Special Articles:

Future US Military
Force Posture:
- Korea
- Pacific
- Europe
- Global

Retired Activities Office Bulletins

The following bulletins are furnished to ANA as important information to retirees by LT EMO Tichacek, USN (Ret) who is the Retired Activities Director in Baguio, P.I. and are used with his permission.  If you have questions about the articles, please direct them to the cited reference in the bulletin and NOT to ANA or LT Tichacek.

30 Sep 04
CRSC Update 25  (Applications encouraged)
COLA 2005 Update 03  (Projection has declined)
GI Bill Update 7  (Increase to $1000 per month)
VA Laser Eye Surgery  (New policy)
Tricare Prime  (Advantages & disadvantages)
Tricare Prime Allotment  (New option)
VA Benefits of Woman Vets Update 01  (VA reaches out to women vets)
USFSPA Lawsuit Update 06  (Motion Heard-But Not Decided
AAFES 2004 Holiday Catalog  (Now available)
VA Benefits/Services Outside U.S.  (Summary)
TRICARE Region Transition Tips  (Points of contact)
National Guard & Reserve Mobilized  (How to identify)
- Identity Theft Update 5  (Pishing)  (Internet scam)
Medicare Under Age 65  (Tricare claim recoupment on 12K pending)
DFAS myPay System Change  (Users must request mailed documents)
Exchange Consolidation Update 2  (UETF modified plan)
VA Las Vegas Medical Center  (Online summer 2009)

CRSC Update 25:  The increase in applications for the Combat Related Special Compensation pay, which officials expected to take place when the benefit was expanded to include all combat or related disabilities rated as service-connected by the Department of Veterans Affairs at 10 percent or higher, has just not happened. The CRSC staff in the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) believe the lack of participation may be because many retired members have still not heard about the program or perhaps are confusing the CRSC criteria with that of Concurrent Retirement Disability Payments (CRDP). Thus, they are making an all out effort to spread the word. Their recommendation is, "When in doubt - APPLY". It may very well be the key to receiving additional tax-free money.
     The Air Force CRSC Branch has processed more than 11,800 applications with an approval rate of 66 percent, but this number of applications is just a drop in the bucket compared to the number that might be eligible. That figure probably ranges between 50,000 and 100,000. The same officials note that CRSC is awarded to active duty military retirees with 20 years or more active duty or Reservists and Air Guardsmen who have retired at age 60 and who have a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability which may be combat related. Although CRSC specifically addresses "combat-related" disabilities, retirees who developed disabilities from other than actual combat may be eligible. Disabilities due to exposure to Agent Orange, combat training, simulated war exercises, parachuting and munitions demolition, along with all other types of hazardous service, are all examples that may be compensated. Officials point out that eligible retirees may also receive individual Unemployment (IU) payments and increased CRSC adjusted for dependents which were not provided in the original provision. Veterans receiving VA compensation, even those already receiving CRDP, should send in all documentation which addresses how the disability came about and let the CRSC staff determine if the disabilities qualify for the program. Retired members may not receive CRDP and CRSC concurrently but because CRSC is non taxable, it may be more beneficial. Those eligible for both can determine on an annual basis which is best since what is best in the beginning may not be later as CRDP is phased in over a 10-year period. Air Force eligibles should send documents to Disability Division (CRSC) 550 C Street West, Suite 6, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4708. Appropriate supporting documentation includes, but is not limited to the following:

  * Department of Defense Form 214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty.
  * Air Force Form 356, Findings and Recommended Disposition of USAF Physical Evaluation Board.
  * Retirement orders.
  * Purple Heart citation and orders.
  * Any documentation indicating combat-related findings.
  * Assignment or temporary duty orders.
  * Medical records.
  * Any VA disability rating decisions made within the last year.

