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RAO Bulletin Update
1 December 2006


THIS BULLETIN UPDATE CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES:

== NORAD Santa Tracking ------------------ (51st Year)
== Veterans in Office -------------------------- (Overall Decrease)
== VA Retro Pay Project [04] ---------------- (Backlog to SEP 07)
== VA Retro Pay Project [05] ---------------- (DFAS FAQs)
== Wal-Mart Holiday Giveaway ------------- (DoD/Exchanges Nix)
== VDBC [08] ---------------------------------- (Surveys Began NOV 07)
== VDBC [09] ---------------------------------- (VA Disability Buyout)
== VA Budget 2007 [07] ----------- (Awaiting House Reconciliation)
== VA Budget 2007 [08] ----------- (Republicans Block Funding)
== COLA 2008 --------------------------------- (Decrease of 0.7%)
== DoD Mental Health Task Force ---------- (Input Requested)
== Veterans Benefits Act 2006 --------------- (New Spouse Benefit)
== VA Prescriptions ID Method -------------- (Upcoming Changes)
== Household Goods FRV -------------------- (Not till 2008)
== Eye Exams/Glasses [01] --------- (Military Community Options)
== Cancer Prevention -------------------------- (Guidelines)
== Cancer Prevention [01] -------------------- (Diet Impact)
== VA Registries Update [03] ---------------- (What’s Available)
== VA Registries Update [04] -------- (Enrollment Prerequisites)
== Marine Corps Museum -------------------- (Completion 2009)
== Certificate of Creditable Coverage ------- (How to obtain)
== Tricare Website ----------------------------- (Revamped)
== Tricare Providers --------------------------- (Types)
== Virginia Exam Reciprocity --------------- (Credit Verification)
== Indiana Vet Initiatives ------- (Proposed Benefit Improvements)
== Fraudulent On Base Sales [01] ----------- ($70 million in Refunds)
== DAV Transportation Network ------------ (Volunteer Drivers Needed)
== DSHS Veterans Project [01] -------------- (Older Vet Assistance)
== PTSD Reevaluation [08] ------------------ (Funds Not Spent)
== Agent Orange Lawsuits [06] -------------- (AFEM vs. VSM)
== Painkillers & Constipation ------- (Constipation Drug Study)
== Casualty Assistance [01] ------------------ (New VA Pamphlet)
== Test Prep Scams ---------------------------- (Red Flags)
== Tricare Reimbursement Rates ------------ (2007 Changes)
== Tricare Reimbursement Rates [01] ------- (Higher Copays)
== VA Outpatient Pharmacy [02] ------------ (Non-VA Pharmacy Use)
== Philippine Credit Card Surcharge -------- (No more)
== Medicare Part D [12] ----------------------- (Comparison Chart)
== VA Appointments [03] -------------------- (30+ Day Delay Status)
== Mobilized Reserve 29 NOV 06 ---------- (Net Decrease 4230)
== Military Legislation Status ---------------- (Where we stand)

NORAD SANTA TRACKING:  The North American Aerospace Defense Command
(NORAD) has launched its annual tracking of Saint Nick on his journey
around the globe.  On 19 NOV Norad’s web site www.noradsanta.org/index.php
dedicated to the annual event was activated. The site features
interactive games as well as information describing how NORAD tracks the
world’s premier gift giver, officials say. On Christmas Eve beginning at 0200
MST (i.e. 0400 EST & 0900 Greenwich Mean Time) the site will feature a
minute-by-minute update on Santa’s travels. All information will be
available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. This
is the 51st year NORAD has tracked Santa Claus. The program began in
1955 after a child in Colorado Springs, Colo., accidentally dialed
NORAD’s predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command, and asked about
Santa’s whereabouts. The commander who answered the phone was happy to
oblige. Last year, the Web site received more than 900 million hits from
204 countries and territories worldwide. The “NTS” operations center,
staffed by some 550 volunteers, answered nearly 55,000 phone calls and
nearly 98,000 e-mails, according to reports. Island Web Studios, America
Online, Akami, Analytical Graphics, Globelink Language and Cultural
Services, Qwest Communications, Verizon, and Microsoft Virtual Earth help
to make the program possible, NORAD officials said. [Source:  NavyTimes
Staff report 16 Nov 06 ++]

VETERANS IN OFFICE:  Despite heavy media attention on Iraq and
Afghanistan war veterans running for office this year, the number of veterans
in Congress actually has declined in the wake of the recent midterm
elections. In the 110th Congress the House of Representatives will have
eight fewer veterans and the Senate one fewer after winning, losing and
retiring lawmakers are all counted, said Shawn Olds, executive director
of the Veterans for National Service Foundation. “Veterans did not do
well,” Olds said. “Prior to the election, 25% of members of Congress had
worn the uniform at some point in their life. When the new Congress
sits, that number will be down to 23.5%.”  Hundreds of veterans talked
about running for office in 2006 and more than 100 filed, Olds said. But
in the end, 20 made it through the primaries and only a handful won. 
Three veterans ran for governor, including combat veteran Rep. Jim
Gibbons (R-NV) a retired Air National Guard colonel who won his race bid.
Regarding the reminder:
- The seven retirements include Navy combat veterans Reps. Henry Hyde,
(R-IL) and Jim Kolbe, (R-AZ) both former officers with active and
reserve service.
- One combat veteran, Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham(R-CA) resigned
earlier this year after being convicted of bribery charges. Cunningham is a
retired Navy commander and Vietnam War fighter pilot.
- Five veterans were defeated in their re-election bids. Rep. Joe
Schwarz (R-MI) a Navy combat veteran who served in the 1960s, lost in the
primary. Four others were defeated in the general election, including
Marine veteran Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT) and Rep. Rob Simmons (R-CT), a
combat veteran and retired Army Reserve colonel.
- The only female veteran in Congress, Rep. Heather Wilson (R-NM)
narrowly won her re-election bid.

The number of veterans in Congress has been declining since 1994,
largely as a result of the retirements and deaths of World War II veterans.
That year, 44% of members of Congress had served in the armed forces.
Olds said veterans, especially military retirees, have problems running
for the House. “They may not have spent much time in the district
because their military duties have taken them around the world,” he said.
“They do not know the political game, and they don’t have resources.” The
Veterans for National Service Foundation helps teach candidates about
local politics, fundraising and other aspects of running for office,
Olds said.  [Source: NavyTimes Rick Maze article 14 Nov 06 ++]

VA RETRO PAY PROJECT UPDATE 04:  If a retiree was awarded an increase
in their disability percentage retroactively during a period of
entitlement to combat-related special compensation (CRSC) or concurrent
retirement and disability payments (CRDP), they likely are entitled to
retroactive pay. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and the VA
now are making retroactive payments for those entitled to them. For the
oldest cases, data is needed back to 1 JUN 03 (CRSC) or 1 JAN 04
(CRDP). In many cases, missing data is provided through exchanges with the
VA. Project teams at DFAS were working through a backlog of approximately
133,000 cases to date with nearly 2,000 new cases received each month.
As DFAS or the VA obtains the necessary data, the retiree receives his
or her retroactive CRDP or CRSC pay. Nearly 40,000 retroactive pay
cases have been paid since 1 SEP 06. Of these, more than 25,000 were paid
by the VA alone. Some cases involved payments from both DFAS and the VA.
More than 9,795 cases resulted in no payment, as either DFAS or the VA
determined no payment was due. Some cases could result in a finding of
debt to the government. DFAS is automating the payment of retroactive
cases and is working through collecting the data needed to clear each
case. The simplest cases already have been paid. Cases that require
additional data or correction will be next. Complicated cases that must be
paid manually or need significant work will take more time. Complicating
factors include a change in dependency finding, garnishment, former
spouse issues, casualty or collection of an overpayment of retired pay.
DFAS anticipates the backlog will be cleared by September 2007.  [Source:
MOAA News Exchange 21 Nov 06]

VA RETRO PAY PROJECT UPDATE 05:  Following are a number of Defense
Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) frequently asked questions and their
answers regarding the retroactive payment of Combat-Related Special
Compensation (CRSC) or Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP):
1. What do I need to do to receive my money?  You do not have to do
anything - no application is required.  The Department of Veterans Affairs
(DVA) is providing DFAS with eligible retirees’ Social Security
Numbers. Both organizations are working together to provide eligible retirees
with their full entitlements to both DVA compensation and CRSC or CRDP.
2. When will I receive my payment?  The DFAS is planning to pay the
accounts with the oldest retroactive award dates first. They ask that you
be patient with them during this time as the payments are calculated
utilizing a manual process. The DFAS has however developed some automated
tools to assist in computing the payment. Every effort is being made to
pay as many accounts as rapidly as possible without sacrificing
correctness.  A letter will be sent out shortly before any payment is
released.
3. Who will pay me the money I am owed? Any monies owed may be paid by
either DVA or the DFAS depending on account specific calculations.
Retirees may be eligible for payment from the DFAS as a restoration of
retired pay and/or from DVA as a part of disability compensation. The
letter you will receive will indicate which agency will be making the
payment.
4. I am rated at 100% due to individual unemployability. Am I eligible
for a retroactive payment?  You can only receive a payment for 100%
with individual unemployability if the award is applied retroactively by
the DVA.
5. I disagree with my rating. What should I do?  Disability percentages
do not come from the DFAS. Disagreements in disability percentages
should be directed to the DVA. You can contact the DVA by calling toll free
1(800) 827-1000.
6. How do I contact the DVA for the money they owe me?  Questions
regarding any monies due to you from the DVA can be directed to their toll
free number 1(800) 827-1000.
7. I received a letter in the mail from the DFAS but I never received
the payment. What do I do now? If the letter indicated the payment was
from the DVA, contact them by calling their toll free number. If the
payment was from the DFAS, your payment was sent to the same address
designated for your regular monthly payments. If your payment is delivered
via electronic fund transfer (EFT) and it has not posted to your
financial institution contact the DFAS telephone number contained in the
letter you received. If your regular monthly payments are delivered via hard
copy checks, please allow for mail times. If it has been at least 10
days since you received your letter and you still do not have your paper
check write a letter including name, SSN, address, missing payment
type, date and amount. Fax the letter to (216) 522-5898 or mail to: DFAS
Cleveland Attn: Non-Receipt Department P.O. Box 998005, Cleveland , OH
44199.
8. Will I receive a separate 1099R for this payment?  No. If your
payment was issued by the DFAS for an increase in CRDP as a result of a
retro DVA award, the DFAS is responsible for withholding and reporting
taxes on a Form 1099R. The taxable income will be included in your annual
1099R. If your payment is issued by the DVA, DFAS is not responsible for
any tax reporting and will not issue an additional or revised Form
1099R.
9. Is the retroactive payment taxable? Only payments made by the DFAS
for CRDP are taxed. They will be taxed at the same rate as your normal
monthly payment. If the VA retro payment was made by the DVA, contact
them using their toll free number for taxability information.
10. Is the retroactive VA award pay subject to garnishment, former
spouse, etc ? If you receive CRSC, you are subject to alimony and child
support. Since CRDP is a restoration of retired pay, the same rules that
would apply to your retired pay would also apply here.
11. How can I contact the DFAS if I have questions?   DFAS has
established the following toll free number 1(877) 327-4457 which is operational
0800 to 1630 EST M-F to answer questions from CRSC and CRDP recipients
who believe they may qualify.
[Source:
www.dod.mil/dfas/retiredpay/frequentlyaskedquestions/retroactivepaymentofcrscandorcrdpfaqs.html 25 Nov 06]

