Third Party Collection program update Published June 21, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Yancey 325th Medical Group Third Party Collection program manager TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Have you ever asked yourself why you must present your Third Party Collection card, commonly referred to as the white card, when receiving care at the base clinic? Or wondered how updating the white card every year affects the care you and your family receive? The TPC program, directed by the TRICARE Management Activity and authorized by Title 10 of U.S. Code Section 1095, allows for reimbursements from insurance companies for healthcare services provided to patients who have personal health insurance in addition to their military TRICARE benefits. These funds are used to improve patient care at the clinic by purchasing new equipment and supplies, expanding prescription formulary options, or assisting with additional staffing contracts. If you have other health insurance in addition to TRICARE, it is important to note that this practice will not affect your insurance coverage or increase costs. In fact, the TPC program may decrease your out-of-pocket expenses by helping you meet your health plan deductibles sooner. The following types of insurance are excluded from billing: Medicare for people over age 65, TRICARE, TRICARE supplemental policies, and Medicaid. At the 325th Medical Group, asking for your TPC card at each point of service (ex: Family Practice, Lab, Radiology etc...) is our way to ensure that all beneficiaries are informed and are active participants in the program. If your TPC card is about to expired or has already expired, please make sure to update it at your next clinic visit. Please note, you do not have to make a special trip to the medical group just to update your card. Remember the TPC card is specific to this facility and is rendered invalid anywhere else. For additional information, please call the Third Party Collection office at 283-7777.