BACK

RAO Bulletin Update
1 February 2007


THIS BULLETIN UPDATE CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES:

== Navy IRR --------------------------- (Remaining Service Obligation)
== Navy Casualty Assistance Division ------ (Organization & Duties)
== Renters Insurance [01] -------------- (Recommended if Applicable)
== DoD/VA Seamless Transition -------- (Hearings Highlight Efforts)
== Disabled Retiree Back Tax [01] ---------- (Refund Beyond 3 years)
== VA Vision Care ------------------------------------ (To be Enhanced)
== TJX Data Breach ----------------- (Legislation Still Needed)
== Mobilized Reserve 24 JAN 07 ----------------- (Net Increase 2,038)
== DoD VA Record Transition [02] ------------ (Agreement Reached)
== VDBC [11] ------------------------------- (Issues Discussed)
== VDBC [12] ------------------------------- (7/24 Disability Coverage)
== Tricare Alaska Provider Pmts ---------- (Higher Authorized Rates)
== VA Obesity Initiative [01] -------------- (41,000 Participants)
== Tricare Prime Allotment [02] -------------------- (Pay by Allotment)
== Tricare Uniform Formulary [17] -- (Beneficiary Input Procedure)
== Military Health Care TF ---------------------- (Holds First Meeting)
== Anheuser-Busch Hero Salute ----------- (Extended Through 2007)
== Iowa Vet Benefits ---------------------- (What’s Available)
== Fisher House Expansion ------------------------------- (New Homes.)
== Gulf War Presumptive Disease [02] --------- (Signs or Symptoms)
== CRSC [36] --------------------------- (You May Qualify)
== Medicare Part D [15] ----------- (Tricare Beneficiary Enrollment)
== Tricare User Fees [15] ----------------------- (DoD Increase Press)
== Tricare User Fees [16] --------------------- (H.R. 4949 Introduced)
== COLA 2008 [03] ----------------------------------- (1% below 2007)
== Korean War Armistice Day -------------------------- (27 July 2007)
== Federal Excise Tax Refund Credit -------------- (2006 Tax Return)
== Congressional Budget Schedule -------------------------- (FY 2007)
== Expatriate Income Tax ------------------------------ (Who Must File)
== 2006 Tax Law Changes ----------------------------------- (Summary)
== TSP [08] ---------------------------- (Hackers Steal $35,000)
== SSA Name Change [01] ------------------------------ (2007 How To)
== Philippine DEERS Registration [01] ---- (Walk-ins Discouraged)
== Blood Donor Month ------------------- (Retiree Donations Needed)
== Commissary User Savings -------------------------- (32% Annually)
== VA Compensation Rates (Other) ------ (2007 Monthly Payments)
== Hospital Cleanliness ------------------- (5% Infection Rate)
== Health Care Provider Performance --------------- (Where to Look)
== Military Legislation Status 31 JAN 07 --------- (Where we stand)


NAVY IRR:  Service obligations normally last for either six or eight
years after the sailor’s initial enlistment date, depending upon the
terms of his contract. Under a new Navy policy, sailors leaving active duty
who decline to transfer to the selected reserve will be counseled about
their remaining military service obligation under the Individual Ready
Reserve (IRR) program.  Those leaving active duty before their
obligation is up will be told that they have to keep their uniforms ready;
muster once a year for at least two hours, either in person or online; and
tell the Navy whenever they change jobs, become unemployed or start
school. During counseling, sailors will be warned that if they fail to
comply with muster requirements they will be classified as unsatisfactory
participants and can be ordered to active duty for 45 days, transferred
to inactive status or processed for separation. Commissioned officers
who are deemed unsatisfactory participants can be discharged only if a
board of officers recommends it.

     The total time a sailor spends during the annual muster, including
travel to and from the muster site for in-person musters, must not
exceed eight hours. Any sailor who lives more than four hours from the
nearest muster point will not be asked to muster in person. Sailors
mustering in person will be paid 125% of the average per diem rate for travel
in the continental U.S. The muster pay rate is normally about $165 per
person, which would mean the Navy would spend about $1 million paying
for musters if rates from the past two years hold up. During those two
years, between 5,000 and 7,000 IRR sailors were ordered to muster in
person. There are now about 70,000 sailors in the IRR. Sailors who muster
online will not be paid, although that policy could be changed at a
later date. All IRR sailors are required to muster online. Many in
high-demand specialties, such as physicians, nurses and Seabees, will then be
asked to do the follow-on in-person muster, where they can be
encouraged to take individual augmentee assignments, funeral details and other
military work.  [Source:  NavyTimes Chris Amos article 26 Jan 07 ++]


NAVY CASUALTY ASSISTANCE DIVISION:   The mission of the Navy Casualty
Assistance Division in Millington TN is to provide timely, compassionate
and caring assistance for Navy families in times of need. The Navy
Casualty Assistance Division consists of a Primary Response Branch,
Survivors Benefit and Entitlements Policy Branch, Casualty Case Settlement
Branch, and a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Branch.  Navy Casualty
Assistance Division personnel are available via 1(800) 368-3202.  Their
mailing address is: Bureau of Naval Personnel, Casualty Assistance
Division (N1352), 5720 Integrity Dr., Millington TN 38055-6210. Components of
the Navy Casualty Assistance Division include:
1. Casualty Assistance Calls Program (CACP) managed regionally by
Casualty Assistance Calls/Funeral Honors Support (CAC/FHS) Program
Coordinators.  Among other duties they coordinate the funeral honors program.
2. Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) Operations staffed by duty
personnel in the event of a mass casualty situation. The ECC provides
assistance by answering telephone inquiries,  providing family members with
information and referral, and  acting as a clearinghouse for information
in mass casualty scenarios.
3. Retired Casualty Assistance Program (RCAP) assists surviving family
members by providing survivors with the "Retiree Survivors Guide”, 
conducting telephone counseling, informing survivors of various benefits,
and providing personal counseling through Retired Activities Offices
(RAO).

Quick reference links available for survivor’s review are:
- Military Homefront - DoD Survivors Guide
http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/portal/page/itc/MHF/MHF_HOME_1?section_id=20.40.500.93.0.0.0.0.0
gives the survivor a clear idea of how the Department of Defense will
assist them from their first meeting with their Casualty Assistance
Officer.
- Casualty Assistance Guide for family members of deceased servicemen
www.npc.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/51D2C9C1-0351-460E-859A-403B21CEEBBD/0/Casualty_Assistance_for_Family.pdf. 
The guide provides survivors with the basic information needed to
ensure their benefit are promptly identified and distributed.
- SGLI Letter to Spouse (sample)
www.npc.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/63294BC6-17DA-4FD7-A9D1-D05B83DFEC93/0/SGLISampleLettertoSpouse.doc
- Navy Casualty Assistance Calls Office (CACO) Guide
http://www.npc.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/3BB8B920-69C3-4A88-AF44-01EC5248BDE7/0/navyCACO.pdf. 
[Source:  Military.com 29 Jan 07 ++]


RENTERS INSURANCE UPDATE 01:  If a renter or their family starts a fire
that destroys their apartment building, not only will they suffer the
loss of their own personal belongings, they could also be responsible
for damage to the entire structure.  Usually, the landlord would collect
from his or her insurance company.  The insurance company would in turn
sue the individual for the amount paid to the landlord.  Alternatively,
the landlord could sue them directly.  This is where renter's insurance
can save the day. Renter's insurance covers individuals' personal
property such as televisions, stereos, clothing, furniture, jewelry, carpets
and appliances.  Typically, renter's insurance provides coverage when
their belongings are stolen or damaged by one of several causes
specifically stated in the policy, such as fire, lightning, falling objects,
hail or faulty appliances.  It usually covers unintentional or
non-negligent damage the renter and their family members may do to the property
of others.  For example, if a fire in their apartment gets out of
control and destroys their apartment building, their policy would pay for
damages to the entire structure.  It will also provide coverage for:
- A guest suing for something as unreasonable as tripping and falling
over your doorstep.
- Your dog biting a child selling candy or a visiting neighbor tripping
over your rug.
- Anyone hurt as a result of a party guest you served drinks to that
has a wreck on the way home.  In 31 states, court precedents have found
that hosts who serve alcohol are liable as third parties to crimes
caused by drunk drivers.
- Expense of living elsewhere while damage to your residence is being
repaired.