WAL-MART HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY:  Defense officials have nixed Operation
Homefront’s plans to partner with the Wal-Mart Foundation to bring
truckloads of free toys and gift cards for families inside the gates of
military bases. Operation Homefront is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization which
was founded after 911. It provides emergency assistance and morale to
our troops, to the families they leave behind, and to wounded warriors
when they return home. Their website is www.operationhomefront.net. 
Operation Homefront leads more than 2,500 volunteers in 26 chapters
nationwide. Since its inception, it has provided critical assistance to more
than 40,000 military families in need.  Meredith Leyva, spokeswoman for
Wal-Mart and founder of Operation Homefront, said that after defense
officials interceded bases affected declined their offer to bring trucks
onto bases for holiday activities between 22 NOV and 20 DEC.  DoD’s
alleged concern was security and logistical issues involving bringing
those trucks on base.
     Officials in the military exchanges and the industry that sells
products to the exchanges found out about the scheduled "Operaton
Christmas"events last week. Sources said members of both groups contacted
lawmakers in Congress and defense officials, concerned that having a rival
on post would detract from exchange sales. In the long term, the
exchanges fear such arrangements would take away from the dividends that come
from profits, and are provided to military bases for morale programs. 
Wal-Mart’s plan to provide $20,000 to each base through Operation
Homefront for family and morale programs is now also in limbo.  The status
of that donation was unknown when this article was written and further
information was not immediately available from Wal-Mart officials.  The
impact of DoD’s decision affects mostly service members and their
families who are financially strapped.  Many were counting n this additional
holiday assistance.
      Not to be dissuaded by DoD’ decision, alternate plans have been
initiated by Operation Homefront to hold the parties outside the gates
and they are making plans for the locations to do that at. They are
handling all of the logistics and planning and the Wal-Mart Foundation is
providing the toys and trimmings and the trucks to get them there.
Events are scheduled for off base communities near Scott Air Force Base,
Ill.; Hampton Roads, Va.; MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.; Naval Construction
Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss.; Randolph Air Force Base, Texas; and
Fort Stewart, Ga. The first event was scheduled to be held near Scott
AFB on 22 NOV. Wal-Mart, which has built a number of stores outside
military bases around the country, is generally acknowledged as the biggest
competitor of the exchanges for the business of the military community.
Although per Wal-Mart policy there were no plans to sell items on the
bases, their press release said a Toyland of the latest toys and
electronic games would have been available for children of all ages to try
out. Appearances by Santa Claus, food, music, and tree-trimming craft
tables were also planned.
     Wal-Mart is an official partner in the Defense Department’s
America Supports You program, and officials from that program were actively
involved in this project. Leyva said, the original plan was to give $200
Wal-Mart gift cards to the first 200 families through Operation
Homefront but Defense Department attorneys said the store chain could give no
more than a $20 gift card under federal ethics rules.  America Supports
You officials suggested that Wal-Mart contact Operation Homefront for
logistical help. Wal-Mart plans to contribute $100,000 to Operation
Homefront for the purchase of voice-activated laptop computers for injured
troops. The giant discount store has also been a contributor to the
military community in other ways, including funding of a project for
children of military personnel through Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit
organization behind Sesame Street.  [Source: NavyTimes Karen Jowers article
22 Nov 06 ++]

VDBC UPDATE 08:  The Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission is
conducting a special survey of disabled veterans and a separate survey of
survivors during the months of NOV 06 through APR 07. The purpose of these
surveys is to ensure that a nationally representative sample of both
groups is given the opportunity to share their views and experiences with
the Commission and Congress. The surveys are being carried out by
telephone interviews by ORC Macro, an independent research company that
conducts surveys for the government and the private sector. Participants
are contacted first in writing, followed by a phone call to either
conduct the survey or arrange a more convenient time to talk. In some
instances, participants may simply receive a phone call. The surveys ask
questions about the individual’s health status, life satisfaction, health
care and employment. Participation in the survey is voluntary and
extremely important because everyone selected to take part will help to give
us a clearer picture of the effects of service-connected disability in
the lives of veterans and survivors.
     The Commission will use the survey results to develop its report
and recommendations to Congress about benefits for service-disabled
veterans and survivors. This final report will be available after OCT 07.
If you are contacted and asked to participate: please do! You will be
the voice for many other veterans or survivors like yourself. If you are
not contacted, please note that our sample was drawn randomly to
represent all disabled veterans and surviving spouses. Volunteers cannot be
accepted for the survey because they must assure accurate representation
of all disabled veterans and survivors. Adding volunteers would bias
this representation. VDBC appreciates your time and values your input. If
you have questions or concerns about these surveys you are requested to 
email them at veterans@vetscommission.com. [Source:
www.vetscommission.org/displayContents.asp?id=3 Nov 06 ++]

VDBC UPDATE 09:  The 16 NOV 06 Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission
(VDBC) hearing considered repeal of the law that reduces military SBP
annuities by the amount of survivor benefits payable from the VA.  Under
current law, the surviving spouse of a retired member who dies of a
service-connected cause is entitled to Dependency and Indemnity
Compensation (DIC) from the VA.  In the case of a military retiree enrolled in
SBP, the surviving spouse's monthly SBP annuity is reduced by the amount
of DIC – a little more than $1,000 a month.  This offset also affects
many survivors of members killed on active duty – including all active
duty deaths since 11 SEP 01. Most active duty deaths occur among
relatively junior servicemembers, whose survivors are eligible for only modest
SBP payments.  That means most survivors of members killed on active
duty lose most or all of their SBP benefit.  Commission members didn't
come to a consensus on the issue, so VDBC Chairman LTG Terry Scott, USA
(Ret) tabled it asking the commission staff to provide additional
information. 
     Commissioners then tackled several staff-developed topics to
include VA claim-processing time limits, lump-sum payments, and resolution
of pending claims that end with veteran's death. However, they came to a
final decision on only one issue.  The Commission unanimously agreed to
eliminate from their final report any recommendation for a buy-out or
lump-sum payments of VA disability compensation.  CNA Corp., formerly
known as the Center for Naval Analyses, was hired by this commission to
study and report on the advantages and disadvantages of a lump-sum
option for VA. CNA reviewed how an option might be designed, who should be
eligible and what savings might be gained. To better understand the
implications, CNA tracked how VA disabilities in the year 2000 changed over
the next five years. CNA found that by 2005 almost no veteran saw his
or her disability rating drop and only five percent of disabilities had
a rating increase. The average increase was between 20 and 30
percentage points. Skin, hearing, sight, gynecological and lymphatic conditions
showed the smallest rating changes, an average of less than two
percent. Ratings for post-traumatic stress disorder rose sharply, with that
average between 30 and 40 percentage points.
      To estimate both near-term costs and long-term potential savings
from use of lump-sum settlements, CNA assumed they would be offered
only to veterans rated 10 or 20 percent disabled and with conditions
having no more than a two-percent probability of a rating increase over the
next five years. Likely candidate conditions that fit the profile
include tinnitus, thumb amputations, hypertension and scars on the face,
neck or head. They calculated that offering lump sums to newly-rated
veterans with these ratings and types of conditions would raise VA
compensation costs by $545 million in the first year. More surprisingly, the VA
wouldn't break even and begin to see net savings from this change for
25 years. Their final report concluded:
- Veterans might view lump sums as more useful in transitioning to
civilian life. They also might enjoy having a choice.
- Because lump sum recipients would have fewer interactions with VA,
the timeliness of the VA claims process might improve.
- VA compensation costs, over time would fall because total dollars
paid in lump sums would be a lot less than paid over a lifetime as monthly
compensation. Compensation savings, in time, could be 10 to 20%.
- The VA would save on administrative costs. That would be especially
true if veterans who accepted lump-sum payments were prohibited from
applying for a "re-rating" as their disabilities worsened.
- Lump-sum settlements raise new worries about the welfare of veterans
who accept such deals. Some would use lump-sum payments foolishly,
placing their financial futures in greater jeopardy. Another issue is what
these veterans can do if their disabilities worsened.

Finally, the Commission reported that three previously discussed issues
(i.e line of duty, character of discharge, and concurrent receipt) are
now undergoing legal and technical review:   The Commission stated
these issue papers are expected to be released in December and
stakeholders, including military associations, will be allowed to provide comments
in January 07.  [Source: MOAA Leg Up & USDR Action Alert 22 & 23 Nov 06
++]

VA BUDGET 2007 UPDATE 07:  Prior to Thanksgiving recess, the Senate
passed a $77.65 billion Military Construction and Veterans appropriations
bill, an increase of nearly $8.88 billion from last year.  The bill (HR
5385) increases VA’s funding by $6.45 billion over last year’s enacted
level of $77.9 billion.  Approximately half this increase in VA funding
goes to medical services operations, including hospital staff
personnel.  The legislation includes an amendment Sen. Craig offered which will
enable the Department of Veterans to spend up $10 million on individual
projects without having to seek specific Congressional authorization.
The prior limit was $7 million. Also under this bill, the U.S. Court of
Appeals for Veterans Claims would receive nearly $20 million for fiscal
year 2007, a 6.4% increase over its 2006 appropriations. This level of
funding would allow the Court to increase its staff, continue an
electronic case-filing initiative, and continue studying the feasibility of
constructing or obtaining a dedicated Veterans Courthouse and Justice
Center. Significant spending accounts include:
- Compensation and Pensions: Provides $38.01 billion for compensation
and pensions, which is $4.11 billion above the FY06 enacted level.
- Medical Services: Provides $28.69 billion for Medical Services, which
is equal to the Administration’s request and $4.51 billion above the
FY06 enacted level.
- Readjustment Benefits: Provides $3.26 billion for Readjustment
Benefits, which fully funds the Bush Administration’s request. The
readjustment benefits appropriation finances the education and training of
veterans and servicepersons whose initial entry on active duty took place on
or after July 1, 1985.
- Veterans Housing: Provides $196.7 million for the Veterans Housing
Benefit Program Fund Program Account, which is $132.1 million above the
FY06 enacted level.

     The bill also contains $16.3 billion in funding for military
construction.  This amount includes funds for barracks, family housing units
and rebasing efforts under military transformation and the most recent
round of BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure).  Before the vote, the
White House issued a Statement of Administration Policy urging the Senate
to consider increasing co-payments and enrollment fees for
higher-income, non-disabled veterans.  The administration’s advice, however, was
rejected and the Senate passed the bill. To achieve the requested amount,
the Senate appropriated $795 million in direct funding to replace the
President’s request for new enrollment fees and increased copayments for
prescription drugs, which the Senate denied.  The VA spending bill
still must be reconciled with the House version before it’s completed. 
Until then, VA continues to operate under a continuing resolution at last
year’s lower enacted level. The House passed its version last May. 
[Source: NAUS Weekly Update 17 Nov 06 ++]

VA BUDGET 2007 UPDATE 08:  The Military Construction/VA Appropriations
funding bill has been put on hold after being passed last week on the
Senate floor. The bill contains funding for FY 2007 veterans medical
care, benefits, research, facilities construction and maintenance, as well
as military housing and funding for the defense health care system. The
outcome means VA and DOD health care must continue to run on last
year’s inadequate funding levels.  In a partisan maneuver Senators Tom
Coburn (R-OK), Jim DeMint (R-SC), and Jeff Sessions (R-AL) with the blessing
of the Republican Senate leadership, have held up the appointment of
conferees effectively stopping the veteran’s funding package dead in its
tracks.  The group of Republican senators apparently combined to halt
assignment of Senate conferees because they feared that the conference
will attract too many extraneous measures and become the vehicle for
last-minute pork barrel spending.  It’s the type of thinking that comes as
a result of a negligent Senate that failed to act on this critical
spending bill or any of the others that fund the programs and policies of
the federal government prior to the 1 OCT 06 start of the new fiscal
year.  Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN) has informed
the 110th Congress Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) that the
Republican leadership plans to pass a stopgap spending measure (Continuing
Resolution) that would last through JAN 07.
     The national commander of the nation’s largest organization of
combat veterans is furious that three Republican senators are holding
hostage the passage of key fiscal year 2007 funding bills that prevent the
federal government from improving upon the programs and services it
provides to America’s veterans, servicemembers and their families. Gary
Kurpius, the commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
U.S., said the actions this week by Sens. Coburn, DeMint and Sessions
were “nothing short of pure partisan politics and sheer arrogance towards
the new Democrat-controlled 110th Congress.” By holding up the process,
the three senators are undercutting vital prosthetic and traumatic
brain injury research for returning troops, delaying staffing increases and
infrastructure improvements within the Department of Veterans Affairs,
and exacerbating an already out of control VA backlog that exceeds
820,000 claims. The government’s fiscal year began 1 OCT.
     Kurpius, a Vietnam veteran from Anchorage AK said, “There are
351,000 veterans in Oklahoma, 412,000 in South Carolina and 422,000 in
Alabama who are going to be directly impacted by their senators who have
put politics above their constituency. What occurred on 7 NOV was an
exact reversal of what occurred in 1994 when Republicans swept control of
both houses of Congress. These three senators obviously forgot that it
is the will of the people that keeps them in office, not their political
party.”
Kurpius is now calling on all veterans and servicemembers to contact
their U.S. senators to bring pressure upon Coburn, DeMint and Sessions
before the 109th Congress adjourns next month. Those desiring to do so
can reach their Senators via contact information provided at
www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm. [Source: VFW
Legislative Alert 21 Nov 06 ++]

