Comment on DOD-2008-HA-0007-0001

I am writing in support of the proposed TRICARE reimbursement rule change for Critical Access Hospitals. Elmore Medical Center is a Critical Access Hospital, located in Mountain Home, Elmore County, Idaho, ten miles east of Mountain Home Air Force Base. Elmore Medical Center has been significantly impacted by the growth in TRICARE beneficiaries accessing health care services through our facility. Nearly 20% of Elmore Medical Center's outpatients are TRICARE beneficiaries, many who are my friends and neighbors. Under current TRICARE reimbursement for Critical Access Hospitals, continuing to provide TRICARE beneficiaries with local access to quality healthcare services is not financially sustainable for Elmore Medical Center. The proposed rule change adopting a reimbursement methodology similar to the current Medicare reimbursement for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) is a necessary measure to provide sustainable access for our military men and women. I am please to submit this public comment in support of the proposed TRICARE reimbursement rule change for Critical Access Hospitals. Respectfully, Kim Monnier