     Renters often think insurance costs too much.  However, nominal
monthly premiums, often less than $20, will typically buy $12,000 or
$15,000 of replacement cost coverage for their personal belongings and
$100,000 of liability insurance to protect the individual from lawsuits. 
Companies whose clientele are predominantly from the military community
(such as USAA) usually offer higher coverage for the same premium. 
Also, for those who maintain a rental residence at more than one
geographic location one policy will cover both residences year round with no
increase in premium.  [Source:  Los Angeles AFB RAO News Jan-Apr 07 ++]


DOD/VA SEAMLESS TRANSITION:  Two Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
hearings on 23/24 JAN shed some additional light on progress made by the
Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) in improving the
transition between military and VA health care systems for wounded and
disabled veterans.  On 23 JAN, Deputy VA Secretary Gordon Mansfield and
DoD Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness Dr. David Chu testified
about the joint DoD/VA plan in this area, which Mansfield said fosters
an unprecedented level of cooperation between VA and DoD in an effort
to remove institutional barriers and address operational challenges. 
They said several first steps are under way. 
- A "Benefits at Discharge Program" is in place, enabling active duty
members to register for benefits before leaving active service.
- Each VA office now has a point of contact assigned to work with
veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.  Thus far, the VA has
coordinated the transfer of 6,700 injured or ill active duty service members
from DoD to VA, and both agencies have agreements with state National
Guard leaders to provide briefings and information to ease transition for
returning Guard and Reserve personnel. 

     In addition, the joint DoD/VA plan would establish standard
guidelines in areas such as mental health (specifically PTSD), joint facility
use, information management, contingency planning, patient safety, and
research. Committee Chairman Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI) liked what he
heard, but believes these efforts need more funding.  He said this is “a
cost of war" and will push for additional funds immediately.  On 24 JAN,
DoD and VA witnesses outlined plans to acquire a new, common electronic
health record system that can be used jointly by health care facilities
in both agencies.  This has been a major sore spot for years, as
military and VA facilities currently use entirely different electronic
medical record systems that don't interact.  While VA facilities have some
limited capacity to view certain information in military health records,
there is nothing like a jointly usable system at present. Sen. Larry
Craig (R-ID), the Committee's senior Republican, said the new agreement
to develop a joint system is "a major step... [that] is long overdue."
[Source: MOAA Update 26 Jan 07 ++]


DISABLED RETIREE BACK TAX UPDATE 01:  Most VA disability claims filed
by military retirees are resolved in less than a year.  But lost
paperwork, administrative errors, and appeals of rejected claims delay
thousands of disability awards for years on end.  The VA disability award is
retroactive to the date of the application -- making some portion of
past military retired pay tax-free.  But to get a refund of back taxes
paid, disabled retirees must file an amended tax return for each
applicable year.   That's when retirees run into a major problem:  the IRS Code
bars filing amended returns beyond the last three tax years.  As a
result, VA administrative glitches and insensitive tax laws cost these
disabled retirees thousands of dollars through no fault of their own.   

     The "Disabled Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2007" (S. 326) would
allow disabled veterans whose disability claims have been pending for
more than 3 years to receive refunds on previous taxes paid for up to five
years - the length of time the IRS keeps these records.  Sen. Lincoln
(D-AR) received bipartisan support on her bill, with 11 senators joining
as original cosponsors.  House champion Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA) is
expected to re-introduce a similar measure soon, according to his staff.  The
Farr bill would authorize a 15-year look-back exception to IRS rules
for amended returns from disabled military retirees.  Those who would
like communicate their support of this bill to their legislators can go to
http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9294921 and see/send a
recommended letter by typing in their
zip code.  [Source: MOAA Update 26 Jan 07 ++]


VA VISION CARE:  The VA announced in JAN 07 that more than a million
visually impaired veterans will receive enhanced health care services
from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under a reorganization of
VA’s vision rehabilitation services. VA will make approximately $40
million available during the next three years to establish a comprehensive
nationwide rehabilitation system for veterans and active duty personnel
with visual impairments.  The system will enhance inpatient services and
expand outpatient services throughout the 1,400 locations where VA
provides health care. Under the reorganization plan, each of VA’s 21
regional networks—called Veterans Integrated Service Networks, or VISNs—will
implement a plan to provide eye care to veterans with visual
impairments ranging from 20/70 to total blindness.  Basic low-vision services
will be available at all VA eye clinics, and every network will offer
intermediate and advanced low-vision services, including a full spectrum of
optical devices and electronic visual aids. VA’s 10 existing inpatient
blind rehabilitation centers will continue to provide the Department’s
most intensive eye care programs, but each VISN now will also provide
outpatient-based blind rehabilitation care. VA estimates there are more
than 1 million visually impaired veterans over the age of 45 in the
United States.  Within this group, approximately 157,000 are legally
blind, and 1,026,000 have low vision.  About 80% of all visually impaired
veterans have a progressive disability caused by age-related macular
degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.  [Source: NAUS Weekly
Update for 26 Jan 07 ++]


TJX DATA BREACH:  The Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA) is
calling on the new Congress to pass comprehensive data-security legislation
after another massive data breach reported in mid-JAN 07. TJX, the
parent company of stores including Marshalls and TJ Maxx, announced that
hackers broke into a system that handles credit and debit card
transactions. The company has refused to say how many customers were affected. 
Liz Gasster, president and CEO of CSIA said the episode “has the
potential to be a very large breach,” and the fact that the company is based in
Massachusetts, one of 15 states without breach laws, highlights the
need for national legislation.  Several data-security bills were
introduced in the last session of the 109th Congress, some addressing
protections for data housed by commercial companies and others addressing
sensitive data stored by various government agencies. The legislation outlined
requirements for notifying affected consumers in the event of a
security breach and sometimes mandated preventive measures like encryption.
Various committees, including the House Government Reform and Financial
Services panels, held hearings, but none of the legislation became law.

