27th Special Operations Medical Group Cannon AFB Guide
The 27th Special Operations Medical Group (27 SOMDG) provides primary health care and occupational medicine for personnel at Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis, New Mexico. While the on-base clinic serves active duty members and their families, specialty care and inpatient services are typically referred to civilian providers in the surrounding TRICARE West network.
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In detail
The 27th Special Operations Medical Group operates as an outpatient clinic. It does not have an Emergency Room or inpatient beds. For life-threatening emergencies, beneficiaries are instructed to call 911 or head to Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis.
### Facilities and Services The medical group is comprised of several squadrons that manage specific aspects of care:
* **27th Special Operations Healthcare Operations Squadron:** Handles primary care (Family Health), Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and the Pharmacy. * **27th Special Operations Operational Medical Readiness Squadron:** Focuses on active duty readiness, including flight medicine, dental services, and mental health. * **Ancillary Services:** Includes Radiology, Laboratory, and Immunizations.
### Accessing Care at Cannon AFB Because Cannon AFB is located in a relatively remote area of New Mexico, the "Direct Care" system (on-base) is supplemented heavily by the "Purchased Care" system (off-base civilian providers).
* **TRICARE Prime:** Retirees and family members enrolled in Prime must have a Primary Care Manager (PCM) at the 27 SOMDG. If the clinic cannot provide a specific service, the PCM will issue a referral to a civilian specialist. * **TRICARE Select:** Beneficiaries using Select can see any TRICARE-authorized provider, but they will face higher out-of-pocket costs and may still use the base pharmacy. * **Pharmacy:** The 27 SOMDG pharmacy is the most cost-effective way to get prescriptions. For medications not stocked on-base, beneficiaries use **Express Scripts** for home delivery or retail network pharmacies.
### 2026 Region and Contractor Information As of January 1, 2025, the TRICARE West Region transitioned to **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** under the T-5 contract. All referrals from Cannon AFB to civilian providers are coordinated through TriWest.
### Referral Requirements | Service Type | TRICARE Prime Requirement | TRICARE Select Requirement | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Emergency Care** | No referral needed | No referral needed | | **Urgent Care** | No referral (for most); check with PCM | No referral needed | | **Specialty Care** | PCM Referral & TriWest Authorization | No referral needed | | **Mental Health** | No referral for office visits | No referral needed |
Who this applies to
* **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Must receive all primary care at the 27 SOMDG and require referrals for any outside care. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Can choose between Prime (on-base PCM) or Select (off-base providers). * **Retirees and their Families:** Eligible for care at Cannon on a space-available basis, though most in the Clovis area utilize TRICARE Select or TRICARE For Life. * **National Guard/Reserve:** Members on active duty orders for more than 30 days are treated as active duty.
Common scenarios
**Scenario 1: Active Duty Family Member Seeking a Specialist** An ADFM enrolled in TRICARE Prime at Cannon AFB needs to see a cardiologist. The 27 SOMDG does not have a staff cardiologist. The PCM submits a referral to TriWest. Under **2026 rates**, the ADFM pays **$0** for the specialist visit, as they are on active duty status and followed the referral process.
**Scenario 2: TRICARE Select User at a Retail Pharmacy** A spouse on TRICARE Select fills a maintenance medication at a Walgreens in Clovis instead of the base pharmacy. Under **2026 rates**, they would pay a copayment (typically around **$18–$20** for a 30-day supply of a brand-name drug) because they did not use the 27 SOMDG pharmacy or the Express Scripts mail-order system.
**Scenario 3: Emergency Room Visit** A Cannon-based airman suffers a severe injury off-base. They go to the Plains Regional Medical Center ER. Because it is a true emergency, no prior authorization is needed. The airman must notify their Commander or the 27 SOMDG within 24 hours. Costs remain **$0** for the ADSM.
Related terms
* **TRICARE West Region:** The geographic area including New Mexico, managed by TriWest Healthcare Alliance. * **PCM (Primary Care Manager):** The doctor or clinic (27 SOMDG) responsible for your basic healthcare and referrals. * **MTF (Military Treatment Facility):** An on-base clinic or hospital, such as the one at Cannon AFB. * **T-5 Contract:** The fifth generation of TRICARE contracts that began in 2025, moving New Mexico under TriWest's management. * **Express Scripts:** The national contractor that manages TRICARE pharmacy benefits outside of military clinics.
Sources
* **TRICARE.mil - Cannon AFB:** https://tricare.mil/mtf/Cannon * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance:** https://www.triwest.com * **27th Special Operations Wing Official Site:** https://www.cannon.af.mil/Units/27th-Special-Operations-Medical-Group/ * **Health.mil - MTF Locator:** https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Access-Cost-Quality-and-Safety/Access-to-Healthcare/Find-a-Military-Hospital-or-Clinic