COLA 2008:  This week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced the
October 2006 monthly
Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is the metric used to calculate the
annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for military retired pay, VA
disability compensation, survivor annuities, and Social Security. The
Consumer Price Index indicates a downward start to a first quarter of the
fiscal year by dropping 0.7% below the year's COLA base. The bulk of the
downward fluctuation has been due to a 7.3% drop in energy
prices.  [Source: MOAA Leg Action Center Nov 06]

DOD MENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE:  The Department of Defense (DoD) Task
Force on Mental Health hosted an open meeting 21 NOV to hear concerns from
San Francisco veterans, as well as local National Guard and Reserve
members and families. The meeting was open to the public and provided an
opportunity for all beneficiaries of DoD mental health care to share
their experiences with Task Force members.  According to the Task Force
co-chairs, members wanted to hear from beneficiaries about all aspects of
mental health care, including access, quality, and even the stigma
associated with seeking this care. They are also interested in
understanding how deployments impact children and spouses, and about care received
from civilian practitioners. Beneficiaries who did not wish to speak
publicly or who were unable to attend the meeting can send their
testimony or comments directly to Cynthia.vaughan@us.army.mil. Comments should
include the name, phone number, address and e-mail address of the
writer. They will be forward directly to the Task Force members.
     The Task Force was established at the direction of Congress and
will submit a report to Secretary of Defense in May 2007 that will
include an assessment of, and recommendations for improving the effectiveness
of mental health services provided to service members. The Task Force
consists of seven DoD members and seven non-DoD members. It is
co-chaired by LTG Kevin Kiley, Army Surgeon General, and Dr. Shelley M.
MacDermid, Associate Professor in the Department of Child Development and
Family Studies, Purdue University and the Co-Director for the Military
Family Research Institute at Purdue. The San Francisco meeting was the
latest in a series of open events the Task Force sponsored on its visits to
numerous installations, VA facilities, and communities worldwide. For
more information on the Task Force, go to:
http://www.ha.osd.mil/afeb/mhtf/default.cfm. [Source: NMFA Government &
You E-News 15 Nov 06 ++]

VETERANS BENEFITS ACT 2006:  One of the first orders of business for
the “lame duck” House of Representatives after its return to Washington
this week was to pass a stripped-down veterans’ benefits bill H.R.6314.
The bill will be the final benefits bill passed this year, although
Representative Steve Buyer (R-IN-04), the House Veterans’ Affairs
Committee chairman, issued a plea for the Senate to dust off some larger
proposals. H.R. 6314 sponsored by Buyer, would prevent the cutoff of some
current programs and provide a new education benefit to spouses of
severely injured active-duty service members.  It must now be considered by
the Senate. The bill, approved by the House on a 393-0 vote, prevents a
cutoff of rehabilitation programs for homeless and seriously mentally
ill veterans as well as grants for veterans’ programs. It also extends
the VA advisory committee on homeless veterans and health care for
veterans exposed to biological and chemical testing under Projects SHAD and
112 in the 1960s and ’70s.  There is one new benefit, which is built
upon a current survivor benefit: Spouses and children of service members
who are permanently and totally disabled from service-connected causes
would be allowed to use VA survivor education benefits while the member
is still on active duty. Under current law, that is allowed only after
the disabled service member is separated from active duty.
     One major holdup on veterans’ bills has been the inability of
Buyer and Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee
chairman, to reach a compromise on details. Several sticking points
have emerged, including Craig’s wish that the House change federal law to
allow veterans to hire attorneys to represent them when filing benefits
claims and Buyer’s insistence on changes in information technology
oversight within the VA. Senate committee aides have been working with
Buyer’s staff to try and write a compromise bill that would pass before the
current session of Congress ends, but an agreement has proven elusive.
Buyer’s concern about hard work being in vain results from the fact
that neither he nor Craig will be veterans’ committee chairmen next year
because Democrats won control of Congress in the Nov. 7 election. Sen.
Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, was named Tuesday as Senate Veterans’ Affairs
Committee chairman. No chairman has been named for the House committee.
[Source: ArmyTimes Rick Maze article 14 Nov 06 ++]

VA PRESCRIPTIONS ID METHOD:  The VA started putting the last 4 of the
SSN on prescription labels in the 1970’s as a way to identify the
patient by asking the last name and last 4.  This was not unique at a lot of
places so they increased this to the last 6.  Prior to 1984 SSNs were
issued when requested with the result that number assignment was more
random.  Since 1984, SSNs are being issued at the Hospital at time of
birth to allow entry into schools.  This reduced the randomness of number
assignment and if one knew the location of where a SSA holder was born
it would be easier to pin down what number was assigned.  When the
issue of privacy first came up the VA Pharmacy Service checked with the VHA
privacy officer and found that putting this limited amount of
information was within the VA privacy rules plus it not violate HIPAA
regulations either.  However, identity theft is now a big issue with everyone
going out and buying shredders and expressing their concerns.  The VA is
going to take a number of actions in the next few months to a final
solution with the re-engineered pharmacy (PRE) software.  The mail order
pharmacy, which dispenses 80% of the prescriptions, will begin using the
last 4 digits of the SSN in the near future.  The current VISTA
applications will be modified this summer and hopefully by the end of the
fiscal year we will go back to the last 4 digits of the SSN.  This will
increase the number of potential combinations into the billions. In PRE,
the VA will use the last name of the patient and the picture of the
patient from the VIC card as the 2 identifiers for patient’s pickup of
prescriptions.  This solution will not be available until the 2009-11
timeframe.  [Source: NAUS Weekly Update 17 Nov 06 ++]

HOUSEHOLD GOODS FRV:  The fiscal 2007 defense authorization act
requires the government to pay service members “full replacement value” (FRV)
for damaged and lost household goods (HHG), but the new system may not
kick in until March of 2008, the date set by the legislation. The
Defense Department has been implementing “Families First,” a program that
will include a goal of FRV, but Families First has fallen behind
schedule.  Implementation of FRV could occur earlier but must begin by 2008.
Under current law, when a household item is lost or destroyed, the
service member receives a depreciated value of 5% to 10% per year since it
was new, depending upon the item. The new FRV formula also will cover the
full cost of repairs. Exceptions to FRV payments will be cars,
motorcycles and boats.  [Source: Armed Forces News 17 Nov 06]

EYE EXAMS/GLASSES UPDATE 01:  The Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training
Command (NOSTRA) introduced its latest “Frames of Choice” program,
offering an additional six choices of civilian-style frames for active-duty
Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel 1 NOV 06. The new frames
will be rolled out incrementally with availability depending on the
service member’s location.  Military retirees are not eligible for the new
frames under this program. Active-duty personnel or
Reservists/Guardsmen serving on active duty more than 30 days may get frames of their
choice by visiting their local optometry clinic or ordering on line at the
Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity Web site,
http://nostra.norfolk.navy.mil/sending.cfm.  A new Web
sitehttp://nostra.norfolk.navy.mil will be up by Nov. 30. An order form
(DD771) and instructions on how to complete the form are at the Web sites.
     Tricare Standard/Extra and Medicare for non-active duty and
dependents does not cover routine eye exams and most eyeglasses. However,
care not considered routine such as cataracts or an eye injury is covered.
Additional eye exams are authorized under the Well-Baby and Well-Child
care benefit. Under the Clinical Preventive Services of Tricare Prime a
comprehensive eye exam is allowed every two years without a co-pay for
all Prime enrollees ages 3 to 64. TRICARE Prime enrollees who are
diabetic are allowed an annual comprehensive eye examination. Medicare and
Tricare will pick up their share of the bill if a patient has a disease
impacting on the eyes.  Glaucoma, cataracts, torn retinas, the variety
of eye disorders related to diabetics, etc. would apply. If you report
to your doctor or ophthalmologist that you are having a problem with
your eyes and that you are not there for a routine or annual exam
you/they should be able to submit the claim. It is advisable that you first
check with the doctor/nurse to see if the exam qualifies for
Medicare/Tricare reimbursement. If they indicate it will not, call your Medicare
office or Regional Tricare contractor and ask why not. Inconsistent
interpretations by providers and payers of claims regarding the regulations
do occur. If the claim is filed and is not honored you can request a
review.
      If you are rated 10% disabled or more by the VA you can get one
pair of free prescription glasses a year from the VA even if the eye
glasses are not for a service connected disability. This does not apply
overseas. If you are a 100% disabled veteran who lives more than 100
miles from the nearest VA medical care facility in the states you may be
eligible for local eye care through their Fee Basis Care program. Check
with them to see if you can apply for a fee basis card to meet your
dental, eye care, eyeglass needs up to a specified amount paid for by the
VA to local participating providers.
     If you are a retiree check out your local military treatment
facility MTF if given a new prescription in the course of your visit.  They
will fill optical prescriptions for retirees, subject to local capacity
and funding.  Retirees can obtain eyeglasses from DoD by mail without
an examination by a military optometrist.  Have your civilian
optometrist complete and sign DD Form 771 and mail to NOSTRA/NWS, PO Box 350,
Yorktown VA 23690-0350.  This form can be obtained from your local RAO or
downloaded in PDF fillable format at
http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd0771.pdf.
Glasses provided will be standard brown frame and are only authorized for
the retiree, not dependents.  [Source: Armed Forces News 17 Nov 06 ++]

CANCER PREVENTION:  The American Cancer Society (ACS) has updated its
nutrition and physical activity guidelines for individual actions to
reduce the incidence of cancer.  The recommendations are consistent with
the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association
guidelines for preventing coronary heart disease and diabetes, as well as for
general health promotion as intended by the Department of Health and
Human Services’ 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The ACS
recommendations to reduce risk are:

1.  Maintain a healthy weight throughout life.
** Balance caloric intake with physical activity.
** Avoid excessive weight gain throughout the life cycle. 
** Achieve and maintain a healthy weight if currently overweight or
obese.

2.  Adopt a physically active lifestyle.
** Adults: engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous
physical activity, above usual activities, on 5 or more days of the week.
Forty-five to 60 minutes of intentional physical activity are preferable.
** Children and adolescents: engage in at least 60 minutes per day of
moderate to vigorous physical activity at least 5 days per week.

3.  Consume a healthy diet, with an emphasis on plant sources. 
** Choose foods and beverages in amounts that help achieve and maintain
a healthy weight.
** Eat five or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each
day.
** Choose whole grains in preference to processed (refined) grains.
** Limit consumption of processed and red meats.