     So far this session, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has introduced a
bill, S.239, that would require federal agencies to disclose data
breaches, and Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-VA)., has introduced a measure, H.R.516,
that also just addresses the security of government data. It would
require encryption for all sensitive data housed by government agencies and
also outline security requirements for government workers and
contractors with access to the data. Gasster said, “The biggest priority is to
pass a comprehensive data-security law that applies to all entities.  A
lot of proposals focus on the private sector. I think it’s important
for the law to apply equally to the government and the private sector. 
It does not make sense for security standards and procedures to change
depending on where the data rests because it certainly does not matter
to an identity-theft victim. It is especially unfair to consumers when a
government agency fails to secure sensitive data.  We can choose to do
business with a company, but when we do business with the government,
we don’t have a choice.”  [Source:  GOVEXEC.com Heather Greenfield
article 22 Jan 07 ++]


MOBILIZED RESERVE 24 JAN 07:  The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps
and Coast Guard announced the current number of reservists on active
duty as of 24 JAN 07 in support of the partial mobilization. The net
collective result is 2,038 more reservists mobilized than last reported for
27 DEC 06. Total number currently on active duty in support of the
partial mobilization for the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is
74,688; Navy Reserve 5,269; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve 5,307;
Marine Corps Reserve 5,573; and the Coast Guard Reserve 309.  This
brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel, who have been
mobilized, to 91,344, 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/Jan2007/d20070124ngr.pdf. [Source: DoD
News Release 24 Jan 07 ++]


DOD VA RECORD TRANSITION UPDATE 02:  After nearly a decade of
attempting to exchange information stored in separate systems, the Veterans
Affairs Department and the Pentagon have agreed to join together to
establish an updated electronic health records system. While details remain
sparse, the Defense Department announced 24 JAN that the two agencies
would jointly acquire and use a new in-patient electronic health system.
The VA developed its current system, known as VistA, in 2001. Work began
on the Pentagon’s Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology
Application, or AHLTA, in 1997. Both systems are in need of an upgrade.  The
agencies have agreed to study their clinical processes and requirements
and assess the benefits and the potential effects on their timelines and
costs, before making a final decision on a joint acquisition strategy
for the upgraded system.  Until now, the VA and Defense have been
working independently on enhancing and improving their existing systems. They
have made various attempts to share health information. According to
Defense, millions of records and data messages are regularly moved
electronically between the agencies.

     VA Secretary James Nicholson, who announced plans for the joint
venture 23 JAN at a meeting of the American Health Information Community,
called the agreement “groundbreaking” and said that “it has the
potential to further transform the way we care for our nation’s veterans and
active duty service members.” A joint system for documenting in-patient
health information will smooth the process of transferring active duty
service members to veteran status, according to the Pentagon. The
system will also make the inpatient health care data on shared beneficiaries
immediately accessible to both Defense and VA health care providers. 
The joint acquisition and development of the system could result in
significant cost savings, the Pentagon said in a statement.  The two
existing systems have diverse missions. Defense needs its system to support
patients in its combat theaters, and pediatric and obstetrical patients.
The VA’s system supports domiciliary care. But both agencies “believe
that the similarities in clinical and business processes may make the
adoption” of a joint system a viable option, according to the Pentagon.
Robert McFarland, former VA chief information officer, said it made no
sense for the two organizations to have separate systems. The two
agencies have more similarities than differences, he said, and should have
combined their efforts a long time ago. He predicted that hundreds of
millions of dollars could be saved as a result of the joint effort. 
[Source: GOVEXEC.com Daniel Pulliam article 25 Jan 07 ++]


VDBC UPDATE 11:  The Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission met 18 &
19 JAN in Washington, D.C. and continued their review of veterans'
benefits.  The two-day hearing included testimony from a panel of military
and veteran organization representatives, including the TMC, MOAA, FRA,
AL, and VFW representatives in attendance. They opened with an oral
statements that drove home recommendations for three severe inequities
that exist in concurrent receipt law:
- Changing current legislation to include "Chapter 61" disability
retirees with less than 20 years of service,
- Extending eligibility to disabled retirees with 10-40% disability
ratings, and
- Accelerating/eliminating the 10-year phase-in schedule. 

Their written statement can be found on www.moaa.org. Several
Commissioners, but not all, were receptive to including Chapter 61s with less
than 20 years as an option in their concurrent receipt deliberations. 
The Commission's position on that issue is expected during the 21-23 FEB
public hearing. [Source:  MOAA Leg Up 19 Jan 07 ++]


VDBC UPDATE 12:  Testifying 19 JAN before the Veterans Disability
Benefits Committee, which is considering limits on veterans disability and
health care, the American Legion argues it is “fundamentally unfair” to
change standards. The commission, appointed by Congress, is looking at
updating military and veterans’ benefits. One of the proposed changes
involves restricting benefits to cover health problems among veterans
only if those problems have a direct connection to military duties. The
commission is expected to make a recommendation by fall. Steve Smithson,
the American Legion’s deputy director for claims services says, “We
find such a proposal detrimental to the national interest and patently
absurd.  If a service members is subject to the Uniform Code of Military
Justice 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whether on or off a military
base and whether performing official duties or taking personal time,
then health care and disability coverage should be the same.”

     Two related issues that would limit veterans’ health and
disability benefits are being discussed:
- One would try to separate on-duty and off-duty health problems,
leaving the government fully responsible for any injury or illness related
to military service, while providing limited or no coverage for off-duty
health problems, such as a drunken service member having a motorcycle
accident while on leave.
- The second issue involves trying to separate age-related health
problems from service-connected health problems.

Under the most restrictive proposal, death, disease or injury would
have to be incurred during military operations or training to be covered
by veterans’ disability, health and death benefits, and could not be due
to willful misconduct or the abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs. Not
providing around-the-clock disability coverage would create a major hole
in military and veterans’ benefits, Smithson said. “The federal
government does not provide service members with health insurance, long-term
disability insurance, or workers’ compensation benefits,” Smithson said.
“If VA disability compensation was unavailable for medical conditions
that occur during or result from the period of military service, but not
from performance of military duties, members would be forced to
purchase private insurance to protect against financial hardship after they
are discharged. Buying insurance, however, could be difficult. Private
insurers would likely charge high premiums for coverage against
disabilities for service members and health insurance purchased after leaving
the military might exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions. Deciding
what is and is not a disability resulting from military duties also is
a question ripe for problems because it is not always clear. For
example, would it be considered to be in the line of duty if a service member
is paralyzed by a drunk driver while returning to her off-base home at
2:30 in the morning after reporting for an emergency recall drill?.
Would it be considered to be in the line of duty in a case where an
individual is injured running or playing basketball, while on leave, in order
to keep in shape to comply with military fitness standards?”  [Source:
ArmyTimes Rick Maze article 23 Jan 07 ++]



TRICARE ALASKA PROVIDER PAYMENTS:   To improve access to care for its
beneficiaries in Alaska, Tricare Management Activity will conduct a
three-year demonstration project there.  Beginning 1 FEB 07 physicians and
other non-institutional individual professional providers in Alaska
will receive payment at a rate higher than the Medicare rate.  Access to
health care services in Alaska is often severely limited by the overall
scarcity of providers, their reluctance to accept Tricare payment
rates, transportation issues, and other factors.  Tricare is raising
reimbursement rates in response to these challenges. During the three-year
demonstration project, Alaska doctors will receive payment at a rate 1.35
times the current Tricare allowable rate.  The project will test how
this increase affects provider participation in Tricare, beneficiary
access to care, and the cost of health care services, all of which could
impact military medical readiness, morale and welfare.  When local
providers are unavailable, patients must be transported to Seattle or another
location for treatment, which is expensive and involves considerable
lost duty time.  This demonstration will test to what extent savings in
travel costs, lost duty time, and other factors might offset the
increased costs of provider payments. Tricare provider payments are generally
the same as under Medicare, unless the Defense Department takes
specific action to increase payment rates in response to a severe access
problem in a location. Alaska's Military Treatment Facilities meet a large
percentage of the state's beneficiary health care needs. Those remaining
must be referred to local civilian providers or to the lower 48 states. 
[Source:  TMA News Release 23 Jan 0 ++] 


VA OBESITY INITIATIVE UPDATE 01:  By the start of Healthy Weight Week
(21-27 JAN), more than 41,000 veterans were participating in a weight
management program designed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to
reduce the high rates of illness among VA’s patients caused by obesity. 
According to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson there is a
growing epidemic of obesity and diabetes in the nation, especially among
veterans.  Of the veterans VA cares for 70% are overweight and one in
five has diabetes, both of which increase the risk of many diseases. 
VA’s Managing Overweight Veterans Everywhere (MOVE!) program not only
encourages veterans enrolled in VA care to get in shape but also offers
information to family members and anyone trying to lose weight through an
Internet link. VA started MOVE! to encourage veterans to increase their
physical activity and improve their nutrition. 

