Who’s Eligible? Ensuring Support for Those Who Need It Most
Guests must be either the patient or family of one of the eligible categories below undergoing active medical treatment
- Immediate family member (extended family members such as a grandparent, father-in-law, mother-in-law, uncle, cousin, etc., a person providing the equivalent of family support to the patient, or primary next of kin (PNoK), or appropriate medical attendant) of the patient who is a Reg, Reserve, Guard, Retiree, or Vet undergoing active medical treatment.
- Medical treatment must be at the expense of the government as an authorized beneficiary of medical treatment. Civilians without this military connection are prohibited from staying in a DAFFH.
- Military grade of the guest is not a factor in a guest’s eligibility.
We consider several important factors:
- Medical Condition: Terminal, critical, or serious cases are given priority.
- Financial Need: May receive priority.
- Service Status: Active duty families are prioritized.
Once a family’s eligibility and availability are confirmed, the Fisher House staff will contact you when a room is ready. Each family will be assigned one guest room. If necessary, families can be admitted after business hours with prior arrangements, and in emergency situations, walk-ins may be accommodated by contacting the specific Fisher House Manager. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for families during challenging times.
Guest Eligibility Guide
| Factor | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Uniformed Service Affiliation | Member of the Armed Services, National Guard, Reserve, United States Coast Guard, Retiree, Veteran and/or their family member of patient in earlier category. DOD or VA Identification required at initial visit. |
| Medical Status | Written verification / referral of active medical treatment plan may be in the form of a referral, letter, or medical appointment reminder from authorized referral agent. Medical appointments will be verified by staff on day of. |
| Location | Verified proof of legal residence beyond 50-miles of travel to the local Department of the Air Force Fisher House. Manager may remove distance requirement in unique circumstances. |
| Exceptions | All factors are required to stay at a Department of the Air Force Fisher House. |
Guest Priority Guide
| Priority | Status of Medical Condition |
|---|---|
| 1 | Active Duty Combat Injuries - Family member of an in-patient Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve component service member under treatment for combat or in line of duty and training related injury/illness. Immediate consideration shall be given to family members of combat casualty or instrumentality of war. |
| 2 | Inpatient Active Duty Family member of an inpatient Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve component service member under treatment for non-combat injury/illness. |
| 3 | Inpatient Active Duty/Guard/Reserve or their authorized dependent - Family member of an inpatient Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve component service member , authorized dependent family member. |
| 4 | Outpatient Active Duty/Guard/Reserve or their authorized dependent family member - Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve component service member/authorized dependent family member undergoing medically necessary, non-elective outpatient treatment at the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) or local servicing healthcare facility. |
| 5 | Retiree - Retired military and authorized dependent family member undergoing inpatient or outpatient treatment at the MTF or local servicing healthcare facility. |
| 6 | Veteran - Veteran undergoing inpatient or outpatient treatment at the MTF or local servicing healthcare facility. |
| 7 | Elective Procedure - Active Duty Service Members, National Guard, and Reserve component service member and authorized dependent family member undergoing elective outpatient treatment at the MTF or local servicing healthcare facility. (e.g., PRK/Lasik Procedure) |
The DAFFH Manager may approve exceptions to guest priority based upon the following: financial need; expected length of stay; and availability of private support in the MTF area (e.g. such as friends or family who reside there, personal vehicle).