4. If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit consumption.
** Drink no more than one drink per day for women or two per day for
men.
[Source: Consumer Health Digest 17 October 06]

CANCER PREVENTION UPDATE 01:  Because people are interested in the
relationship that specific foods, nutrients, or lifestyle factors have to
specific cancers, research on health behaviors and cancer risk is often
widely publicized. Health professionals who counsel patients should
emphasize that no one study provides the last word on any subject, and
that individual news reports may overemphasize what appear to be
contradictory or conflicting results. In brief news stories, reporters cannot
always put new research findings in their proper context. The best advice
about diet and physical activity is that it is rarely, if ever,
advisable to change diet or activity levels based on a single study or news
report. Diet has an impact on the cause and degree of risk in getting
cancer. Information on the use of dietary supplements, foods, food
substances, and herbal products can be found at on the American Cancer Society
(ACS) website
http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/cgi/content/short/56/5/254.  Here you
can find the latest authoritative answers to the following:

Does ingesting alcohol, aspartame, coffee, fluorides, food additives,
irradiated foods, pesticides in foods saccharin, salt, and/or sugar
cause or increase cancer risk?
What are antioxidants, and what do they have to do with cancer?
Does beta carotene reduce cancer risk?
What are bioengineered foods, and are they safe?
Is calcium related to cancer?
Does cholesterol in the diet increase cancer risk?
Will eating less fat lower cancer risk?
What is dietary fiber, and can it prevent cancer?
Does eating fish protect against cancer?
What is folate, and can it prevent cancer?
Can garlic prevent cancer?
If our genes determine cancer risk, how can diet help prevent cancer?
Will lycopene reduce cancer risk?
Should you avoid processed meats?
How does cooking meat affect cancer risk?
Does being overweight increase cancer risk?
Does olive oil affect cancer risk?
Are foods labeled organic more effective in lowering cancer risk?
Will increasing physical activity lower cancer risk?
What are phytochemicals, and do they reduce cancer risk?
What is selenium, and can it reduce cancer risk?
Can soy-based foods reduce cancer risk?
Can nutritional supplements lower cancer risk?
Can you get the nutritional equivalent of vegetables and fruits in a
pill?
Can drinking tea reduce cancer risk?
Do trans-saturated fats increase cancer risk?
Will eating vegetables and fruits lower cancer risk?
What are cruciferous vegetables, and are they important in cancer
prevention?
Is there a difference in the nutritional value of fresh, frozen, and
canned vegetables and fruits?
Does cooking affect the nutritional value of vegetables?
Should you be juicing your vegetables and fruits?
Do vegetarian diets reduce cancer risk?
Does vitamin A, C, D, or D lower cancer risk?
How much water and other fluids should you drink?
[Source: http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/cgi/content/short/56/5/254 Oct
06]

VA REGISTRIES UPDATE 03:  One way VA tracks the special health concerns
of veterans is with their Health Registries. All eligible veterans who
want to be included in VA registries can get a health registry
examination at most VA facilities and performed by a VA Environmental Health
(EH) Clinician.  Health examinations by a private physician may also be
accepted as long as the VA registry examination protocol is followed.
Most VA facilities have EH Coordinators assigned to assist veterans in
obtaining health registry examinations. Contact the EH Coordinator at the
nearest VA facility to request the registry examination in which you
are interested.  The names and telephone numbers of these EH Coordinators
are listed on the Environmental Agents Service (EAS) Web site
www.VA.gov/EnvironAgents.  Another resource is VA’s toll-free special health
issues helpline 1(800) 749-8387.
     A health registry examination is not a claim, nor is it required,
for VA benefits or compensation. It is a personalized and comprehensive
examination which includes blood work, urinalysis, and, where medically
indicated, a chest x-ray and EKG with answers to questions relating to
any environmental exposures.  The results of the health registry
examination are maintained in the veteran’s medical record. This health
registry exam provides an opportunity to enroll in the VA healthcare system
but is not a prerequisite to submit a claim. This exam is available to
all eligible veterans with no co-payment requirement. The demographic
information (personal details), exposures, reported symptoms and
diagnoses are all included in a computerized index or list of veterans located
at the Austin Automation Center in Austin, TX.  To learn more about
these special programs refer to www.va.gov/EnvironAgents  VA has the
following registries for which the number of vets who have been examined is
indicated in parenthesis:
- Agent Orange for Vietnam veterans and others exposed to Agent Orange
and other herbicides used in Vietnam and other military locations.
(403,046)
- Gulf War/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) for veterans of the 1991 Gulf
War or who served in OIF. (95,899)
- Depleted Uranium (DU) for veterans possibly exposed to DU. (557)
- Ionizing Radiation for veterans who participated in nuclear tests,
the occupation of Nagasaki/Hiroshima, Japan and other radiation-risk
activities or who received nasopharyngeal (NP) (nose and throat) radium
irradiation treatments. (23,541)

Eligible veterans may receive follow-up (2nd, 3rd, etc.) registry
examinations based on any new health problems they may develop. VA can only
provide health care to veterans; hence, family members are not eligible
for a health registry examination. Enrollee’s automatically receive or
have access to VA’s newsletters with updates or special information on
health care and other benefits for them.  [Source: eVeteran News 31 Oct
06 ++]

VA REGISTRIES UPDATE 04:  Following are the prerequisites for
enrollment in the VA Registry program:

1.  Agent Orange Registry is open to:
- Any U.S. male or female Vietnam era veteran who served in the
Republic of Vietnam between 1962 and 1975, regardless of length of service
(i.e., 1 hour, 1 day, 1 month, 1 year, etc.). Verification of service
during the Vietnam era is required.
- Any U.S. veteran who served in Korea during 1968 or 1969.
- Any U.S. veteran who may have been exposed to dioxin, or other toxic
substance in a herbicide or defoliant, during the conduct of, or as a
result of, the testing, transporting or spraying of herbicides for
military purposes.
Note: The Department of Defense (DoD) has provided a list (about 75%
complete) of locations and dates where herbicides, including Agent
Orange, were used. For those sites that are not listed, Vietnam vets should
provide some proof of exposure to be able to obtain a registry
examination.

2.  Gulf War Registry is open to:
- Iraqi Freedom. Any veteran who served on active military duty in
southwest Asia during the Gulf War which began in 1990, and continues to
the present including operation Iraqi freedom.
- Those who served in the following areas are eligible for the lab test
that measures Du in urine: Iraq, the Neutral Zone (between Iraq and
Saudi Arabia),  Saudi Arabia, Kuwait,  Qatar,  The United Arab Emirates,
Oman, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden,  or waters of the Persian Gulf,
Arabian Sea and Red Sea.

3.  Depleted Uranium Registry is open to veterans who are identified by
DoD because of possible DU exposure during military activities in the
1991 Gulf War, Bosnia, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation Enduring
Freedom. Veterans who came to VA because they are concerned about
potential exposure to DU, are offered a Depleted Uranium evaluation. For more
information refer to www.VA.gov/environAgents 

4.  Ionizing Radiation Registry is open to:
- On site participants of tests involving the atmospheric detonation of
a nuclear device, whether or not the testing nation was the United
States.
- Participants in the occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki from 6 AUG
45, through 1 JUL 46.
- Internees as POWs in Japan or service on active duty in Japan
immediately following such internment during World War II which the Secretary
of Veteran Affairs determines resulted in an opportunity for exposure
to ionizing radiation comparable to that of veterans involved in the
occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki.
- Service at Department of Energy gaseous diffusion plants at Paducah,
KY, Portsmouth, OH, or the K25 area at Oak Ridge, TN, for at least 250
days before 1 FEB 92, if the veteran was monitored for each of the 250
days using dosimetry badges to monitor radiation to external body 
parts or if the veteran served for at least 250 days in a position that had
exposures comparable to a job that was monitored using dosimetry
badges;
- Service at Longshot, Milrow or Cannikin underground nuclear tests at
Amchitka Island, AK, before 1 JAN 74.
- Veterans who received nasopharyngeal (NP) nose and throat radium
irradiation treatments while in the active military, naval, or air service
who are concerned about possible adverse effects of their NP radium
treatments
 [Source: eVeteran News 31 Oct 06 ++]

MARINE CORPS MUSEUM:  Located in the Jacksonville Lejeune Memorial
Gardens, the  Marine Corps Museum of the Carolinas  is slated to open late
2009. It will display the history of the Marines and the surrounding
communities of North and South Carolina from 1941 into the future. The
preliminary plans display a 40,000 square foot building with two floors
consisting of three major exhibit galleries, which will be comprised of
8 to 10 subjects of interest and a great hall.  Museum development will
accommodate a wide audience. Chief patrons will be military personnel
and their families, young Marine trainees, retired and former Marines
and Sailors. Military reunions will be a significant audience for the
museum and research center. Local civilians are anticipated to be a core
visitor group, from school age on up. Organized tours, both military and
civilian, along with general tourists, history buffs, and collectors,
will be drawn to this venue.
     The museum will contain displays illustrating the founding of each
Carolina base, profiling the families whose land formed the bases. In
addition, it will display World War II activities, including the
training of the First Marine Division at Camp Lejeune. World War II exhibits
will showcase the unique Marine Corps training that occurred in North
Carolina, including the Women Marines, African American Marines, and the
War Dogs. The heart of the museum will be II Marine Expeditionary Force
and its elements which include the Second Marine Division, the Second
Marine Aircraft Wing, the Second Force Service Support Group and  the
bases and their histories. The facility will also have a Hall of Honor
designed as a place to recognize, honor, and reflect upon individual
achievements and sacrifices of the Carolina Marines. Visitors can access
information about these exemplary Marines through computers linked to a
database of images, video footage, audio interviews, and written content
about each honoree.  The Museum is currently accepting donations which
can be made online. For more information, visit the Museum's website at
http://www.mcmuseum.com or call 910-937-0033.  [Source: Veteran’s
Report 23 Oct 06 ++]

CERTIFICATE OF CREDITABLE COVERAGE:   A certificate of creditable
coverage is a document that shows your prior health care coverage. This
certificate usually reduces how long a health care plan may exclude you
from coverage for a pre-existing health condition. For former Tricare
beneficiaries, the certificate shows a new employer insurance company that
you had previous Tricare health care coverage, for the period noted on
the certificate. The Health Insurance and Portability Act (HIPAA)
requires Tricare to issue you a Certificate of Creditable Coverage if you
lose Tricare eligibility.  Thus, If Tricare covered you before you lost
your eligibility, even when you were an active duty member separating
from the service, you are entitled to a certificate of creditable
coverage. Retires do not get a certificate because they do not lose their
eligibility Tricare eligibility. If needed, they must request one in
writing. Tricare issues certificates when:
- The sponsor separates from active duty; the certificate lists all
eligible family members.
- A member of the National Guard or Reserves demobilizes; the
certificate lists all eligible family members.
- A dependent child (age 21, or 23 if a full-time student) loses
eligibility; Tricare will issue a certificate to a dependent child.
- A former spouse loses eligibility after divorce.
 
