354th Medical Group Eielson AFB: TRICARE Guide | TRICARE.com

The **354th Medical Group (354 MDG)**, also known as the Bassett-Eielson clinic system, provides primary outpatient medical care to active duty service members and their families stationed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Because Eielson is a remote installation, most specialized care and inpatient services are referred to Bassett Army Community Hospital at Fort Wainwright or civilian providers in the Fairbanks area via the **TRICARE West** network.

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense. For official policy and appointment scheduling, visit the [official Eielson 354th MDG site](https://eielson.tricare.mil/).*

In detail

The 354th Medical Group operates as an ambulatory (outpatient) clinic. It does not have an emergency room or labor and delivery ward. For emergency care, beneficiaries must use Fairbanks Memorial Hospital or Bassett Army Community Hospital.

### Available Services at 354 MDG The clinic offers several core services to keep the "Iceman Team" mission-ready: * **Family Practice & Flight Medicine:** Primary care for all enrolled beneficiaries and specialized physicals for aircrew. * **Pediatrics:** Routine check-ups and immunizations for dependents. * **Dental:** Priority is given to Active Duty members; family members are typically covered under the TRICARE Dental Program (United Concordia) and see off-base providers. * **Pharmacy:** Full-service pharmacy for medications on the basic core formulary. * **Mental Health:** Counseling and psychiatric services for active duty and limited family support. * **Ancillary Services:** Laboratory and Radiology (X-ray) for diagnostic support.

### TRICARE Regional Oversight Since January 1, 2025, Eielson AFB falls under the **TRICARE West Region** managed by **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**. * **Regional Contractor:** TriWest Healthcare Alliance. * **Pharmacy Benefit:** Managed by Express Scripts. * **Specialty Referrals:** If 354 MDG cannot provide a service (e.g., Cardiology, Surgery), your Primary Care Manager (PCM) will submit a referral to TriWest for a network provider in Fairbanks or, in complex cases, Anchorage or the "Lower 48."

### 2026 Enrollment & Costs Most personnel at Eielson are enrolled in **TRICARE Prime** or **TRICARE Prime Remote**. * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** $0 out-of-pocket for all covered services. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** $0 for covered services at 354 MDG or within the TRICARE network with a valid referral. * **Retirees (Group A):** For those using TRICARE Select, the 2026 annual enrollment fee is approximately $394.56 for an individual or $789.12 for a family (varies by plan year — check TRICARE.mil for current rates).

Who this applies to

* **Active Duty Airmen:** Required to enroll in TRICARE Prime and receive primary care at 354 MDG. * **Active Duty Dependents:** Can enroll in TRICARE Prime to see a military PCM at Eielson or use TRICARE Select to see civilian providers in Fairbanks (with applicable cost-shares). * **TRICARE Young Adult:** Dependents up to age 26 who are eligible for coverage at the base. * **Retirees and their Families:** May receive care at 354 MDG on a "space-available" basis, though priority is low and most use the civilian network in the North Star Borough.

Common scenarios

**Scenario 1: Routine Pediatric Care** An Eielson-based Staff Sergeant (E-5) takes their toddler to 354 MDG for a 2026 wellness check-up and immunizations. Because they are on TRICARE Prime and seeing a military provider, the total cost is **$0**.

**Scenario 2: Emergency Room Visit** An Airman’s spouse experiences severe abdominal pain at 11:00 PM on a Saturday. Since 354 MDG is closed, they go to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. If the visit is determined to be a true emergency, the TRICARE Prime cost is **$0** (though they should notify their PCM at 354 MDG within 24 hours).

**Scenario 3: Specialty Orthopedic Surgery** An Airman tears an ACL and requires surgery that 354 MDG cannot perform. The PCM submits a referral to TriWest. The Airman is referred to a Fairbanks orthopedic surgeon. The surgery, follow-up, and physical therapy cost the Airman **$0** as an active duty member.

Related terms

* **TriWest Healthcare Alliance:** The T-5 contract holder responsible for the TRICARE West region as of 2025. * **PCM (Primary Care Manager):** The specific doctor or clinic at 354 MDG responsible for your routine care and referrals. * **NAS (Non-Availability Statement):** A certification that care is not available at the military clinic, allowing the patient to see a civilian provider. * **MTF (Military Treatment Facility):** The general term for military clinics or hospitals like 354 MDG. * **Express Scripts:** The company that manages TRICARE pharmacy home delivery and retail pharmacy networks.

## Sources * 354th Medical Group Official Site: [https://eielson.tricare.mil/](https://eielson.tricare.mil/) * TRICARE West Region (TriWest): [https://www.triwest.com/](https://www.triwest.com/) * TRICARE Operations & Costs: [https://www.tricare.mil/Costs](https://www.tricare.mil/Costs)