The defense budget continues to be a heavy topic for the Defense Department (DoD), and one outcome from the financial discussions and projections is a call for increases in TRICARE fees for our military retirees in order to save money. Defense Secretary Robert Gates claims that the military's future health care costs are "unaffordable". Increases in TRICARE fees for working-age retirees could save up to $7 billion over the next five years. However, active-duty troops and their families would not be affected by this new implementation. The new TRICARE fees are expected to be included in the fiscal 2012 defense budget proposal, which will be unveiled next month. To learn more about this topic, please to go: http://www.military.com/news/article/pentagon-pushes-for-tricare-fee-increases.html?ESRC=retirees.nl
On January 24, President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Dr. Jill Biden announced the release of “Strengthening Our Military Families: Meeting America’s Commitments,” a report containing commitments by federal agencies to establish a comprehensive approach which would support military families. One issue being addressed is how our federal agencies can assist and be more reactive to the unique needs of Veterans and their families. The National Drug Court Institute, which is a Professional Services Branch of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) plays a major role in attending to these needs of veterans and their families. To read this entire article, please go to: http://www.nadcp.org/learn/veterans-treatment-courts/veterans-treatment-court-news-and-events/veterans-treatment-courts-k
In the 31 January issue:
WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is piloting new, personalized Veterans Health Benefits Handbooks. The handbooks are tailored to provide enrolled Veterans with the most relevant health benefits information based on their own specific eligibility. In essence, each handbook will be written for the individual Veteran.
“These handbooks will give Veterans everything they need to know and leave out everything that doesn’t apply to them,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “Our Veterans will now have a comprehensive, easy to understand roadmap to the medical benefits they earned with their service.”
In addition to highlighting each Veteran’s specific health benefits, the handbook also provides contact information for the Veteran’s preferred local facility, ways to schedule personal appointments, guidelines for communicating treatment needs and an explanation of the Veteran’s responsibilities, such as copayments when applicable.
“Enhancing access isn’t just about expanding the kinds of services VA provides. It also includes making sure we do everything we can to ensure Veterans have a clear understanding of the benefits available to them so they can make full use of the services they have earned,” Shinseki said.
The new handbooks will initially be available only to certain Veterans in Cleveland and Washington, D.C., areas. Following the pilot phase, full implementation is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2011 for across the county.
For additional information, go to www.va.gov/healtheligibility or call VA’s toll-free number at 1-877-222-VETS (8387).
Army & Air Force Exchange Service is doing its part to help Servicemembers and their families stay in shape. Operation Be Fit is part of the Exchange’s total health initiative focused on improving the health of mind and body of every member of the military family. Healthy nutrition options, fitness programs, family activities and overall wellness information are just a few of the tips provided on www.opbefit.com. The site is easy to use and provides health information for all levels, from novice to expert. Along with a variety of upcoming health information, Operation Be Fit features events that promote a healthy lifestyle. The Great American Smoke Out (GASO) being held November 18 is one example of an event aimed at aiding participants who pledge to go smoke free for a day in the road to a smoke-free life. For more information about Operation Be Fit, please visit, http://www.opbefit.com
The Defense Department (DoD) launched the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program which was developed to ensure that Reserve-Component Servicemembers have access to the information and resources they need to effectively reintegrate with their families, their communities and their employers. To reach every Servicemember regardless of distance, Yellow Ribbon coordinators sponsor Yellow Ribbon events across the nation and U.S. territories, with more than 500 scheduled to take place in the first half of fiscal 2011. Among future efforts, the Yellow Ribbon program will put a greater emphasis on job creation and employer support, working hand in hand with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a DoD organization which promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve-Component members and their civilian employers. To read this article in full, please go to: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=61396
Officials announced that the 2011 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for military retirees, disabled veterans, and social security recipients will be zero for the second year in a row. Note: Retiree COLA differs from the Active Duty Cost of Living Allowance which is paid based on the cost of living in a given high-cost locality. This number will be released in late December. For more information, click here: http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/cost-of-living-allowance