     For more information, retirees should call the CRSC Branch at (210) 565-1600 or call toll free the AFPC Contact Center at (866) 229-7074.
Information and applications are available at base military personnel flights or online at  https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/crsc  Air Force applicants can print and send the application and any supporting documentation to the address listed above. Contact the Air Force CRSC website at:
http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/disability/CRSC/CRSCnew.htm  
     For all services there have been 50,000 CRSC applications received. Of these 25,900 have been approved and 15,000 have been denied. The Air Force and Navy have eliminated their backlogs and are working concurrently. The Army has a backlog of approximately 8000 cases and the VHA is working closely with them to try and eliminate it. Currently there are 156,000 retirees receiving CRDP. This means combined there are
over 181,000 retirees receiving either CRSC or CRDP. This is a good thing but it also leaves around 500,000 disabled retirees that are not eligible for either or have just simply not yet applied.

[Source: Air Force Retiree News & NAUS Weekly update 24 SEP 04]

COLA 2005 Update 03:  This week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by just 0.1% in August. We now have two of the three (July, August, and September) monthly CPI index values that are averaged and compared to last year's 3-month average to determine the COLA increase for retired pay, VA disability compensation, and survivor annuities on 1 DEC. The increase is payable in the 3 JAN 05 checks. If the September CPI released in late October remains unchanged, we would see a December COLA of 2.6%. Best guess is that the COLA will be 2.6% or 2.7%. It would take a pretty good inflation bump in September to reach 2.8%. Refer to http://www.moaa.org/FinancialCenter/CPI.asp  to view detailed CPI data and COLA calculations for the last thirteen years For a more extensive history of military COLAs, visit  http://www.moaa.org/FinancialCenter/COLAincreases.asp  [Source: MOAA Leg Up 24 SEP 04]

GI Bill Update 7:  Montgomery GI Bill Benefits have increased. Starting 1 October, full-time students with GI Bill benefits can receive $1000 per month to cover the cost of their education. This increase could allow for as much as $36,000 in educational costs. The GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits for college, business, technical or vocational courses; distance learning including correspondence courses; certification tests; apprenticeship/job training; and flight training. Increased benefits for Reservists also commence 1 October. Exact rates can be found at  http://www.gibill.va.gov   There are a number of bills before Congress addressing Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) enhancements.
[Source: FRA News-Bytes 24 SEP 04]

VA Laser Eye Surgery:  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a new policy providing a single, uniform standard of care throughout the Department for performing laser eye surgery procedures. The policy is intended to provide an additional level of safety for patients who seek eye care from the VA. It requires that all therapeutic laser eye surgeries at VA facilities will be performed under the supervision of an ophthalmologist in a manner consistent with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standards. Only optometrists who are fully trained and appropriately licensed will be granted clinical privileges by the department to perform therapeutic laser eye surgery under the supervision of an ophthalmologist. Presently, Oklahoma is the only state that licenses optometrists to perform laser surgery. VA will continue to evaluate and consider state and national standards of practice as it sets its own standard of care. VA currently operates 158 hospitals, 132 nursing homes, 42 residential rehabilitation treatment programs, and 854 outpatient clinics. The new policy will take effect immediately at all facilities with the capability to perform laser eye surgeries. [Source: VA News Release 2 AUG 04]

Tricare Prime:  This is a voluntary health maintenance organization (HMO)-type option for active duty/retiree military personnel and their
families and other beneficiaries. Active duty and their dependents have no enrollment fee or copayment if care is obtained within the Prime Network of providers. Retirees pay an annual enrollment fee plus minimal copayments if obtaining their care through the Prime Network of providers. Enrollment is normally for one year at a time. The program is only available if your Region authorizes it in your geographic area. The new Region North has announced those who are not in Tricare Prime, will have the opportunity to enroll. Split family enrollment is allowed at no additional cost if different family members are located in different Tricare regions. Not all members of your family are required to be in Prime. The program is portable if you move from one region to another without having to disenroll and enroll in the affected regions. However, you must notify your new Tricare Managed Care support Contractor (MCSC) upon arriving in your new location. Prime is not available overseas for retirees.