A certificate reflects each period of continuous Tricare coverage that
occurred within the 24 months before you lost eligibility. It
identifies the sponsor’s or family member’s name for whom it is issued, the
dates Tricare coverage began and ended, and the certificate issue date.  If
you are a former Tricare beneficiary who purchases or is offered health
care coverage, the other insurance plan may require you to present a
certificate of creditable coverage. For example, if you leave active duty
and seek a job with a civilian employer, the new employer may require a
certificate for reducing the time the new health plan may keep you from
receiving health care for a preexisting condition. 
     All certificates are issued by the Defense Manpower Data Center
Support Office (DSO), which manages the Defense Enrollment Eligibility
Reporting System (DEERS).  Anyone can request one in writing and it will
be provided at no charge. To do so send the request to:  Defense
Manpower Data Center Support Office (DSO), Attn: Certificate of Creditable
Coverage, 400 Gigling Road, Seaside, CA 93955-6771.  The request must
include the following:
- Sponsor's name and Social Security number
- Name of person for whom the certificate is requested.
- Reason for the request.
- Name and address to whom and where the certificate should be sent.
- Signature of the requester
 
If you urgently need a certificate of creditable Coverage, you may fax
your request to the DSO at (831) 655-8317 or request that DSO fax it to
a particular number.  For questions about the certificate of creditable
coverage, sponsors and family members may contact DSO at (800)
538-9552. For TTY/TDD, dial (866) 363-2883. You may also send questions via
e-mail to the TRICARE Management Activity HIPAA Program Office at
hipaamail@tma.osd.mil. Additional HIPAA information is available on the
TRICARE Web site at www.tricare.osd.mil/certificate/index.cfm. 
[Source:  Tricare Fact Sheet 2 Nov 06 ++]

TRICARE WEBSITE:   The Department of Defense launched TRICARE.mil as
the official website site for all TRICARE information on 10 NOV 06. 
Beneficiaries can now go to one site to look up benefit information,
schedule an appointment or track claims.  Everything's in one place making
the site easier to use. TRICARE.mil comprises five main content areas:
- My Health (TRICARE Online) - personal health information and online
appointment scheduling for TRICARE Prime enrollees;
- My Benefit - TRICARE benefit information;
- MHS Staff - resources for Military Health System staff members;
- TRICARE Providers - information for TRICARE network providers; and
- The Pressroom - the latest news about TRICARE and the military health
system. 
In the next phase of website improvements, beneficiaries will be able
to enter their profile and receive benefit information tailored to them.
TRICARE expects this feature to be available next year.  [Source: FRA
News Bytes 3 Nov 06]

TRICARE PROVIDERS:   A provider is an individual, supplier, or
institution that delivers health services, supplies, or equipment.  For
example, doctors, hospitals and ambulance companies are providers. Tricare
authorizes providers, suppliers and institutions.  Most hospitals and many
doctors are Tricare-authorized (check with them to be sure).  For other
types of providers, check with your regional contractor, beneficiary
counseling and assistance coordinator or Tricare Service Center before
getting care.  You can locate a Tricare-authorized provider at
www.tricare.osd.mil/ProviderDirectory/.  Tricare issues authorized providers a
number, which allows them to file Tricare claims for services they
deliver to you. Generally, Tricare doesn’t authorize active duty service
members and federal government civilian employees to be providers.
Tricare-Authorized Providers must have a state license, a national organization
accreditation (if needed) and meet other medical community standards. 
They must also be listed as an individual provider or institution, as
described below:  A Medicare-certified provider is considered a
Tricare-authorized provider.  Tricare authorized providers are categorized as:
- Individual Providers who include, but are not limited to attending
physicians, Certified nurse practitioners, Clinical nurse specialists (if
state-approved), Certified psychiatric nurse specialists, Christian
Science practitioners and nurses (listed in the Christian Science
Journal), Dentists (DDSs or DMDs), most clinical psychologists (with Ph.D.s or
Psy.D.s), Physician assistants, Podiatrists, Optometrists, independent
laboratories, and medical equipment and supply firms.  If you seek care
from Audiologists, Mental health counselors, Occupational therapists,
Pastoral counselors, Physical therapists, Registered nurses, or Speech
therapists you must be referred by a physician, who must sign the claim
form for Tricare to pay for part of the covered services.
- Institutions which include College or university infirmaries,
Christian Science sanatoriums (if part of the First Church of Christ,
Scientist), Hospitals, Skilled nursing facilities (not including retirement
homes or homes for the aged or infirm, which Tricare doesn’t cover),
Tricare-approved ambulatory surgery centers, Tricare-approved birthing
centers (separate approval is required for care at a birthing center, even
if the center is otherwise a Tricare-authorized provider),
Tricare-approved residential treatment centers for emotionally disturbed children
and adolescents, and Tricare-approved special treatment centers such as
drug and alcohol treatment centers. 
Note: Check with the individual provider or institution, and your
regional contractor, to see if it’s Tricare-authorized.  If it’s not,
Tricare cannot pay for the services.  
     Tricare Network Providers contract with the regional contractor to
deliver health services, supplies or equipment for all Tricare
beneficiaries, including those who are also Medicare eligible.  Network
providers accept Tricare-negotiated rates as full payment for services.  They
file claims and Tricare pays them directly. Non-Network Providers are
Tricare authorized providers who have not contracted with the Tricare
regional contractor.  Ask your providers if they are authorized and if
they will participate on the claim for your care.  Non-Network Providers
are subcategorized as:
- Participating Providers who will accept the Tricare allowable charge
as full payment for services, including your cost share and deductible. 
Individual providers may participate on a case-by-case basis. 
Hospitals that participate in Medicare must participate in Tricare for
inpatient care.  For outpatient care, hospitals may participate on a
case-by-case basis.  A participating provider will normally file Tricare claims
for you.
- Non-Participating Providers who will not accept the Tricare allowable
charge as the full payment for services.  They may charge you up to 15%
above the Tricare-allowable charge for services, and you must pay the
additional charges.  A non-participating provider may or may not file
Tricare claims for you.  You may have to pay for the services first and
file your own Tricare claim.  Tricare will not reimburse you for charges
exceeding the allowable charge.
 
     If you get medical care from providers not authorized by Tricare,
it is likely that you will be responsible for all billed charges.  For
more information, you refer to the TricareWeb site at
www.tricare.osd.mil. Individual providers, institutions, or suppliers interested in
becoming Tricare-authorized should contact a regional contractor provider
relations representative at one of the following:
•         Tricare North Region: www.healthnetfederalservices.com,
1(877) 874-2273.
•         Tricare South Region: www.humana-military.com, 1(800)
444-5445.
•         Tricare West Region: www.triwest.com, 1(888) 874-9378.
[Source:  TMA Fact sheet 23 Oct 06]

VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL EXAM RECIPROCITY:   For many military families
with school aged children, year end tests taken in one state under the No
Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements do not always count in the state
of a new duty assignment. This issue becomes increasingly frustrating
for high schools students who must pass certain exams in order to meet
graduation requirements. Several years ago, on behalf of the 68,000
military connected students in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, the
Joint Military Services School Liaison Committee (JMSSLC) initiated
discussions with state legislators, school district superintendents, and
others, regarding granting credit for year end tests taken in other states
under the NCLB requirements. The Virginia Board of Education and
Virginia Department of Education administrators were briefed on the need for
granting verified credits for high stakes testing reciprocity for mobile
(military) students. With the support of many parties and organizations
reciprocity is now a reality in Virginia. On 24 MAY 06 the Virginia
Board of Education adopted revised Regulations Establishing Standards for
Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia. This regulation became
effective 7 SEP 06 and reads in part: “...to permit tests administered as a
part of another state’s accountability program to be approved as
substitute tests…” For a complete text of the revised regulation go to:
www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/suptsmemos/2006/inf180.html.  [Source: NMFA
Government & You E-News 15 Nov 06 ++]

INDIANA VET INITIATIVES:  Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels chose the
Veterans' Day holiday to announce a set of initiatives designed to help the
state’s veterans and military families as a part of his 2007
legislative agenda. The governor's proposals include:
- Exempt all military pay earned while serving in combat theater from
Indiana state income tax for all active duty, National Guard, and
Reserve personnel who file Indiana tax returns.
- Increase the maximum allowable state income tax deductions on
military pay (including retirement pay and survivor's benefits) to $5,000 per
year for individuals and $10,000 for couples filing jointly. The
current allowable state income deduction on active or reserve military pay,
retirement pay, or survivor's benefits is capped at $2,000, or $4,000
for a couple filing jointly.
- Provide state matching funds of up to $350,000 annually for Indiana
Military Families Relief Fund. This will dedicate state funds of up to
$350,000 to match all private contributions to the Indiana Military
Families Relief Fund as well as revenue generated for the fund from the
sale of Hoosier veteran specialty plates. Senate Enrolled Act 75, part of
the governor's 2006 legislative agenda, established the fund, which
provides grants for the families of Indiana Guard and Reserve members who
have been called to active duty since 11 SEP 01.
- Extend delayed high school diploma program. Military veterans of the
Korean and Vietnam wars who left high school before graduation to
perform military service will now be eligible to receive a high school
diploma. This program is currently available to the state’s veterans of
World War II.

Two other initiatives in the governor's agenda were developed in
conjunction with the National Governor's Association and U.S. Department of
Defense to work toward consistent and uniform policies to support
members of the military and their families:
- Allow in-state tuition rates for out-of-state soldiers assigned to
Indiana. This would allow service members and families assigned to
Indiana to be immediately eligible for in-state tuition rates at state
colleges and universities, and would enable children enrolled in Indiana
institutions to continue paying in-state rates even if parents are
transferred elsewhere.
- Establish a spouse employment program. This program will work with
relevant professional licensing organizations to expedite the process
through which military spouses must go to more efficiently transfer
professional licenses such as teaching, nursing, real estate, and others to
be recognized in Indiana from their previous states of residence.

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) estimates that there
are currently 546,000 veterans in Indiana. Approximately 16,000 Indiana
residents are currently on active duty, with an additional 4,000
reservists. Nearly 10,000 members of the Indiana National Guard have been
deployed overseas since September 11, 2001, with an estimated 2,000 Guard
members currently serving overseas.  Since 2005, the governor has
spearheaded a number of initiatives aimed to help Indiana's veterans and
military families, including the creation of two veterans’ specialty
plates, restoring a fee remission program at state colleges and universities
for disabled veterans, regardless of the extent of their disability,
and a ban on protests within 200 yards of military funerals. (Source:
Governor Mitch Daniels News Release 10 Nov 06 ++]

FRAUDULENT ON BASE SALES UPDATE 01:  Life insurance companies are being
held accountable for their improper sales practices to military
members. Four companies in the past three months have agreed to a multi-state
settlement agreement after Texas Department of Insurance investigators
uncovered a pattern of deception to young troops. Under the agreements,
the companies will refund more than $70 million to more than 93,000
consumers, including about 71,000 servicemembers, according to Texas
Department of Insurance news releases. The first settlement, reached 3 AUG
came after a 20-month investigation by Texas and Georgia, together with
the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, into the sales practices of three Waco, Texas-based companies:
American-Amicable Life Insurance Company of Texas, Pioneer American
Insurance Company and Pioneer Security Life Insurance Company.  State
regulators and federal agencies claim that the life insurance companies
targeted young recruits and misled them into believing they were buying an
investment product. The servicemembers were actually purchasing an
expensive term-life product that was coupled with a side fund and called
the "Wealth Builder" or "Horizon Life," according to the release.
     The second settlement, reached 17 OCT, involves the Boston Mutual
Life Insurance Company.  In 2004, TDI investigators learned that
several Boston Mutual agents were soliciting and selling life insurance to
low-ranking soldiers in the Fort Hood, Texas, area by misrepresenting the
insurance as a savings or investment plan, said Jim Hurley, TDI
spokesman. The activity led to the multi-state examination of the company's
sales to military personnel.  The company will refund a total of
$427,529.57 to 1,784 military members who bought life insurance policies
between 1 JAN 02, and 30 APR 05.  Hurley said The companies are notifying
servicemembers with current or lapsed policies affected by the agreements.
Consumers who feel they are affected but have not received notification
can call the companies' consumer service center at (800) 736-7311.
[Source: American Forces Press Service 27 Nov 06 ++]

