agency handle the administration and management of all military hospitals and clinics.
“Ultimately, what this transition means for all of us in the Department of Defense is a more integrated, efficient and effective system of readiness and health, and integration of health care services that leads to a more standardized and consistent experience of care for patients,” Bono said. “Central to that is having one agency oversee MTF operations while supporting the Services’ effort to focus more on readiness.”
You can learn more on the Military Health System website.