Advantages:

  * Your priority for care in a military treatment facility (MTF) is after active duty and/or their family members enrolled in Prime and before
retirees and active duty family members not enrolled in Prime. Also, Prime access standards for appointments are Urgent care [24 hrs], Routine
appointment [7 days], Routine Specialty care [30 days, and Wellness or Health promotion [30 days].

  * You will have a primary care manager (PCM) assigned by name in your MTF or Prime Network.

  * You can receive reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses when your health care finder (HCF) authorizes your referral to a specialist who is
more than 100 miles from your (PCM). HCF services are available 7/24.

  * You or your physician need only submit claims if you seek care from a non-network provider.

  * Retirees can choose to have premiums taken from their retired pay as an allotment. This option went into effect in August for the West
region, September for the North and is set for October for the South with the first pay deductions starting the following month.

Disadvantages:

  * Other health insurance (OHI) must be the primary payer over Prime and if the OHI is an HMO it could conflict with who you are required to
receive care from.

  * For civilian care outside your Prime service area you will only be reimbursed for emergency services and/or for urgent care when it has been
authorized in advance by the HCF in your home service area.

  * You are restricted to providers who are members of the Prime network.

  * You are locked into using Prime and cannot submit claims through Tricare Standard if you chose not to use Prime network providers.

     Normally you will receive care from military providers in a MTF or from the Tricare Prime Network of civilian providers. For active duty assigned to duty stations in areas not served by the traditional Military Health System Tricare Prime Remote is available. Enrollees who do not want to be restricted to MTF or Prime network providers can enroll under the more costly Tricare Prime point-of-service option. This allows them to receive non-emergency, TRICARE-covered services from any provider without a referral from their primary care manager or authorization from a health care finder. Refer to Bulletin article on Tricare Prime POS for details. For retirees and their families annual enrollment fee for Prime is $230 per individual or $460 per family. Network civilian provider copay is $12 per outpatient visit, $30 for emergency care, $25 per mental health visit, $11 per day inpatient admission ($25 minimum), and $40 per day mental health inpatient care. There is no annual deductible.
[Source: Tricare Handbook SEP 02]

Tricare Prime Allotment:  Uniform Health Care beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Prime can now choose to have premiums taken from their retired pay as an allotment. There are no provisions at this time for annuitants to have premium deducted. These allotments are being phased in between August and November 04. All transactions will be handled by the three TRICARE regional representatives. Go to http://www.tricare.osd.mil  for your regional contact information. This option went into effect in August for the West region, September for the North and is set for October for the South with the first pay deductions starting the following month.
[Source: Air Force Retiree News Release No. 09-09-04]

VA Benefits of Woman Vets Update 01:  The VA has developed initiatives for women veterans that assure they receive their benefits. Most VA regional offices, medical centers and vet centers now have a Women Veterans' Coordinator to assist women veterans in accessing VA benefits and health care services. In addition, women VA patients receive complete physical examinations upon admission, including breast and pelvic exams. Clinicians emphasize preventive health care and counseling, including contraceptive services and menopause management, Pap smears and mammography. VA Clinicians and Women Veterans Coordinators receive specialized training and sensitivity awareness to help sexual assault victims. Additionally, VA provides specialized counseling and treatment - including a national toll-free telephone number (800) 827-1000 for sexual trauma that occurred during military service. For more information on VA outreaches to women veterans, visit the Center for Women Veterans home page at  http://www1.va.gov/womenvet [Source: Armed Forces News 17 SEP 04]

USFSPA Lawsuit Update 06:  A hearing was held in the Alexandria, VA Federal District court on 10 SEP 04 on a government motion to dismiss the lawsuit brought by the Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA) Legal Support Group (ULSG). ULSG filed the suit on behalf of 58 servicemembers and retirees alleging that the former spouse law violates constitutional protections. Judge James C. Cacheris listened to opposing arguments and acknowledged "a lot of public interest in this issue." He concluded that he would need more time before rendering his decision. The final decision could take a few weeks to two months. Most USFSPA observers don't hold much hope that the lawsuit will lead to substantive changes to the former spouse law. To read more about the USFSPA issue, visit  http://www.moaa.org/Legislative/USFSPA  
[Source: MOAA Leg Up 17 SEP 04]