     Through individual and group counseling, physicians, nurses,
dieticians and recreational therapists help enrollees change their eating
behavior and increase their exercise. Primary care teams at all VA
medical centers stay in touch with participants to track their progress. 
Increasing numbers of VA community-based clinics also are enrolling
veterans.  Among activities they promote are competitions in fitness
challenges, joining community exercise programs that partner with VA medical
facilities, and leading families and friends into movement and nutrition
routines. Anyone can log onto www.move.va.gov where a questionnaire
helps identify personal barriers to weight control.  The questions link to
about 100 informational materials on the site.  People not enrolled in
VA health care can take the information about themselves to their
personal health care providers.  [Source:  VA News Release 23 Jan 07 ++]


TRICARE PRIME ALLOTMENT UPDATE 02:  Military retirees in TRICARE Prime
are reminded they may pay their Prime enrollment fees by establishing a
monthly allotment from their Service retirement pay. The Defense
Financial Accounting System (DFAS), the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Public
Health Service deducts the retirement pay allotment. Retirees enrolled
in TRICARE Prime currently receive a quarterly or annual bill, which
they can pay by check or credit card. Choosing to pay by allotment saves
on paperwork and time.  Retirees may begin to take advantage of this
convenient process by downloading and completing an enrollment fee
allotment authorization form, based on the region in which they live: TRICARE
North, TRICARE South, TRICARE West. This form is used to stop, start,
or change monthly allotment payments from retiree pay accounts.
Allotment forms can be found at these links:
 West Region:
https://www.triwest.com/triwest/default.html?/triwest/unauth/content/enrollment/
 North Region:
https://www.hnfs.net/bene/enrollment/enrollment_activities_current_beneficiaries.htm
 South Region:
http://www.humanamilitary.com/south/bene/TRICAREResources/forms/BeneForms.htm#2.

     Retirees should send the completed form with an initial quarterly
payment to their regional contractor. The regional contractor will
forward a payment request to the designated pay agency and the agency will
set up a monthly payment to the regional contractor on the retiree’s
behalf. Retirees should contact their regional contractor or go online to
a contractor’s secure website to make sure it received the enrollment
fee allotment authorization form and initial quarterly payment.  DFAS
will put allotment orders in the pay system for processing once Tricare
sends the request. Retirees may view their allotment details through
myPay at: https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx, or on their pay statements
(leave and earnings statement or retired or annuitant account statement),
when DFAS activates the allotment.

     Beneficiaries who receive survivor benefits from either retired or
active duty sponsors are paid through a separate pay account and are
not eligible for an enrollment fee allotment. For more information on
enrollment fee allotments, retirees may contact their regional contractor
at:
 West Region: TriWest, 1(888) 874-9378, www.tricare.osd.mil/west
 North Region: HealthNet, 1(877) TRICARE, www.tricare.osd.mil/north
 South Region: Humana Military, 1(800) 444-5445,
www.tricare.osd.mil/south
For more information on monthly allotments, visit the DFAS website at:
http://www.dfas.mil/. [Source: NMFA Government and You E-News 23 Jan 07
++]


TRICARE UNIFORM FORMULARY UPDATE 17:  .When it directed DoD to
institute the 3-tier formulary, Congress established the Uniform Formulary
Beneficiary Advisory Panel (BAP) to review and comment on the
recommendations of the DoD Pharmacy and Therapeutic (P&T) Committee. Members of the
BAP include active duty family members, retirees and retiree family
members, two clinical experts outside of DoD, a pharmacist from the
Uniformed Services Family Health Plan and physicians or pharmacists from the
Tricare regional contractors and the pharmacy contractor. NMFA
Government Relations Volunteer Deb Fryar serves as an active duty family member
representative on the panel. The P&T Committee forwards
recommendations, along with the comments from the BAP, to the director, TRICARE
Management Activity for consideration prior to a final decision. The military
health system encourages Tricare beneficiaries to be part of the
process by communicating their concerns to the BAP. The Federal Register
announcement of the public BAP meeting and its agenda is posted on the BAP
website at www.tricare.osd.mil/pharmacy/BAP/ two to six weeks in
advance of the meeting. The site provides information on how beneficiaries
should submit comments or concerns.  [Source: NMFA Government and You
E-News 23 Jan 07 ++]


MILITARY HEALTH CARE TASK FORCE:  The Task Force on the Future of
Military Health Care held its first open meeting 16 JAN, in Alexandria,
Virginia. The commissioners received an overview of the Military Health
System (MHS), the Defense Health Program (DHP), and the DoD “sustaining
the military health benefit” efforts.  Dr. William Winkerwerder,
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, and Dr. David Chu, Under
Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, added their commentary
on their health care programs and initiatives. The MHS and DHP briefing
included information about the MHS mission, beneficiaries and benefits,
financial resources, operation and maintenance structure, medical
military construction, the Medicare eligible retiree health care fund and
current issues. The MHS mission is to:
- Provide health care to the military in order to deploy healthy
service members;
- Provide patient care to beneficiaries;
- Maintain professional proficiencies: and
- Deploy medical staff in support of deployed service members.

     Currently, the approximately 9.1 million beneficiaries include 2.3
million active duty family members and 2.2 million eligible retiree
family members. Funding for the DHP covers operation and maintenance
(O&M), research, development, test and evaluation (RDT & E) and procurement
(purchases for equipment and systems). Total DHP funding included in
the President’s FY 2007 budget is approximately $21 million. Additional
FY 2007 budgeted items are medical military personnel, medical military
construction and unified medical program, totaling approximately $28
million.  The Medicare eligible retiree health care fund covers
beneficiaries eligible for Tricare for Life (TFL). The total FY 2007 estimated
TFL cost is $7.7 billion. and has a total budget authority of
approximately $36 million. The MHS infrastructure consists of 259 veterinary, 417
dental, and 409 medical clinics, as well as 70 inpatient facilities.
Patient care makes up 81% of the DHP O&M budget. Patient care received
within the military medical facilities is valued at approximately $5.6
million, with $11 million paid for private sector care. Current financial
issues are the added cost of the Global War on Terrorism and the
failure of the 110th Congress to pass the FY 2007 appropriations bill that
funds military construction and Defense health care. Instead, it decided
to fund all programs without a completed appropriations bill through at
a Continuing Resolution at FY 2006 levels. This decision will create a
$2 billion budget shortfall for Defense health care this year.

