A plan announced this week could reduce access to medical services at US military bases, including Hanscom Air Force Base, to active military personnel only, according to the Federal Defense Health Agency.

Peter Graves, media spokesman for the Defense Health Agency, said the department provided an implementation plan to Congress in response to the National Defense Reauthorization Act.

The restructuring would primarily prevent eligible military retirees and veterans from receiving care at affected medical facilities.

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Congress will weigh its plan

Under the proposal, the 66th Medical Group, a clinic at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, would change from an outpatient facility to an active-duty-only facility — but would continue to enroll active-duty family members, Graves said. .

The report recommends maintaining the facility’s pharmacy capacity and pharmacy, laboratory and radiology services to all beneficiaries.

Graves said the Hanscom Clinic is the only Massachusetts facility included in the restructuring plan.

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Mark Wyatt, a spokesperson for Hanscom, said those currently serving at Hanscom Air Force Base’s 66th Medical Group include 498 retirees and 468 retiree family members.

Congress has 180 days to accept or reject the findings, which means implementation of the plan won’t happen until January 2023, or later, Graves said.

“The department will make these changes deliberately and incrementally, ensuring that each of its 9.6 million beneficiaries continues to have access to exceptional healthcare – although the location of that care may change,” Graves said in a prepared statement.

Some may need to receive services elsewhere

That means those no longer considered eligible for services at base facilities would have sought care elsewhere through the Defense Health Agency’s healthcare program, TRICARE.

“The plan details the restructuring of 33 military hospitals and clinics to maximize medical facility contributions to combat readiness, while upholding our solemn obligation to provide exceptional health care to our 9.6 million beneficiaries,” it said. said Graves.

Wicked Local reached out to members of the state’s congressional delegation.

Ian Lenahan of Seacoast Online contributed to this article.