319th Medical Group Grand Forks AFB: TRICARE Guide | TRICARE.com

The 319th Medical Group (319 MDG) is the primary military treatment facility at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, providing outpatient care to active duty members and their families. While it does not offer emergency services or inpatient care, it serves as the hub for TRICARE Prime enrollments in the region, coordinating specialty care through the TriWest network.

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## Quick answer The 319th Medical Group provides primary care, dental, and pharmacy services to the Grand Forks AFB community. Because it is an outpatient clinic only, patients requiring emergency care or surgery are referred to local civilian partners like Altru Health System. All TRICARE West region beneficiaries in the area coordinate their care through this facility or TriWest Healthcare Alliance.

## In detail The 319th Medical Group operates as a "limited scope" medical facility. This means its primary mission is readiness and outpatient wellness rather than complex surgical or overnight care.

### Primary Services Offered * **Family Practice:** Routine check-ups, immunizations, and acute care for TRICARE Prime enrollees. * **Pediatrics:** Well-child visits and school physicals. * **Flight Medicine:** Specialized care for airmen in flight status and PRP (Personnel Reliability Program) personnel. * **Pharmacy:** Full-service pharmacy for new prescriptions and refills. * **Dental:** Available primarily for active duty service members; dependents typically use the TRICARE Dental Program (United Concordia).

### Navigating the West Region Transition As of 2026, the 319th Medical Group falls under the **TRICARE West Region** managed by **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**. If the 319 MDG cannot provide a specific service, they will issue a referral to a civilian provider within the TriWest network.

### 2026 Pharmacy and Cost Information * **MTF Pharmacy:** Prescriptions filled at the 319 MDG pharmacy have a **$0 copay** for all beneficiary categories. * **Network Pharmacy:** If you use a retail pharmacy in Grand Forks (like CVS or Walgreens), 2026 copays typically range from $16 for generics to $43–$76 for brand names (Express Scripts rates). * **Referrals:** TRICARE Prime active duty family members pay **$0** for authorized specialty referrals in the local community.

### Key Local Partners Since the 319 MDG does not have an Emergency Room, they maintain a close relationship with: * **Altru Health System:** The primary civilian trauma and specialty care center in Grand Forks. * **Grand Forks Public Health:** For community-wide wellness initiatives.

## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Required to enroll in TRICARE Prime and receive all primary care at the 319 MDG. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Can enroll in TRICARE Prime (care at 319 MDG) or TRICARE Select (care at civilian providers like Altru). * **Retirees and their Families:** May be seen at the 319 MDG on a space-available basis, though most utilize TRICARE Select or TRICARE For Life with civilian doctors. * **National Guard/Reserve:** Eligible for TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) and can utilize the 319 MDG pharmacy for prescriptions from civilian doctors.

Common scenarios

**Scenario 1: Active Duty Sick Call** An Airman assigned to the 319th Reconnaissance Wing wakes up with a severe fever. They report to the 319 MDG for a same-day acute appointment. There is **$0 out-of-pocket cost** for the visit or the antibiotics picked up at the base pharmacy.

**Scenario 2: Specialist Referral for a Spouse** A military spouse enrolled in TRICARE Prime at Grand Forks needs an MRI that the 319 MDG cannot perform. Their PCM (Primary Care Manager) puts in a referral through **TriWest**. Once approved, the spouse goes to Altru Health System for the scan. Under 2026 TRICARE Prime rules, the cost is **$0**.

**Scenario 3: Retiree Prescription Refill** A retired MSgt living in Grand Forks has a prescription from a civilian cardiologist. They send the script to the 319 MDG Pharmacy. By choosing the base pharmacy over a retail store, they save the **$16–$48 copay** (2026 rates) that would otherwise be charged at a civilian pharmacy.

## Related terms * **PCM (Primary Care Manager):** The specific doctor or clinic at 319 MDG assigned to handle your basic healthcare. * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance:** The 2026 contractor for the TRICARE West Region. * **MTF (Military Treatment Facility):** A government-owned hospital or clinic, such as the 319 MDG. * **T-5 Contract:** The latest TRICARE contract cycle that moved North Dakota and other West states under TriWest management. * **Express Scripts:** The company that manages the TRICARE pharmacy benefit, including the mail-order program.

## Sources * **Grand Forks AFB Medical Home:** [https://grandforks.tricare.mil/](https://grandforks.tricare.mil/) * **TRICARE West Region (TriWest):** [https://www.triwest.com/](https://www.triwest.com/) * **TRICARE Pharmacy Program:** [https://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy](https://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy) * **Official Air Force Base Site:** [https://www.grandforks.af.mil/](https://www.grandforks.af.mil/)