DAV TRANSPORTATION NETWORK:  The DAV Transportation Network is the only
way many veterans are able get to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
medical facilities for needed treatment. Many of these veterans answered
our country's call in times of war with resultant lost limbs, sight,
hearing, or good health. And many live a great distance from a VA
hospital.  With fixed incomes, the cost of transportation to a VA hospital is
just too high. They're left with two choices. They could go without the
treatment they need, or skimp on food or other necessities to pay for
transportation.  Veterans disabled in our nation's service should never
face such dire options. So DAV and Auxiliary volunteers respond,
driving vets to and from VA hospitals and clinics at no charge. The network
is administered by DAV Hospital Service Coordinators (HSCs) at the VA's
172 medical centers. The DAV has also donated vans, where needed, to
make the program work.
     All DAV van drivers are volunteers and do not receive payment for
the services they provide.  Across the nation, more than 196 HSCs
operate more than 180 active programs at VA hospitals and outpatient
clinics. These HSCs have recruited a corps of nearly 5,000 volunteer drivers
whom they coordinate to provide transportation for veterans needing this
service. Additionally DAV Departments and Chapters purchase and donate
most of the vans to the VA medical facilities for use in the
Transportation Network. DAV HSCs also help veterans file claims for VA benefits,
and refer veterans to DAV National Service Officers for professional
benefits assistance. If you or someone you know needs transportation,
view the Hospital Services Information at
www.dav.org/volunteers/transportation_network.html.  DAV is always in need of volunteers to participate
in this program. Volunteers interested in becoming drivers must pass a
physical examination and health screening administered at a VA Medical
Center. Volunteers must show proof of a safe driving record, a valid
driver's license, and current motor vehicle bodily-injury liability and
property damage, and be willing to attend training. Those interested
should contact the Voluntary Service Chief at their nearest VA Medical
Center or call DAV Voluntary Services at (202) 554-3501, or make your
desires known by contacting the DAV via www.dav.org/feedback.asp.  [Source:
Military.com 27 Nov 06 ++]

DSHS VETERANS PROJECT UPDATE 01:  Many low-income U.S. military
veterans are using Medicaid benefits because they do not realize they are
eligible for comprehensive federal health care programs. Washington state’s
Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) became aware of this in
the course of reviewing how to stretch the state dollars used in
Medicaid to meet the increasing demands. A win-win solution was to help
veteran’s get the federal benefits they have earned and redirect the state
money veteran’s would have received into service for others in need.
Thus, the DSHS Veterans project was born. A key to the project’s success
is access to records. DSHS joined a multi-state consortium called PARIS
(the Public Assistance Reporting Information System) that connects
records of DOD, VA, other states and the DSHS client eligibility
computerized system. The information allows the project team to research a
veteran’s records to determine the level of eligibility for benefits.
Ultimately, the goal is to immediately identify all Washington’s veterans as
they enroll in Medicaid and automatically help them locate all the
benefits they are due.  Washington is home to 600,000+ veterans and their
dependents. 
     By law, Washington and many other states must pursue reimbursement
for Medicaid costs associated with receiving long term care (LTC)
services, from the estates of deceased Medicaid recipients. This is usually
facilitated through the state's Estate Recovery process. Veterans, who
use veteran’s health care benefits, can reduce the amount of Medicaid
used and reduce or eliminate the amount owed by their estates.  The
federal government does not try to recover veterans health care costs
because they are benefits of service to the nation. In many cases, the
veterans and their families are not aware that they are eligible for V A
related benefits. Additionally, there are even more that overlook the
requirement to repay the
state for LTC related Medicaid services.  Major benefit targets for the
DSHS veteran project include:
- Aid and Attendance: Many veterans on Medicaid may qualify to draw a
monthly federally funded pension or compensation from the state
Department of Veteran Affairs.
- Prescription drugs: Veterans enrolled in an appropriate VA
health-care system are typically eligible for federal coverage of prescription
drugs. Drugs are an enormous cost-driver for the state’s Medicaid
program, which spends up to $1 billion a biennium purchasing medication. Any
of this cost is shifted to the federal government helps ease that
burden.
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Veterans may use Medicaid to
purchase these items, but the federal government normally would cover this
cost. DME includes medical devices ranging from wheelchairs to breathing
aids and other essential equipment.
- Family benefits: Pensions or increased pensions may be available for
not only veterans but also widows and children of veterans. Veterans
and their families also may be eligible for federal financial or medical
coverage through CHAMPVA or TRICARE benefits. Those cover about 80% of
a veterans’ long-term skilled nursing care and 100% of their
prescription drug needs. Most VA-related prescriptions can be filled at easily
accessible commercial pharmacies such as Rite-Aid, Wal-Mart or
Albertson’s.

Program Manager Bill Allman, a 53-year-old Vietnam veteran dedicated to
taking care of old soldiers, started the detective project in 2001 with
co-worker Tim Dahlin. Under it, more than 300 long-term Medicaid
patients have received increased federal veterans benefits, and 2,000
veterans and family members have been enrolled in military-related health
care. Allman said the program has saved the state $4.3 million so by
shifting health care costs from Medicaid to federal programs. Medicaid
coverage is funded on a 50-50 federal-to-state match. When a vet can be
matched with the proper federal programs, the federal government will cover
up to 80% of the cost of health care, including prescription drugs and
nursing home care. Citizens who have information about a veteran,
veteran's widow or other dependents of a veteran on Medicaid may call the
DSHS Veterans Project Team directly at 1(800) 280-0586.  For information,
vets should call Bill Allman, Veterans/PARIS Program manager, state
Aging and Disability Services Administration, (360) 397-9508, or the State
Department for Veterans Affairs (800)562-2308.  To find out more about
the program refer to www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/topics/PARIS/.  [Source:
Columbian Dean Baker article 26 Nov 06 ++]

PTSD REEVALUATION UPDATE 08:  Government officials and veterans groups
say military personnel on multiple and extended tours of duty in Iraq
and Afghanistan are being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) at rates that probably will match or exceed the rate among
Vietnam veterans.  The war in Iraq, with often-hidden enemies and
explosives, has left many service members particularly vulnerable to combat
stress and is driving the abuse of drugs and alcohol both in Iraq and at
home, military health experts say. Yet many veterans and on-duty troops
are not getting the treatment they need. As of AUG 06, more than 184,500
returning veterans had sought care of all kinds through the DVA, and
about one in six of those had been diagnosed with PTSD, a rate expected
to climb since it can take months and sometimes years for the condition
to manifest itself. Symptoms include anxiety, sleeplessness, flashbacks
and extreme wariness, a recipe that can strain relationships and make
it hard for those suffering to get or keep jobs. Col. Charles Engel, a
clinician at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center predicts up to 29% of
troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will suffer from PTSD. As of
August, the VA had diagnosed 63,767 discharged veterans with a mental
disorder and 34,380 with post-traumatic stress disorder. Experts say the
rate of the disorder among Iraq veterans could well eclipse the 30%
lifetime rate found in a 1990 study of Vietnam veterans because military
personnel are being deployed longer and more often to Iraq and because
greater awareness of the disorder among doctors will lead to more
diagnoses.
     Some statistics show the cases climbing fast. The number of Iraq
and Afghanistan veterans who have sought help for readjustment concerns
including post-traumatic stress disorder doubled between October 2005
and June 2006, according to a recent survey of 60 VA-run centers by the
Democratic staff of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. That
increase has made it only more difficult to get quality care, the survey
found. Among active-duty military personnel who served in Iraq, 35% used
military mental health care services in the year after coming home and
12% were diagnosed with a mental health problem, a study published in
March in the Journal of the American Medical Association found. Veterans
groups fear that the VA won’t be able to handle the high proportion of
service members seeking such help once they are discharged.  They note
studies showing that though post-traumatic stress disorder can resolve
itself in some people over time, its symptoms can worsen if not treated
quickly. The VA says it has enough resources to offer treatment for
post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse to all of the roughly
160,000 service members now in Iraq and Afghanistan once they are home.
Dr. Ira Katz, deputy chief patient care officer for mental health for
the VA, noted that there are 200 veteran readjustment centers nationwide
and that mental health counseling is available over the Internet.
     As part of efforts on its part, the military in SEP 05 began
giving returning troops a questionnaire aimed at catching early signs of the
disorder. Questions include whether they have nightmares, are feeling
emotionally numb or super alert, or have physical reactions such as
breathing trouble when reminded of a stressful experience.  In JAN 06, the
military put in place a secondary screening test to check for similar
symptoms. But nearly 80% of returning troops who may have been at risk
for PTSD were not referred for further mental health evaluation,
according to a study released in May by the GAO, the investigative arm of
Congress. About half of those diagnosed with a mental health problem got
care, but fewer than 10% were referred through the military’s new
screening program, the JAMA study in March showed. The Pentagon told the GAO
that it generally concurred with its recommendations and that a systemic
evaluation of referrals is planned.  However, after the study’s
publication the Pentagon said it was flawed because it did not include troops
referred to chaplains, primary care physicians and group counseling.
The GAO says the Defense Department was not able to provide any evidence
that those referrals occurred and still has not provided figures on
personnel who may have since received treatment.
     Medical experts say mental health problems such as PTSD and
substance abuse are often intertwined. “When they don’t get the kind of
mental health screening or physical, history tells us they will turn to
coping mechanisms,” said Steve Robinson, director of government relations
for Veterans for America, a 35,000-member organization. He says many of
the hundreds of troops he has interviewed at post-deployment sites are
addicted to medications given to them in the field, such as painkillers
and sleeping pills. But they are not getting the therapy that normally
goes with such medications. Families are alarmed by military statistics
showing that 80% of soldiers who have been flagged with mild symptoms
of PTSD have been sent back to Iraq and Afghanistan, many with
anti-depressant pills aimed at ensuring they can still fight. With a wave of
PTSD cases arriving, outreach groups fear the VA will not have adequate
resources to treat them and to pay disability benefits.  The VA is
proposing a $339 million increase in mental health care spending next year
which would bring total annual spending on those programs to about $3.2
billion. Implementation is another question.  The GAO found, that as of
late SEP 06, about $42 million of $200 million directed for initiatives
to close gaps in VA mental health care in 2006 had not been spent and
that the VA lacked a comprehensive plan to implement the funding in last
year’s budget. About 144,000 of the 589,000 veterans who have served in
Iraq and Afghanistan have already been seen at VA-run Vet Centers for
“readjustment concerns” ranging from depression and marital problems to
full-blown PTSD. Forty percent of the 60 centers surveyed in the study
by the Democratic House staff have directed veterans for whom
individualized therapy would be appropriate to group therapy instead. [Source:
Austin American-Statesman Anne Usher article 26 Nov 06 ++]

AGENT ORANGE LAWSUITS UPDATE 06:   The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) was
awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in
Vietnam and contiguous waters or air space after 3 JUL 65 and before 28
MAR 73. The eligibility requirements are:
(a) Attached to or regularly serving for one or more days with an
organization participating in or directly supporting ground (military)
operations.
(b) Attached to or regularly serving for one or more days aboard a
naval vessel directly supporting military operations.
(c) Actually participate as a crew member in one or more aerial flights
directly supporting military operations.
(d) Serve on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60
nonconsecutive days. These time limitations may be waived for personnel
participating in actual combat operations.