AAFES 2004 Holiday Catalog:  The 2004 Holiday Electronics Exchange Catalog is now available at all Army and Air Force Exchange Service main stores and online at  http://www.aafes.com  Prices in this all-services catalog are valid 10 SEP thru 31 DEC 04. Anyone with Exchange privileges can order from it. Orders can be placed by mail, fax or phone. To place orders toll free from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam call (800) 527-2345. The Exchange Catalog center is open 7/24 and complimentary international access calling is available from several countries. Authorized customers can also shop the 2004 Holiday Electronics catalog on the Internet at http://www.aafes.com  or   http://www.usmc-mcss.org  or http://www.navy-nex.com   or   http://www.cg-exchange.com  Earnings generated by purchases in the Exchange and Exchange Online Store as well as Exchange Catalogs such as Holiday Electronics are returned to the military community in the form of funding for Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities and programs. [Source: Air Force Retiree News Release No. 09-11-04]

VA Benefits/Services Outside U.S.:  Virtually all monetary benefits (compensation, pension, educational assistance, etc.) are payable
regardless of place of residence or nationality. However, there are some program limitations in foreign countries:

  * Home loan guaranty benefits are available only in the United States and selected territories and possessions;
  * Educational benefits are limited to approved degree granting programs in institutions of higher learning, etc.
  * Reimbursed medical care is available for treatment of adjudicated service-connected disabilities only.
  * Reimbursed nursing home care and other long-term care are not authorized in foreign countries.

     Information and assistance are available to U.S. veterans worldwide at American embassies and consulates. In Canada, information and assistance are provided by the local offices of Veterans Affairs' Canada. In the Philippines, service is available at the VA Regional Office and Outpatient Clinic in Manila. To obtain the addresses and telephone numbers of American embassies and consulates, local offices of Veterans' Affairs Canada, or the VA office in the Philippines, go to  http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/foreign/forwhere.htm  When communicating with the VA you must provide your name, E-mail address, telephone and/or telefax number, and VA file number/Social Security Number. VA will respond within a
reasonable amount of time (usually 3 to 10 workdays). Because information you send and receive via e-mail over the Internet can be intercepted and read by individuals other than the intended recipient a response to your message that contains sensitive or personal information will be sent via traditional methods such as telephone, or surface mail. You should include your preferred method for VA's response in your message. To inquire concerning the status of your benefits claim, to register for medical treatment overseas or to ask any general benefit/medical treatment question go to  http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/foreign/forinqu.htm  and click on the link that applies to you. Or, if applicable, use the following:

  * Medical Treatment (All Countries Except Canada and the Philippines) contact: VA Foreign Medical Program Office, PO Box 65021, Denver, CO 80207-5021 or FAX (303) 331-7803 or E-mail:  hac.fmp@med.va.gov  

  * Education (Only): VA Regional Office, PO Box 4616, Buffalo, New York 14240-4616 or Fax (716) 551-3332 or E-mail:  co225A@vba.va.gov  

  * Benefits and Medical Care in the Philippines: VA Regional Office, 1131 Roxas Blvd., Manila, Philippines or Fax 011-632-521-5056. In country telephone (02) 528-2500 or for outside Metro Manila but in country toll free at 1-800-1-888 5252

  * Benefits Only Mexico, South & Central America, The Caribbean: VA Regional Office, 6900 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030 or FAX
(713) 794-3818

  * Benefits and Medical Treatment Canada: VA Medical and Regional Office Center, Hartland Road, White River Junction, VT 05009 or
FAX (802) 296-5174

  * Benefits Only All Other Countries: VA Regional Office, Foreign Claims, 1000 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4004 or
FAX (412) 395-6057

Don't forget: If you move, be sure and keep your mailing address current by notifying the VA!

