YOKOTA AIR FORCE BASE, Japan – The Department of Defense is now setting up a 24/7 call center as part of the Defense Pilot Health Insurance Enhancement Program for Civilian Employees, providing information on medical navigation for Defense Department civilian personnel and the Japanese healthcare system. We assist with upfront costs associated with access. .
The call center, which opened on January 1, 2025, is staffed with bilingual service representatives and nurses to support DoD participants with provider search services, appointments, direct billing agreements, and improved reimbursement processes. I am.
Robert Ard, deputy military surgeon for U.S. Forces Japan and the 5th Air Force, spoke about the benefits of call centers.
“Establishing a 24/7 call center as part of the Pilot Health Insurance Enhancement is critical, and with continued business hours, especially during federal holidays, will allow the Department of Defense civilian officials in charge of Japan’s health care system to We will provide peace of mind.”
He also noted that the call center’s ability to handle routine requests via email reduces waiting times for patients, reduces response times, and ultimately improves health outcomes and job satisfaction for healthcare workers. He said that it would lead to improved performance.
You can contact the call center operated by International SOS Government Services, Inc. by telephone or email. If you live in Japan, please call toll free 0120-303280. If you are calling outside of Japan, you can make an international call: +81 33560 8185;However, individuals using this service outside of Japan should note that this number is not toll-free. When making international calls, you can request a “callback” by sending an email to avoid additional charges. For routine, non-emergency requests, it is best to email [email protected]. Participants must include their full name, insurance details, and phone number in their email.
To be eligible for these services, Department of Defense employees must enroll in a participating health plan that covers Japan through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Currently participating in the pilot are the federal Blue Cross Blue Shield, Overseas Service Benefits Plan, Government Employees Health Association, Postal Handler Benefits Plan, and Hawaii Health Services Association. This pilot does not apply to dependents or employees who do not qualify for the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan.
In September 2024, the Department of Defense awarded this service to International SOS Government Services, Inc., the prime contractor for the TRICARE overseas program for this pilot. The services provided by the pilot began to run until September 29, 2025.
DOD personnel do not pay a fee to access these services. Required co-payments or cost-sharing under health benefits policy will continue to apply, and DoD civilians will remain financially responsible.
For more information about the Pilot Health Insurance Enhancement Program for Defense Department Civilian Employees in Japan, visit your local MTF website and navigate to “DoD Health Insurance Pilot for Defense Civilians” under the “Get Care” dropdown. please.
| Shooting date: | January 16, 2025 |
| Post date: | January 16, 2025 00:02 |
| Story ID: | 489163 |
| position: | Japan |
| Web view: | 26 |
| download: | 0 |
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This work is Department of Defense begins 24-hour, 365-day health management support for Japanese Department of Defense military personnelby SS Sergeant Major Savannah Messimeridentified by DVIDSsubject to the restrictions set forth at https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