     The DoD briefers presenting the “sustaining the military health
benefit” discussed the rising cost of Tricare, in terms familiar to
beneficiaries who have followed this issue since DoD’s attempt last year to
increase certain Tricare fees. Currently, health care makes up 8% of
DoD’s total budget, but is projected to rise to $62 billion and 12% in
2015. Officials noted that the under age 65 retiree eligible population
is approximately 3 million. They indicated that the changes proposed
last year, and still supported by the Department, are estimated to create
$11.2 billion savings over five years.  The initial report of the task
force is due to Congress in MAY 07. The next meeting is scheduled for 6
FEB 07 in the Washington, DC, area. The task force website is:
http://www.ha.osd.mil/dhb/fmhc/.  [Source: NMFA Government and You
E-News 23 Jan 07 ++]


ANHEUSER-BUSCH HERO SALUTE UPDATE 02:  Anheuser-Busch has extended its
“Here's to the Heroes” program through 2007. The program provides a
single day's free admission to any one SeaWorld or Busch Gardens park,
Sesame Place, Adventure Island or Water Country USA for the servicemember
and as many as three of his or her direct dependents. Any active duty,
active reserve, ready reserve servicemember or National Guardsman is
entitled to free admission under the program. He or she need only
register, either online at www.herosalute.com or in the entrance plaza of a
participating park, and show a Department of Defense photo ID. Also
included in the offer are members of foreign military forces serving in the
coalitions in Iraq or Afghanistan or in the United States attached to
American units for training. Inactive, standby and retired reserve
members, military retirees, U. S. Merchant Marine and civilian DoD employees
are ineligible for the program. Dependents may take advantage of the
offer without their service member, though an adult must accompany minor
dependents.  Busch Gardens Williamsburg and SeaWorld San Antonio are
seasonal operations that will remain closed until spring 2007. The
remaining parks, SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld San
Diego are open year round. Personnel interested in visiting those parks
can check operating schedules at www.herosalute.com. Here's to the
Heroes is the fourth tribute to military personnel offered by
Anheuser-Busch since Yellow Ribbon Summer welcomed servicemembers home from the Gulf
War in 1991. [Source: Milirary.com article 22 Jan 07 ++]


IOWA VET BENEFITS:  In addition to benefits available from the federal
government the State of Iowa has expanded its Vet Benefit programs to
include:
- The Iowa Veteran's Housing Grant Program, which gives a $5,000
matching grant to any veteran for the purchase of a home, tax free. To
qualify, the service member must have served on active duty under title 10,
90 days or more after 911. Active duty for training does not count. For
more information, log onto www.ifahome.com Veterans also receive an
annual property tax
exemption on their homes.
- The Injured Veteran Grant Program, which provides grants to any Iowa
veteran injured in a combat zone while in the line of duty. The injury
does not have to be combat action related. To qualify, the injured
veteran must be medically evacuated from a combat zone. Within one week of
evacuation, the veteran or his/her designated family member receives a
check in the amount of $2,500. The veteran will continue to receive
$2,500 every 30 days while he or she is receiving medical treatment, up to
a maximum of $10,000. This grant is provided by the state to help off
set the additional financial burdens veterans and their families incur
during convalescence.
- If you join the Iowa National Guard, the state will pay 100% of your
college tuition for four years, up to a maximum of about $6,000 a year.
This amount can be applied to attend any private or independent college
as well. Guardsmen can then use their GI bill to pay for other
expenses.

These are in addition to:
- Annual Tax exemption for veterans of the:
(1) Mexican War or War of the Rebellion: The property not to exceed
$11,111 in taxable value.
(2) War with Spain, Tyler Rangers, Colorado Volunteers in the War of
the Rebellion (1861-1865), Indian Wars, Chinese Relief Expedition or
Philippine Insurrection: The property not to exceed $56,667 in taxable
value.
(3) World War I: (April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918): The property not
to exceed $2,768 in taxable value.
(4) World War II: (December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946): The property
not to exceed $1,852 in taxable value.
(5) Korean Conflict: (June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955): The property
not to exceed $1,852 in taxable value.
(6) Vietnam Conflict: (December 22, 1961 to May 7, 1975): The property
not to exceed $1,852 in taxable value.
- Use of the Iowa Veterans Home located in Marshalltown, Iowa 50158.
Presently, the home provides personalized medical, nursing,
rehabilitative care, mental health, pharmacy and dietary services, along with many
other services.
- War Orphans Educational Aid from the  Iowa Department of Veterans
Affairs which may be used to defray the expenses of tuition,
matriculation, laboratory and similar fees, books and supplies, board, lodging, and
any other reasonably necessary expense for the War Orphan to attend the
educational institution of higher learning. Aid is limited to $600.
- Use of The State of Iowa Veterans Cemetery when constructed.

Note: At http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/ can be
found benefits provided by all states. [Source: Military.com article 22 Jan
07 ++]


FISHER HOUSE EXPANSION:  The Fisher House Foundation plans to expand
its efforts by building five new homes per year until 2010. This year, VA
medical centers in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Seattle are scheduled to
break ground on new homes, and the San Diego Naval Medical Center is
scheduled to get its second Fisher House as well. On 29 JAN Fisher Houses
III and IV at the Brooke Army Medical Center, at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas
will be dedicated. The foundation builds homes on and near active
military and Veterans Affairs medical facilities. The houses provide free
lodging for servicemembers who must stay near a hospital for continuing
treatment, as well as families visiting wounded loved ones. Today, there
are 36 Fisher House facilities in 16 states and one in Germany. After
the houses are built, they are gifted to U.S. government, which then
maintains them. The foundation works closely with the military to
determine where a new house should be built. For more information, visit the
Fisher House Foundation Website www.fisherhouse.org.  [Source:
Milirary.com article 22 Jan 07 ++]


GULF WAR PRESUMPTIVE DISEASE UPDATE 02: Other than Amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS  or Lou Gehrig's Disease) researchers have not been able
to isolate any other illness or disease that could be attributed to to
active service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the
Persian Gulf War.  However, the VA assumes that those who served in the
combat theater who have chronic disabilities resulting from undiagnosed
illnesses could receive disability benefits and be afforded other
veterans’ rights.  Signs or symptoms that may be a manifestation of an
undiagnosed illness or a chronic multisymptom illness include the following:
1. Fatigue
2. Unexplained rashes or other dermatological signs or symptoms
3. Headache
4. Muscle pain
5. Joint pain
6. Neurological signs and symptoms
7. Neuropsychological signs or symptoms
8. Signs or symptoms involving the upper or lower respiratory system
9. Sleep disturbances
10. Gastrointestinal signs or symptoms
11. Cardiovascular signs or symptoms
12. Abnormal weight loss
13. Menstrual disorders
Source: www.gulfwarvetlawsuit.com/040902.html ++]


CRSC UPDATE 36:   Ann Lacey of the CRSC office at the Air Force
Personnel Center says many vets may be missing out on special compensation.
Just because a veteran was not injured storming the beaches at Normandy
does not mean he or she may not be entitled to receive Combat-Related
Special Compensation (CRSC). Veterans may be missing out on hundreds, if
not thousands, of dollars every month because they have not applied for
the compensation. “Don’t let the term ‘combat’ throw you; there are
many circumstances which are combat related that could justify approval of
extra tax-free money for you” she said. CRSC is designed to restore
military retirement pay that has been offset by Department of Veterans
Affairs compensation when evidence exists to confirm the associated
disabilities are combat related.  For example, if a veteran is currently
rated for a disability of 10% with the VA, he or she receives a check from
the VA for $115 each month, but his or her retired pay is reduced by
that same amount.  If that disability is found to be combat-related by
the CRSC review board, he or she would continue to receive the monthly
check from the VA for $115 along with the remainder of the retired pay,
but begin to receive an additional monthly check from CRSC for $115.
 
    Many disabilities that resulted from conditions during peacetime
may meet the criteria for CRSC. For example an aircraft mechanic who
works on the flight line and begins to lose his hearing while in-service; a
personnel technician who dives for cover during a simulated air raid
and injures a shoulder; a pararescue journeyman who makes a peacetime
parachute jump and breaks his ankle upon landing.  If you’re not sure the
circumstances surrounding your disability meet the combat-related
criteria, it would be beneficial for you to apply for CRSC and let the board
make a determination for you. There are a few prerequisites to consider
before submitting a CRSC application.  To meet the basic eligibility
criteria to be considered for CRSC, veterans must inequities that exist
in concurrent receipt law:
 Be retired with 20 (or more) years of active-duty military service,
or retired at age 60 from the Guard or Reserve.
 Be receiving military retired pay.  Veterans who waived military
retirement pay for Civil Service credit are not eligible to apply for CRSC.
 Have a compensable VA disability rating of 10 percent or higher.
 Receive military retired pay that is reduced by VA disability
payments.