[Source:  http://www.vba.va.gov  SEP 04]

TRICARE Region Transition Tips:  Some beneficiaries may experience transition challenges such as long wait times when calling their new
regional contractors. Some tips for accessing TRICARE information include conducting business online when ever possible, calling during non-peak hours and visiting TRICARE Service Centers for face-to-face assistance. TRICARE Region Contractor web sites & telephone numbers are:

TRICARE North - http://www.healthnetfederalservices.com  1-877-TRICARE (1-877-874-2273)
TRICARE South - http://www.humana-military.com  1-800-444-5445
TRICARE West  - http://www.triwest.com 1-888-TRIWEST (1-888-874-9378)

     Beneficiaries can enroll/change enrollment information online, search for providers in their local area, find health plan information, and links to claims and online appointments. Beneficiaries are welcome to call, recognizing that they might experience longer wait times due to high call
volume during transition. Consider calling on Thursday/Friday, the days with the least calls which makes them the best for gaining quick access to information. Typically, Mondays have the largest volume of calls. For additional TRICARE information visit the TRICARE web site at
http://www.tricare.osd.mil  or the TRICARE Online web site at  http://www.tricareonline.com  [Source: MOAA Ben Info Update - SEP 04]

National Guard & Reserve Mobilized:  Nearly 415,000 Guard and Reservists have been activated since 911. Figures are released weekly by DoD of the total number of the National Guard and Reserve forces mobilized. As of 22 SEP the total number currently on active duty in support of the partial mobilization for the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 140,174; Naval Reserve, 3,962; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 11,130; Marine Corps Reserve, 11,559; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 1,515. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel, who have been mobilized, to 168,340 including both units and individual augmentees. Anyone interested in knowing which units are mobilized can access the web site provided in each news release that identifies all units by name, state and service. At http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Sep2004/d20040908ngr.pdf  can be found the latest list. To obtain DoD news releases go to http://www.defenselink.mil/news/dodnews.html#e-mail  to be added to their email list.
[Source: DoD News SEP 04]

Identity Theft Update 5:  "Phishing" is an Internet e-mail scam that tricks individuals into revealing personal information, including
Social Security numbers, bank account numbers and passwords. Typically, the e-mails involve Web sites with familiar logos and companies, like Citibank or PayPal. The Web sites are replicas, and once Internet users enter, they are often urged to "confirm" information that was supposedly lost or misplaced. After users provide the information, their identity is compromised and money starts disappearing. To protect themselves, Internet users need to first recognize the e-mail as a scam. There are several indicators:

  * The e-mail asks for personal information. Legitimate businesses do not request such information through e-mails. Banks and credit card      companies do not need people to provide that information; they already have it.
  * The e-mail does not address the recipient by name.
  * The e-mail does not reference a partial account number.
  * The e-mail warns that accounts will be closed unless the user reconfirms his or her information immediately.
  * The e-mail warns the user he or she has been the victim of fraud.
  * The e-mail contains spelling or grammatical errors.

Other ways to protect personal information include:

  * Contacting the business and verifying the message is genuine.
  * Adopting a general rule not to send personal information over the Internet unless the user made contact first.
  * Contacting legitimate businesses that are being victimized to put them on alert.

     For more information on how to protect personal information, visit the Federal Trade Commission Web site at  http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm  [Source: Air Education and Training Command News Service AUG 04]