 It is clear that the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) for Viet
Nam is an equivalent award to the VSM. The AFEM was awarded as a result
of a veteran's Vietnam service before the VSM was authorized The
interchangeable nature of the AFEM for Viet Nam and the VSM is demonstrated
in the Department of Defense's Manual of Military Decorations and
Awards, which states that those who received the AFEM for Vietnam service
could not also be issued the Vietnam Service Medal. In addition, service
members could elect to receive the Vietnam Service Medal instead of the
AFEM.  However, no Service member may be issued both medals for service
in Vietnam.
     Accordingly, in view of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans
Claims decision in Haas v. Nicholson, the receipt of the equivalent award
to the Vietnam Service Medal should entitle a veteran to the
presumption of service in Vietnam. In the event that the VA does not accept that
the AFEM (Viet Nam) entitles a veteran to the presumption of service in
Vietnam, veterans should attempt to have their AFEM (Viet Nam) changed
to a VSM. Note that the M21-1 provision upheld in Haas does not require
receipt of the VSM to qualify for the presumption of Vietnam service,
since the M21-1 mandates that the VA Regional Office go to the Navy to
verify offshore service if the veteran was not awarded the VSM.
Advocates can request the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) replace
their client's AFEM with the VSM. The request can be made online using the
eVetRecs system or a Standard Form 180 can be mailed to the NPRC. Their
website
www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/public/awards-and-decorations.html provides more details, including where to send the
request and what information to include in the request.  Those submitting
should be aware that it is not guaranteed that NPRC or the military
will replace the AFEM (Viet Nam) with the VSM.  [Source: 
www.nvlsp.org/Information/ArticleLibrary/AgentOrange/AO-AFEMVietnam-VietnamServiceMedal.htm
Nov 06]

PAINKILLERS & CONSTIPATION:  Constipation is a common side effect
associated with the use of strong prescription pain medication and can be
accompanied by loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and bloating.  A
clinical research study for this troubling condition is now underway.  Doctors
are now enrolling patients in a study of an investigational drug for
constipation caused by strong prescription pain medicines such as
morphine, fentanyl and Oxycontin. To qualify you must be:
- 18 years  or older
- Currently taking a prescription medication such as morphine,
fentanyl, or Oxycontin.
- Experiencing constipation and other abdominal side effects while
taking your prescription pain medication.
 
Study participation includes, at no charge to you:
- Study visits with a medical professional
- Investigational drug
- Study Procedures and tests
- Compensation for time and travel up to $500.00
 
Trial is in Albuquerque, NM area. To participate call Albuquerque
Clinical Trials at (505) 224-7407. If outside the area, check with your
medical professional(s) to find a similar program.  [Source: e-Veterans
News 2 Oct 06]

CASUALTY ASSISTANCE UPDATE 01:  On 17 NOV DoD and the VA hosted
military association representatives for an update on casualty assistance and
survivor outreach efforts. The VA highlighted its issuance of a new
pamphlet, “Benefits and Services for Survivors of Servicemembers Who Die
on Active Duty”.  On the military side, DoD has been working to upgrade
procedures for transporting servicemember remains, including providing
an Honor Guard detail upon arrival at the destination.  Additionally,
DoD has been working to standardize all service casualty assistance
programs, developing checklists and a survivor survey that will eventually
provide performance standards and evaluations.  Current service
programs vary in support and service levels provided to surviving family
members.  For instance, only the Air Force provides a full-time person to
assist with benefits.  The Marines give each family a print-out of
government survivor benefits as a planning tool for making financial
decisions, while Army spouses must specifically request the print-out. DoD is
finalizing a survivor notebook to help survivors organize the large
amount of information they receive over time.  The notebook (which will be
updated semi-annually) will be in use by all services beginning 1 JAN
07. DoD and the VA also will provide long term-support services and
counseling for surviving family members via Military OneSource and Vet
Center programs.  [Source: MOAA Leg Up 22 Nov 06 ++]

TEST PREP SCAMS:   The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education
Support (DANTES) and several of the national testing programs such as
the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Thomson Prometric, and
Excelsior College have received numerous complaints regarding test
preparation companies selling highly questionable products and services. Before
you invest hundreds or thousands of dollars for these preparation
programs, beware of the following red flags:
- Attempts to sell you prep services for many tests at once, with
payment up front or on credit.
- Credit arrangements with a company other than the one selling you the
prep service.
- Direct sales contact at your home.
- Promises that you can get college credit without enrolling in
college.
- Book lists that include dictionaries or encyclopedias.

Before you buy any test prep service, contact your Education Service
Officer or Navy College Education Specialist. Numerous free and low-cost
test preparation alternatives are available either at the education
center, installation library or through local used college textbook
stores.  [Source: Military.com 23 Nov 06]

TRICARE REIMBURSEMENT RATES:  An updated list of the Tricare
reimbursement rates is now available to beneficiaries.  The changes for fiscal
year 2007 include updated rates for inpatient mental health, residential
treatment centers, partial hospitalization, hospice, and inpatient
cost-shares for civilian hospitals. Tricare reimbursement rates are aligned
with Medicare rates as set by Congress.  However, Tricare does have
some dispensations that may not be available to Medicare to ensure that
beneficiaries continue to have health care available. Medicare premiums
also change annually and now the Medicare Part B premium is linked to
income.  In 2007, individual incomes will trigger premium increases at
$80,000, $100,000, $150,000 and $200,000.  For married couples the
premium rises when the income is double those amounts.  However, this change
will have no effect on Tricare costs or benefits for those who are also
Medicare beneficiaries.  Beneficiaries can view the updated
reimbursement rates on the Tricare web site at
www.tricare.osd.mil/tricarecost.cfm.  [Source: TMA News Release No. 06-49 15 Nov 06 ++]

TRICARE REIMBURSEMENT RATES UPDATE 01:  The updated 2007 cost shares
for Tricare beneficiaries are now available from the Defense Department. 
Every year, the federal government tweaks the elaborate system that
determines the amount doctors get paid for care and procedures, known as
“reimbursement rates”.  Those changes, in turn, translate into changes
in cost shares, or co-pays, for insurance beneficiaries. Tricare
officials said this year’s changes are few and small. A comparison of the 2006
and 2007 charts revealed an increase in charges for civilian in-patient
skilled nursing facility care, such as nursing homes, from $11 per day
co-pay to $14.80 per day under Tricare Standard and Extra. The daily
charges for active-duty family members to receive in-patient care will
also creep up 45 cents a day under the same plans. Tricare Standard
beneficiaries will also pay more for in-patient care at low-volume
behavioral health facilities. Rates now are $181 per day or 25% of the billed
charges, on top of 25% of the allowable charges for separately billed
services. That is up from $175 per day in 2006.There will be no increases
for Tricare Prime beneficiaries, according to the charts.
     The updated rates are available on the internet at
http://www.tricare.mil/tricarecost.cfm. For more detailed information
and personal help, patients should contact their regional Tricare
contractor. Tricare reimbursement rates are aligned with congressionally
determined Medicare rates. There are some differences, however, with
Tricare picking up some costs that Medicare does not. For those carrying
Tricare coverage that are also eligible for Medicare, income-based changes
to Medicare premiums are coming in 2007. In 2007, Medicare premiums
will increase when an individual’s income hits $80,000, $100,000, $150,000
and $200,000. For married couples, premiums increases are triggered by
double those amounts. Tricare officials said changes to Medicare Part B
will have no effect on their Tricare coverage. Those who are eligible
for Medicare and are enrolled in Tricare for Life have separate payment
charts which can be found at www.tricare. osd.mil/tfl/ tflcostmatrix_
b.html. [Source: ArmyTimes Gayle Putrich article 20 Nov 06 ++]

VA OUTPATIENT PHARMACY UPDATE 02:   The VA is developing a policy that
would allow VA doctors to write prescriptions that could be filled at
non-VA pharmacies. Currently, veterans pay $8.00 for a 30-day supply of
non-service-connected medication at a VA pharmacy. Wal-Mart has
announced a $4.00 prescription plan.  In many states, Wal-Mart will fill a
prescription for generic drugs for just $4.00 for a 30-day supply.  A
number of other retailers have followed Wal-Mart’s lead and announced
similar plans.  Target will institute a $4.00 plan in many states. Some
retailers, trying to fight Wal-Mart’s “Big Box” retailing strategy, have
even offered a limited number of generic medications for free.
     When approved, the new VA policy could save veterans and the VA a
considerable amount of money.
It appears that the new Wal-Mart plan had a bearing on the VA’s
decision to provide prescriptions to veterans that could be filled outside the
VA system, although there has been no official comment on this.
The VA is currently finalizing this new policy.  No date has been set
for this policy to take effect.
When VA was asked to comment on this Laurie Tranter Public Affairs
official VA statement on the policy was, “It is likely that VA will issue
guidance which will permit VA physicians to write prescriptions to be
filled in non-VA pharmacies, providing they meet all State prescribing
requirements.”  [Source: Veteran Advocate Carl Young msg 21 Nov 06 ++]

PHILIPPINE CREDIT CARD SURCHARGE:   Administrative Order 10 (AO 10)
issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) prohibits the
imposition of additional surcharges on products and services purchased through
the use of a credit card.  Up to now shops normally displayed two
prices – one for cash payment and another for credit card use.  Retailers
normally impose a surcharge of five to 10% or more when a credit card is
used.  Under AO 10 shop keepers will be required to display only one
tag which is in keeping with articles 81 to 83 of the Consumer Act. 
According to the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP)  there
are now almost five million card-carrying Filipinos. The Philippine
Retailers Association (PRA) and the CCAP have been blaming each other for
the imposition of extra charges. According to the PRA cards issuers
exact two to three percent of the purchase price as processing fees. 
Hence, retailers have no choice but to pass on the extra charges to card
holders.  CCAP, on the other hand, said it has nothing to do with the
extra fees and passed on the blame to retailers.   Starting 5 NOV 06 anyone
caught violating the DTI order will face up to six months imprisonment
or a fine of up to P5,000.  A second violation will result in the
revocation of the shop’s business permit and license.  [Source: The Ville
Newsletter 16 Nov 06 ++]

MEDICARE PART D UPDATE 12:  Medicare prescription drug coverage is
available to everyone with Medicare, including Tricare for Life
beneficiaries. However, for nearly all Tricare-Medicare beneficiaries, there is no
added value in purchasing Medicare prescription drug coverage. The
exception to this general rule may be for those with limited incomes and
assets who qualify for Medicare's extra help with prescription drug plan
costs. A tip sheet for Tricare-Medicare eligible beneficiaries is
available at www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/tricaretip.pdf. A
comparison chart of Medicare, Tricare and VA Prescription Drug Coverage is
available on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website
www.cms.hhs.gov by entering the words “Comparison Chart” into the search
box. A new tip sheet for partners on the Medicare Part D 2007 Formulary
Changes is available at
www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/2007FormularyChanges.pdf. [Source: Military.com 20 Nov 06]

VA APPOINTMENTS UPDATE 03:   Newly released data from the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs indicates the agency has dramatically improved
its performance in seeing new veterans. In the first part of 2006,
nearly 18,000 veterans had to wait thirty days or longer to see a VA doctor
for the first time. By October, that number had dropped to less than
4,000. Some of the biggest improvements have come in what the VA calls
“VISN 20,” an area of the country which includes most of Idaho, as well
as Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and one county each in Montana and
California. In the second quarter of 2006, over 7,000 veterans in those
western states had waited thirty days or more to see a doctor. By October,
that number had dropped to less than 2,000.  The data is part of a new
quarterly report Congress required VA to send in the wake of last year’s
budget problems with the Department of Veterans Affairs. There are over
7 million veterans enrolled in VA health care, and VA officials report
that 96% are able to see a primary care doctor within 30 days. The
number slips only slightly for specialty care doctors. VA reports that 94%
of enrolled veterans are able to see a specialty care physician within
30 days.
     Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Larry Craig (R-ID)
said, “An 80% improvement in one year is nothing short of remarkable. 
The trend is in the right direction. When I discovered the budget
shortfall last year, I worked with my colleagues to swiftly address the
budget gap and provide the money VA needed. To prevent a shortfall from
happening again, I requested that VA provide the Committee with quarterly
budget reports. I believe the reports are working. They help us help
keep our finger on the pulse regarding the needs of America’s veterans. 
[Source: VA Jeff Schrade msg 21 Nov 06]

MOBILIZED RESERVE 29 NOV 06:  The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps
and Coast Guard announced the current number of reservists on active
duty as of 29 NOV 06 in support of the partial mobilization. The net
collective result is 4,230 fewer reservists mobilized than last reported for
25 OCT 06. Total number currently on active duty in support of the
partial mobilization for the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is
78,379; Navy Reserve 4,991; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve 5,725;
Marine Corps Reserve 7,006; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 363.  This
brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel, who have been
mobilized, to 96,464, including both units and individual augmentees. At any
given time, services may mobilize some units and individuals while
demobilizing others, making it possible for these figures to either
increase or decrease. A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve
personnel, who are currently mobilized, can be found at
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Nov2006/d20061129ngr.pdf [Source: DoD
News Release 29 Nov 06]

MILITARY LEGISLATION STATUS UPDATE:  Following is current status on
some Congressional bills of interest to the military community.  Support
of these bills through cosponsorship by other legislators is critical if
they are ever going to move through the legislative process for a floor
vote. A cosponsor is a member of Congress who has joined one or more
members in his/her chamber (i.e., House or Senate) to sponsor a bill or
amendment. The first member to "sign onto" a bill is considered the
"sponsor," members subsequently signing on are "cosponsors." Any number of
members may cosponsor a bill in the House or Senate. At
http://thomas.loc.gov you can determine the current status of each bill
and if your legislator is a sponsor or cosponsor of the bill you are
concerned with. The key to increasing cosponsorship is letting our
representatives know of veterans feelings on issues.  At the end of some of
the below listed bills are web links that can be used to do that.
Otherwise, you can locate who your representative is and his/her phone
number, mailing address, or email/website to communicate with a message or
letter of your own making:

H.R.303:  The ‘Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2005’ To amend title 10,
United States Code, to permit certain additional retired members of the
Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability to receive both
disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their
disability and either retired pay by reason of their years of military
service or Combat-Related Special Compensation and to eliminate the
phase-in period under current law with respect to such concurrent receipt. 
No new representatives have signed on to support the bill which
presently has a total of 240 sponsors.  There are no related bills.  Last
major action was a motion to the Discharge Committee on 5/24/2005 to bring
the bill to the floor for a vote. A discharge petition requires 218
signatures for further action.  To support this bill and/or contact your
Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=7728776. 