Copies of the Application for Combat-Related Special Compensation, DD
Form 2860, and more information on the program can be downloaded from
the AFPC Web site at http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/.  People can call
the Air Force CRSC office at 1(800) 616-3775 for assistance, or e-mail
them at afpc.dppdc.afcrsc@randolph.af.mil. It will take a little time to
complete the application and make copies of your documentation but it
is may qualify you for monthly tax-free compensation for the rest of
your life.  [Source:  Air Force Retiree News 12 Jan 07 ++]


MEDICARE PART D UPDATE 15:  In 2006, the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services (CMS) started automatically enrolling some Tricare
beneficiaries in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. According to
federal law, the Tricare pharmacy benefit is considered a secondary payer to
a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Tricare in accordance with
federal law established payment rules with their claims processor to
ensure their secondary payer role was complied with. Some Tricare
beneficiaries who have tried to use their Tricare prescription plan have been
surprised to learn that they are enrolled in a Medicare Part D
prescription drug plan without their consent.  Now, the Department of Defense has
established a place for beneficiaries in this position to go with their
problem. The Tricare Management Activity (TMA), the Defense Manpower
Data Center (DMDC), and CMS have jointly developed a customer-focused
process for beneficiaries to resolve Medicare Part D and Tricare coverage
issues, and obtain their prescriptions quickly.

     If a Tricare beneficiary is denied prescription coverage due to
Medicare Part D enrollment, and believes that he or she is not enrolled
in Medicare Part D, or have disenrolled from Medicare Part D, the
beneficiary should contact Express Scripts at 1(866)363-8779.  The Express
Scripts customer service representative will ask for the beneficiary’s
permission to access Medicare Part D coverage information from CMS and
determine whether the beneficiary is currently in a Part D plan.  If CMS
records show no Part D coverage, DMDC will update the beneficiary’s
Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) information in one
business day.  Additionally, a representative from DMDC will contact
the beneficiary to confirm the record correction.

     If Express Scripts discovers that CMS shows the beneficiary having
Medicare Part D coverage, they will advise the beneficiary how to
obtain confirmation of disenrollment or cancellation from Medicare Part D,
and how to forward the disenrollment or cancellation information to DMDC
to update the beneficiary’s DEERS record.  Once DMDC receives this
documentation, a customer service representative will update the DEERS
records and telephone the beneficiary to confirm the correction. To view
current Medicare Part D enrollment status on the Medicare Web site,
beneficiaries may go to www.medicare.gov, select the Medicare Prescription
Drug Plan Finder option, "Check Current Enrollment" option, then select
“View Your Current Plan” and follow the instructions.  [Source:  TMA
Press Release 06-06 dtd 18 Jan 07 ++]


TRICARE USER FEES UPDATE 15:  Senior Defense officials have renewed
their call to raise TRICARE enrollment fees and co-payments for under-65
military retirees and their dependents. Official’s are warning anew that
unless the cost of military health care is more-balanced, so the
beneficiary pays more and the government less, the present lifetime benefit,
arguably the best in the country, cannot be sustained over time.
Defense officials said they briefed key lawmakers on the planned fee
increases back in 2005 and most seemed to agree they were needed. But in early
2006, an election year, lawmakers bolted after the Pentagon’s “Sustain
the Benefit” plan officially was unveiled. This year, Defense officials
hope that, at a minimum, their call for higher Tricare fees will win
the endorsement of a new study group, the Task Force on the Future of
Military Healthcare.

     The 14-member panel was created by Congress, but its members were
appointed by the same officials pressing for fee increases. Half of the
task force already works for the DoD, being senior military officers or
civilian executives. Congress gave them a broad range of issues to
examine. But at their first public hearing 16 JAN Dr. David Chu, under
secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, told the task force that
it needs to address the structure of benefits. Ideally, DoD wants the
task force to endorse higher Tricare fees for 3.1 million beneficiaries
in an interim report to Congress due in May, presumably early enough
for legislative action this year when no lawmaker stands for reelection. 
Odd numbered years are probably better than even numbered (election)
years, quipped Chu when a task force member asked for timing guidance on
getting recommendations to Capitol Hill. Defense officials briefed the
task force on the military health system’s skyrocketing costs.  They
say the total this year will be $38 billion, up 131% since 2000.
Healthcare spending now is 8% of the defense budget but will climb to $64
billion, or 12% by 2015, unless fees are increased.  Most of the growth is
tied to new benefits enacted since 2001, including Tricare for Life for
1.9 million Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.

     Two other key factors are medical inflation and a shift by
retirees into Tricare and away from more expensive health plans earned in
second careers or by working spouses. Last year’s Tricare fee plan is
expected to be endorsed again in the president’s 2008 budget request to
Congress in early February.  It would raise enrollment fees and deductibles
for under-65 retirees using a triple-tiered fee schedule tied to rank.
After two years of stepped increases, fees would rise annually by the
percentage change in premiums for federal civilian health care. Defense
officials conceded to the task force that their plan’s projected cost
savings of $11.2 billion over five years did not survive a review by the
Congressional Budget Office. CBO said $6.5 to $7 billion savings is
more likely. The Tricare increases planned just are not big enough to
spark the behavior DoD projects: that 150,000 beneficiaries will leave
Tricare and another 350,000 will decide to stay under employer-provided
plans rather than switch to Tricare. Retiree advocates had challenged the
savings estimate as too high and evidence of a rush by the department
to make changes. The GAO also is auditing projected savings. Its report
is due in JUN 07.

     Dr. William Winkenwerder, assistant secretary of defense for
health affairs said, “Unfair criticism has been leveled at the plan
including a charge that higher fees will be a great financial burden. Not so.
An E-6 retiree in TRICARE Prime has been paying roughly $38 a month
since 1996.  That would increase to $50 over two years. That $12 increase
is like five cups of coffee.  Over the same period, E-6 retired pay has
climbed an average of $300 a month to keep pace with inflation.”
Defense officials overall are striking a harder tone than was heard last
year. Winkenwerder, advised the task force that if it wants to consider
more sweeping cost-control measures, to include higher fees for retirees
65 and older too, it should do so.  He also said he learned too late
that, by law, the department has authority to raise the $22 co-payment for
non-formulary Tier-3 prescription drugs to $30. He suggested that
should have been part of the plan. Several task force members, including
retired Air Force Gen. Richard Myers, former chairman of the Joint Chief,
are on record as supporting the fee increases and newer faces on the
task force also seem to consider higher fees as reasonable.