Medicare Under Age 65:  When military retirees and their dependents become medically disabled and qualify for Medicare coverage they must enroll in Medicare Part B to retain their Tricare eligibility just like those who turn 65. That's the law. However, many were never formally notified that Tricare would not pay for their care if they did not enroll and others were led to think they did not need Part B because (they thought) they had Tricare coverage. DOD reinforced that thought by continuing their Tricare coverage for years, even though they had not signed up for Part B. In mid-April 04 a DOD data match with Medicare discovered nearly 26,000 disabled beneficiaries under age 65 who were not enrolled. Almost 12,000 have been using Tricare as their primary source of care, and Tricare has paid claims for their health services. For a period in April Tricare (after the data match) stopped paying their claims. When the matter was raised to senior defense health leaders they reinstated these beneficiary's Tricare eligibility until a fairer solution could be found. But now those beneficiaries have been identified, the question of recoupment for claims paid erroneously must be addressed. The government has the authority to grant recoupment waivers on a case-by-case basis. But that would be a paperwork nightmare for all these beneficiaries and DoD. The military coalition has urged DOD to waive any recoupment from these beneficiaries and pentagon leaders support this proposal.
     Blanket waiver authority has since been included in both the house and Senate versions of the FY 2005 Defense authorization Act. Affected
individuals will need to enroll in Part B to retain Tricare coverage in the future and those previously not enrolled will need to do so to avoid
potential recoupment of past Tricare payments for which they were technically ineligible. Medicare will be conducting a special open
enrollment period beginning in /September or OCT to allow Medicare eligibles currently not enrolled to do so without incurring the normal late
enrollment premium penalty. This also applies to beneficiaries who did not enroll in Part B upon reaching age 65.
[Source: Various SEP 04]

DFAS myPay System Change:  The Defense Finance and Accounting Service has informed retired military users of the myPay system that if they want to receive printed paper documents in the future, they will have to notify DFAS. Retired members can either call the customer contact center at (800) 321-1080 between 0900 & 1930 EST anytime during the year or log on to myPay by 31 OCT 04 at  https://mypay.dfas.mil  to select the hardcopy option associated with each document they prefer to have mailed. According to DFAS, the myPay service provides convenience, privacy, security, and the capability to view and print individual personal retirement account information 24 hours a day. In addition, myPay provides on-line availability of Tax Form 1099R and the annual retiree account statement. In the future DFAS will not print and mail these documents routinely. [Source: Armed Forces News 24 SEP 04]

Exchange Consolidation Update 2:  An effort to consolidate the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the Marine Corps Exchange and the Navy Exchange under a single headquarters has been put on hold. The Unified Exchange Task Force (UETF) now will focus on developing a "shared services" model. This decision varies from guidance issued in May 03 by Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz stating he had decided a single optimized Armed Service exchange system would best serve the department and exchange patrons. His objective met opposition, particularly from the Marine Corps and several veterans-oriented organizations with the result of the military services being able to retain their separate exchange-system headquarters. The reorganization plan now being developed will consolidate the exchange-system headquarters' finance and accounting, human resources, information and technology, logistics and non-retail procurement systems.
[Source: Armed Forces News 24 SEP 04]

VA Las Vegas Medical Center:  VA has Announced a site has been identified in North Las Vegas for a New Medical Center in Nevada. It will be the location of a new $295-million, full-service medical center near the intersection of Pecos Road and Route 215. The site, now owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), would be home to a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center, including a 90-bed hospital, a 120-bed nursing home, a full complement of diagnostic and treatment services and a Veterans Benefits Office. VA and BLM, in cooperation with the City of North Las Vegas, have identified approximately 120 acres of land to transfer. Outpatient care would be offered at the new facility and at sites around the city. Construction is expected to start in the summer of 2006 and end in the summer of 2009. The site is bounded by Route 215, Pecos Road, Lamb Boulevard and Centennial Parkway. VA will acquire the land from BLM at no cost, significantly reducing the cost of the overall project. Once the medical center is operational, VA will retain certain other outpatient clinics in metropolitan Las Vegas to ensure geographic balance in access to health care for veterans. VA will also continue to share health care resources with Nellis Air Force Base. Demographic studies and patients' demand for services will be used to determine the exact mix of outpatient facilities and sharing arrangements with the Air Force. The Interior Department will publish a proposed notice of intent to transfer in The Federal Register today. The public will have 90 days to submit written comments, request meetings, provide suggestions or objections in connection with the proposed land transfer in writing to: BLM Nevada State Director, P.O. Box 12000, Reno, Nevada 89520-0006. [Source: VA News Release 27 SEP 04]

HOME | ABOUT US | NAVAL AVIATION FORCES | EVENTS | SPECIAL ARTICLES