 H.R.602:  The ‘Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act’ to
restore health care coverage to retired members of the uniformed
services and their eligible dependents. House version of  S.407.  H.R.602
responds to the Federal Court ruling that only Congress, not military
recruiters, can authorize what kind of care will be provided to military
retirees, and that only Congress can - and should - make good on promised
and earned health care.  Referred to the Subcommittee on Health
2/25/05, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman. No new
representatives have signed on to support the bill which presently has a
total of 260 sponsors.

H.R.808:  The ‘Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act’ to amend title
10, United States Code, to repeal the offset from surviving spouse
annuities under the military Survivor Benefit Plan for amounts paid by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs as dependency and indemnity compensation
(DIC).  A motion was filed to discharge the Rules Committee from
consideration of H.RES 271 on 16 NOV 05.  This resolution provides for the
consideration of H.R.808 and requires 218 signatures for further action.
Representatives Bill Shuster (PA-09) & Terry Everett (AL-02) have signed
on to support the bill which presently has a total of 214 sponsors.
There are no related bills.  To support this bill and/or contact your
Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=7683586
To support the discharge petition and/or contact your Representative
refer to
http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/alert/?alertid=8248891&type=CO

H.R.916: The ‘Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2005’
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare
outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. Last major action was referral
to the House Subcommittee on Health 14 MAR 05. House version of  S.438.
No new representatives have signed on to support the bill which
presently has a total of 260 sponsors. To support this bill and/or contact
your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=7103976 &
http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=7103896.

H.R.968: To amend title 10, United States Code, to change the effective
date for paid-up coverage under the military Survivor Benefit Plan from
October 1, 2008, to October 1, 2005. Last major action was referral to
the House Subcommittee on Military Personnel 17 MAR 05. No new
representatives have signed on to support the bill which presently has a total
of 146 sponsors. There are no related bills.  To support this bill
and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=7683511

H.R.994:  To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal
civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a
pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums. 
Last major action was it being ordered to be reported by Voice Vote 6
JUN 05. No new representatives have signed on to support the bill which
presently has a total of 340 sponsors. This is the House version of
S.484. To support this bill and/or send a message to your Representative
refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=7761876

H.R.995: The ‘Combat Military Medically Retired Veteran's Fairness Act
of 2005’ to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the
payment of Combat-Related Special Compensation under that title to members
of the Armed Forces retired for disability with less than 20 years of
active military service who were awarded the Purple Heart. Last major
action was referral to the House Subcommittee on Military Personnel 17
MAR 05. No new representatives have signed on to support the bill which
presently has a total of 31 sponsors. There are no related bills.  To
support this bill and/or send a message to your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=7683281

H.R.1364:  The ‘Equal Justice for Our Military Act’ to amend title 28,
United States Code, to enable the Supreme Court to review decisions in
which the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces denied relief. Last
major action was referral to the House Subcommittee on Courts, the
Internet, and Intellectual Property 4 APR 05. No new representatives have
signed on to support the bill which presently has a total of 5 sponsors.
There are no related bills.

H.R.1366:  The ‘Combat-Related Special Compensation Act of 2005’ to
amend title 10, United States Code, to expand eligibility for
Combat-Related Special Compensation paid by the uniformed services in order to
permit certain additional retired members who have a service-connected
disability to receive both disability compensation from the Department of
Veterans Affairs for that disability and Combat-Related Special
Compensation by reason of that disability.  Last major action was Referral to
the House Subcommittee on Military Personnel 6 APR 05. Representatives
William Jefferson (LA-02) & James Oberster (MN-08) have signed on to
support the bill which presently has a total of 54 sponsors.
 No new S.2385 is a related bill.  To support this bill send a message
to your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=7718711.  To support Sen.
Reid’s amendment to the 2007 NDAA bill S.2766 send a message to your
Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=8371516&type=ML

H.R.2076: The ‘Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2005’ To amend title 10,
United States Code, to permit certain retired members of the uniformed
services who have a service-connected disability to receive both
disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their
disability and either retired pay by reason of their years of military
service or Combat-Related Special Compensation.  Last major action was
referral to the House Subcommittee on Military Personnel 6/21/2005. Rep.
William Jefferson (LA-02) has signed on to support the bill which
presently has a total of 30 sponsors. Related bills are H.R.303, S.558,
S.845. To support this bill and/or send a message to your Representative
refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=7728776

H.R.2356:  The ‘Preserving Patient Access to Physicians Act of 2005’ to
amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reform the Medicare
physician payment update system through repeal of the sustainable growth
rate (SGR) payment update system. Last major action was referral to the
House Subcommittee on Health 23 MAY 05. No new representatives have
signed on to support the bill which presently has a total of 177 sponsors. 
S.1081is a related bill. To support this bill and/or send a message to
your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=7742321.
 
H.R.2962: The ‘Atomic Veterans Relief Act’ to amend title 38, United
States Code, to revise the eligibility criteria for presumption of
service-connection of certain diseases and disabilities for veterans exposed
to ionizing radiation during military service, and for other purposes. 
Last major action was referral to the House Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs 28 JUN 05. No new representatives have
signed on to support the bill which presently has a total of 53
sponsors.  There are no other related bills. To support this bill and/or send
a message to your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=7784066

H.R.4259: The ‘Veterans right to Know Act’ to establish a Commission to
investigate chemical or biological warfare tests or projects,
especially such projects carried out between 1954 and 1973, placing particular
emphasis on actions or conditions associated with such projects that
could have contributed to health risks or been harmful to any United
States civilian personnel or member of the United States Armed Forces who
participated in such a project or who was otherwise potentially exposed
to any biological or chemical agent, simulant, tracer, decontaminant, or
herbicide as a result of such projects; and to submit a report to
Congress of its findings and recommendations. Last major action was referral
to the House Subcommittee on Military Personnel 30 NOV 05. No new
representatives have signed on to support the bill which presently has a
total of 43 sponsors. There are no other related bills.

H.R.4914: The ‘Veterans' Choice of Representation Act’ to amend title
38, United States Code, to remove certain limitations on attorney
representation of claimants for veterans benefits in administrative
proceedings before the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. 
Last major action was referral to the House Committee on Veterans'
Affairs 9 MAR 06. No new representatives have signed on to support the bill
which presently has a total of 8 sponsors. There are no other related
bills.  To support this bill and/or send a message to your
Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=8835676

H.R.4949: The ‘Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act’ to amend
title 10, United States Code, to prohibit increases in fees for military
health care.  Last major action was referral to the House Committee on
Armed Services 14 MAR 06. Rep Bill Pascrell [NJ-8] has signed on to
support the bill which presently has a total of 164 sponsors. There are no
other related bills.  To support this bill and/or send a message to
your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=8591231

H.R.4992: The ‘Veterans Medicare Assistance Act of 2006’ to provide for
Medicare reimbursement for health care services provided to
Medicare-eligible veterans in facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. 
Last major action was referral to the House Subcommittee on Health 27
MAR 06. No new representatives have signed on to support the bill which
presently has a total of 24 sponsors. There are no other related bills. 
To support this bill and/or send a message to your Representative refer
to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/index_frame.dbq?url=http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=8670886

H.R.5881: The ‘Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act’ to amend title
10, United States Code, to eliminate the offset between military retired
pay and veterans service-connected disability compensation for certain
retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected
disability, and for other purposes. Introduced 26 JUL 06 by Rep Marshall, Jim
(GA-03). There are no other related bills. Last major action was
referral to the House Subcommittee on Military Personnel 25 JUL 06. No new
representatives have signed on to support the bill which presently has a
total of 3 sponsors. To support this bill and/or send a message to your
Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/index_frame.dbq?url=http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=8969606&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

H.R.6100: introduced the ‘Military Education Enhancement Opportunities
Act of 2006’ to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for
certain servicemembers to become eligible for educational assistance under
the Montgomery GI Bill. Introduced by Rep. Mike Bilirakis [R-FL-09] on
9/19/6. Rep. BobFilner (CA-51) has signed on to support the bill which
gives this bill a total of 1 sponsor.   There are no other related
bills. Last major action was referral to the House Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity 10/10/2006. No new representatives have signed on to
support the bill which presently has no sponsors.

S.185:  The ‘Military Retiree Survivor Benefit Equity Act of 2005’ to
amend title 10, United States Code, to repeal the requirement for the
reduction of certain Survivor Benefit Plan annuities by the amount of
dependency and indemnity compensation and to modify the effective date for
paid-up coverage under the Survivor Benefit Plan. There are no other
related bills.  Last major action was referral to the Senate Committee on
Armed Services. No new senators have signed on to support the bill
which presently has a total of 35 sponsors. To support this bill and/or
send a message to your Senator refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=7709421
 
S.407:  The ‘Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act’ to
restore health care coverage to retired members of the uniformed services
and their eligible dependents. Last major action was referral to the
Senate Committee on Armed Services 16 FEB 05. A related bill is H.R.602.
No new senators have signed on to support the bill which presently has
a total of 15 sponsors.  To support this bill and/or send a message to
your Senator refer to http://mrgrg-ms.org/fax-it.html

S.484: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal
civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax
basis and to allow a deduction for Tricare supplemental premiums. A
related bill is H.R.994. Last major action was referral to the Senate
Committee on Finance 1 MAR 05. No new senators have signed on to support
the bill which presently has a total of 64 sponsors. To support this bill
and/or send a message to your Senator refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=7787396

S.2147: The ‘Multiple Sclerosis’ bill to extend the 7 year time period
during which a veteran's multiple sclerosis is to be considered to have
been incurred in, or aggravated by, military service during a period of
war. Last major action was referral to the Senate Committee on
Veterans' Affairs 20 DEC 05.  The bill has no cosponsors and there is no
related legislation in the House.  

S.2617: The ‘Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act’ to amend
title 10, United States Code, to limit increases in the costs to retired
members of the Armed Forces of health care services under the TRICARE
program, and for other purposes.  There are no other related bills. Last
major action was referral to the Senate Committee on Armed Services 6
APR 06. No new senators have signed on to support the bill which
presently has a total of 9 sponsors. To support this bill and/or send a
message to your Senator refe