     Dr. Robert Galvin, director of global healthcare for General
Electric, said the DoD plan sounded like it was well researched, rigorously
thought through. But why, Galvin asked, did Congress not enact it? Part
of the problem, Chu said, is that Congress only votes one budget year
at a time and in the immediate year it’s not a crisis. So it is easier
to listen to the concerns of various constituencies and to think about
the fact that you would have to stand for reelection in the face of this
unpopular and difficult decision. The lone task force member appointed
to represent the views of military associations and veterans’ service
organizations even seemed to side with raising fees. Retired Army
Reserve Major Gen. Robert W. Smith III, former president of the Reserve
Officers Association, urged defense officials to work harder to explain that
military healthcare is not an “entitlement” as some retiree groups
contend, but a “benefit” which, he implied, an employer can adjust from
time to time. Smith said, “When perceived as an entitlement health care is
a more emotional issue. Service associations have been making that kind
of argument. Veteran groups and The Military Coalition went to the
congressmen and the senators and created a lot of this.” Winkenwerder said
he agreed with that premise.  [Source: Military.com Tom Philpott
article 18 Jan 07 ++]


TRICARE USER FEES UPDATE 16:  Taking up the cudgel where they left off
last year, Tricare champions Rep. Chet Edwards (D-TX) and Walter Jones
(R-NC) on 19 JAN reintroduced their "Military Retirees Health Care
Protection Act" (H.R. 579) just days after Pentagon officials renewed their
calls for increasing Tricare premiums, deductibles and co-payments for
some beneficiaries to deal with the military's rising health care
costs.  Last year, the Bush administration proposed to double and triple
Tricare premiums for working-age retirees, those under age 65, but
Congress blocked the move, ordering more study.  That has not stopped the
Pentagon from pursing higher fees, which is why Edwards and Jones made a
point of introducing their bill before the administration sends its
fiscal 2008 budget to Congress. The new bill is virtually identical to the
one (H.R. 4949) they introduced last year, which gathered 164 cosponsors
and helped prevent imposition of Pentagon-proposed fee increases of up
to $1,000 a year for retired members, family members and survivors
under age 65. The Edwards-Jones bill would remove the Pentagon's authority
to increase Tricare fees, specifying that that authority should reside
only with Congress.  It would also establish certain principles in law,
including:
- Acknowledgement that military members pay very large premiums for
their future care "up front" through decades of arduous service and
sacrifice;
- Acknowledgement that the primary offset for enduring the
extraordinary sacrifices inherent in a military career is a package of retirement
and health benefits that must be considerably better than that afforded
civilian workers; and
- The principle that the percentage increase in health fees in any year
should not exceed the percentage increase in beneficiaries' military
compensation.
[Source:  MOAA Leg Up 19 Jan 07 ++]


COLA 2008 UPDATE 03:  This week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics
announced the DEC 06 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 had its first increase of the
first quarter of the fiscal year by jumping 0.6 percent above November’s
CPI. However, the CPI still stands 1.0 percent below the FY2007 CPI
base - which may indicate a relatively low COLA for 2008. For more
information visit MOAA’s Web site at http://moaaonline.org/ct/Lpzmics1hXjm/.
[Source:  MOAA Leg Up 19 Jan 07]


KOREAN WAR ARMISTICE DAY:  The Korean War Armistice Day Committee has
announced that ceremonies marking the 54th anniversary of the armistice
ending the Korean War will be held on 27 JUL 07 at 10am at the Korean
War memorial on the Mall in Washington, DC. For detailed information
contact J. Norbert Reiner, 6632 Kirkley Ave., McLean VA 22101 or call
(703) 893-6313. Info on accommodations and tours is available from Jack
Cloman, 2702 Franklinville Road, Joppa, MD 21085 or call (410) 676-1388. 
[Source: NAUS Weekly Update 19 Jan 07 ++]


FEDERAL EXCISE TAX REFUND CREDIT:   When you file your 2006 tax return,
make sure you do not overlook the “federal excise tax refund credit.” 
This credit is a refundable credit.  That means you get this money, no
matter how your tax return works out.  If you would end up owing the
IRS a balance, the refund will reduce that balance you owe.  If you end
up getting a refund, the credit will be added and you get a bigger
refund by that $30 to $60, depending on how many dependents are on your
return. The credit is claimed on line 71 of form 1040. A similar line will
be available if you file the short form 1040A. Also, if you know anyone
who no longer files a tax return and they have their own land phone in
their home and have been paying a phone bill for years, make sure they
know about the form 1040EZ-T, which they can use to claim this refund. 
The one time credit is available because the federal excise tax has
been charged to you on your phone bill for years.  It is an old tax
(Spanish American War era) that was assessed on your toll calls based on how
far the call was being made and how much time you talked on that call. 
When phone companies began to offer flat fee phone service, challenges
to the excise tax ended up in federal courts in several districts of
the country.  The challenges pointed out that flat fee/rate phone service
had nothing to do with the distance and the length of the phone call. 
Therefore, the excise tax should/could not be assessed and restitution
should be made to those concerned.

     The IRS has now conceded this argument.  Phone companies were
given notice to stop assessing the federal excise tax as of 30 AUG 06.  You
most likely will have seen the tax on your September cutoff statement,
but it should NOT have been on your October bill. But the challengers
of the old law also demanded restitution.  The IRS has announced that a
one time credit will be available when you file 2006 tax return. 
However, the IRS also established limits on how large a credit you can get.
Here’s how it works.
- If you file your return as a single person with just you as a
dependent, you get to claim a $30 credit on line 71 of your 1040.
- If you file with a child or a parent as your dependent, you claim
$40. 
- If you file your return as a married couple with no children, you
claim $40.
- If you file as married with children, you claim $50 if one child, $60
if two children

In all cases, the most you get to claim is $60 - unless you have all
your phone bills starting after 28 FEB 03 through 31 JUL 06.  If so, then
you can add up the actual tax as it appears on your bills and claim
that for a credit.  If you do this  you cannot use line 71 on your tax
return.  You have to complete a special form number 8913 and attach it to
your tax return. Individuals using the special from 1040EZ-T will have
to attach this form 8913 also.  [Source: NAUS Weekly Update 19 Jan 07
++]


CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET SCHEDULE:  Most, but not all, law changes
affecting military personnel and compensation policy are incorporated in the
annual Defense Authorization Bill and funded via the Defense
Appropriations Bill. Last year Congress failed to enact 9 of the 11 annual spending
bills for FY2007 which started on 1 OCT 06. Instead, Congress passed a
continuing resolution, which funds non-DoD government agencies for 2007
at 2006 levels. Congressional rules outlining the budget schedule are
supposed to avoid this type of slippage. Here’s this year’s schedule if
they live by the rules:

• February 5: Deadline for submission of President’s budget.
• Six weeks after budget submission: Deadlines for committees to submit
cost estimates for their proposed initiatives to the Budget Committees,
as applicable.
• March-April: House/Senate pass separate budget resolutions
(self-imposed, annual spending ceilings).
• April: House/Senate agree on a single budget resolution. Last year,
the House and Senate could not agree on a single resolution.
• Mid-May: Begin to consider annual appropriations bills.
• June: Appropriations Committees report the last of the appropriations
bills and each chamber completes action on the spending bills.
• July 1.
• October 1: New fiscal year begins. Only two annual appropriations
bills were completed by Oct 1 last year - defense and military
construction.
[Source: MOAA Update 19 Jun 07 ++]


EXPATRIATE INCOME TAX:  U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live in a
foreign country must file a tax return if their global income exceeds
their standard deduction and exemption amount(s). For Married Couples,
the Standard Deduction is $10,300; for Singles, $5,150; Heads of
Household, $7,550; Married Couples Filing Separately, $5,150; Qualifying
Widow(er), $10,300. The Standard Deduction is increased by $1,250 for an
unmarried individual age 65 or blind, and $2,500 for a combination of the
two. It is increased $1,000 for any married person 65 years or older,
or blind, or $2,000 for both conditions. The Exemption amount is $3,300
per dependent. A married couple with two children would therefore not
be required to file a tax return if their global income in 2006 was
under $23,500 ($10,300 + ($3,300 x 4)), unless either spouse had foreign
earned income. A couple marrying the last day of the calendar year may
file as though married for the entire year. But a couple who divorces on
31 DEC is considered unmarried for the entire year.  Regardless of
whether foreign earned income (salaries, wages, earnings from
self-employment) can be excluded from U.S. taxation by the $82,400 Foreign Earned
Income Exclusion resulting in an American expatriate filer falling below
the Standard Deduction + Exemption threshold, a tax return must be
filed. Otherwise, in a future audit, IRS can deny a non-filer the FEIE and
tax him or her on the foreign earnings.

