TRICARE Service Center walk-in service to end Published March 25, 2014 By Nancy Martin 20th MDG SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- With the increase in use of internet and toll-free customer service, the Department of Defense has elected to eliminate TRICARE Service Center walk-in service within all 50 states, resulting in an estimated savings of approximately $250 million over five years. This change will be implemented on April 1 but it does not affect TRICARE benefits or health care delivery, it merely changes how TRICARE patients will accomplish their TRICARE needs. To assist 20th Medical Group beneficiaries, patients should be aware that there are a wide variety of secure, electronic customer service options available 24/7 through www.tricare.mil. This includes completion of enrollment transfers during a permanent change of station or answer billing, enrollment or referral questions. The new "I want to ... " feature puts everything beneficiaries want to do online on the front page of www.tricare.mil. Patients can also find the "I want to ... " feature by visiting the 20th MDG homepage at http://www.shaw.af.mil/units/medicalservices/index.asp. When walk-in service ends April 1, beneficiaries who want to get personal assistance can contact the TRICARE South Regional Office at 800-444-5445 for enrollment and benefit help. Rather than driving to an installation TSC, TRICARE beneficiaries can even combine high-tech with low-tech by downloading health care forms online and sending them through the U.S. mail - at a cost of less than 50 cents. The 20th MDG is committed to providing our patients with the most appropriate access to the latest information technology, thus putting your health care information at your fingertips. Ensure you have access to programs such as MiCare, TRICARE On-Line and Humana-Military.com by visiting our eHealth Links on our homepage listed above. Having access to these programs will save you precious time in today's demanding environment. To find out more about the DoD's decision to eliminate walk-in services, visit www.tricare.mil/TSC.