Military Medical Care: Frequently Asked Questions

Abstract

Military medical care is a congressionally authorized entitlement that has expanded in size and scope since the late 19th century. Chapter 55 of Title 10 U.S. Code entitles certain health benefits to military personnel, retirees, and their families. These health benefits are administered by a Military Health System (MHS). The primary objectives of the MHS, which includes the Defense Departments hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel, are (1) to maintain the health of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions and (2) to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. Health care services are delivered through either Department of Defense (DOD) medical facilities, known as military treatment facilities (MTFs), as space is available, or through civilian health care providers. As of 2017, the MHS operates 681 MTFs, employs nearly 63,000 civilians and 84,000 military personnel, and serves 9.4 million beneficiaries across the United States and in overseas locations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 20, 2018
Accession Number
AD1169945

Entities

People

  • Bryce Mendez

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Combat Injuries
  • Congress
  • Delivery Of Health Care
  • Department Of Veterans Affairs
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Hospitals
  • Intellectual Disability
  • Law
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Medicine
  • Military Personnel
  • Organizational Structure
  • Persian Gulf Syndrome
  • Personnel Management
  • Therapy

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Political science

Readers

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  • Mental Health of Military Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Risk Factors, Prevalence, Symptoms, and Treatment.
  • Public Financial Management and Budgeting

Technology Areas

  • Space