     A resident alien living outside the United States can be a
resident in the U.S. for 183 days in the past three years plus 31 days during
the recent calendar year, or a green card holder. A nonresident alien
may have to file a tax return based on income from U.S. sources. Income
effectively connected with a U.S. business and capital gains from the
sale of U.S. real estate are subject to regular income tax rates.
Otherwise income is taxed at 30% or lower treaty rate. A U.S. citizen living
abroad can file a tax return as Married Separate but might well
consider the possibility of a better tax break by filing jointly with his or
her alien spouse. Under certain circumstances a person arriving in or
departing from the U.S. could be classified as both resident and
nonresident for tax purposes.  American expatriates owing taxes for 2006 must
pay by 16 APR 07 even though a tax return need not be filed until 15
June. Form 4868 can extend this latter filing deadline to 15 OCT. Tax
returns should be sent to: Internal Revenue Service, Austin, TX 73301-0215. 
It is recommended that filers submit their returns online or by
traceable means such as registered o or certified mail. For additional
information refer to www.taxbarron.com/filing_requirements.htm or www.irs.gov. 
PDF Forms and instructions can be downloaded at
www.irs.gov/formspubs/lists/0,,id=97817,00.html.  [Source:  The Tax Baron Report Jan 07 ++]


2006 TAX LAW CHANGES: Following is a summary of what to look for when
preparing your 2006 tax return:
 
1.) Alternative Minimum Tax - Exemption amounts: Estates and Trusts,
$22,500; Married Filing Jointly, $62,550; Single or Head of Household,
$42,500; Married Filing Separately, $31,275.
2.) Capital Gains Rates - Remain at 5% and 15% for 2006 and 2007.
3.) Section 179 - Taxpayers may expense up to $108,000 of qualifying
property.
4.) Child and Dependent Care Credit - 35% with reduced credits starting
at $15,000 of AGI. Amount of eligible expenses is $3,000 for one child
and $6,000 for two or more children.
5.) Child Tax Credit - $1,000 for each qualifying child.
6.) Qualified Dividends - Taxed at 5% and 15% through 2007.
7.) Education Credits - Maximum Go Zone Lifetime Learning Credit,
$4,000; Others, $2,000. Hope Credit, $3,300; Others, $1,650.
8.) Salary Reduction Agreements - Maximum amount of elective deferrals
that could be contributed to a qualified plan increased to $15,000
($20,000 if taxpayer is age 50 and up). SIMPLE plans amount increased to
$10,000 ($12,500 age 50).
9.) Exemption Amount - $3,300 in 2006 and $3,400 in 2007.
10.) Hurricane Katrina Exemption Amount - For taxpayers providing
housing for victims, the amount is $500 per month; maximum $2,000 MFJ.
11.) The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion - $82,400 of qualified income
for 2006, and $85,700 in 2007.
12.) Health Savings Accounts - Taxpayers can contribute the lesser of
the annual deductible for medical insurance coverage or up to $2,700 for
singles or $5,450 for families in 2006.
13.) Traditional and Roth IRAs - Under age 50, smaller of $4,000 or
earned income; age 50 and over, smaller of $5,000 or earned income.
14.) Kiddie tax - Tax on net unearned income of under 18 age child if
over $1,700 computed at parent's highest marginal tax rate.
15.) Meal Expenses - Generally limited to 50% if business- related but
75% if meals occur incident to Department of transportation's 'hours of
service' limits.
16.) Archer Medical Savings Account - Self only annual deductible is
$1,800 - 2,700; family, $3,650 - 5,450.
17.) Standard Mileage Rates - Business miles, $.445; Charity, $.14;
Medical, $.18; Moving, $.18 In 2007, $.485, .14, .20 and .20 respectively.
[Source:  The Tax Baron Report Jan 07]


TSP UPDATE 08:  Hackers breached the accounts of some Thrift Savings
Plan (TSP) participants in late December, stealing $35,000 and prompting
officials to encourage extra safeguards. Officials with the
401(k)-style retirement savings plan for federal employees said every participant
who was affected by the theft has been notified. Computers of about 25
participants were infected with software that allowed hackers to record
their keystrokes and find their TSP personal identification numbers.
TSP officials are working with the Secret Service to find the
perpetrators. Speaking at a TSP Board meeting 16 JAN, Executive Director Gary
Amelio encouraged participants to install a protective program on their
computers to block unwanted spyware and to log off of the TSP Web site
when finished accessing their accounts. Amelio stressed that the TSP
system itself was not breached. TSP officials posted two announcements on
the Web site that must be read before participants can access their
accounts. One details the security breach and the other is a warning that
only TSP participants can use the site in order, to inflict stronger
legal penalties on hackers.

     When TSP officials became aware of the theft, they temporarily
blocked electronic transfers out of the plan, because the criminals
electronically sent the money to their own accounts.  Amelio spoke out about
the breach on the same day that his staff released full results from
the first survey of TSP participants since 1991. The survey revealed that
participants prefer using the Internet to access their accounts.
Forty-nine percent access their accounts online at home and 39% access them
online at work. In addition, survey respondents indicated they would
like more choices in the plan. Sixty percent of respondents said they
agreed that the TSP would be better if there was a Roth 401(k) option,
which would allow investors to pay taxes at the time of investment instead
of when they take their money out upon retirement. Only 11% disagreed,
and 16% were neutral. Many respondents also said the plan would be
better if there were more investment options to supplement the six funds
that exist now. Forty-six percent of respondents said they agreed that
the plan would be better with more funds, while 19% disagreed and 24%
were neutral. But when TSP participants were asked if they wanted more
options even if it would cost them more, the numbers went down. Right now,
TSP participants only pay administrative costs of $4 for every $10,000
they have in their accounts, much lower than the costs of similar
plans.

     Board members recently hired outside consulting firm Ennis Knupp &
Associates of Chicago for advice on whether the plan should have more
funds. In November, the firm recommended against doing so. Board members
also have been in a legislative battle to block a heavily lobbied bill
to add a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) fund to the plan. The bill
has not yet been reintroduced in the 110th Congress. More than half of
survey respondents said they would want the REIT fund if costs stayed
the same and about 25% said they wanted the fund even if it would cost
more. About 20% of respondents said they did not want the extra fund. 
Amelio and board members said they will examine the survey results as
they decide upon next steps for the plan, but they said the TSP is not a
democracy.  [Source:  GOVEXEC.com Daily Briefing 16 Jan 07]


SSA NAME CHANGE UPDATE 01:   If you legally change your name because of
marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, tell Social
Security so that you can get a corrected card. If you are working, also tell
your employer. If you do not tell SSA when your name changes, it may
delay your tax refund and may prevent your wages from being posted
correctly to your Social Security record. This would lower the amount of your
future Social Security benefits. To change your name on your Social
Security card complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form
SS-5) and provide SSA proof of your U.S. citizenship (if you have not
previously established your citizenship with them) or immigration status.
For legal name and/or Identity change take (or mail) your completed
application and documents to your local Social Security office. All
documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. 
SSA will not accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. 
Included in our application must be a recently issued document as proof of
your legal name change.  Documents Social Security may accept to prove
a legal name change include:
- Marriage document;
- Divorce decree;
- Certificate of Naturalization showing a new name; or
- Court order for a name change.

If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not
give SSA enough information to identify you in their records or if you
legally changed your name more than two years ago, you must provide SSA
with additional documentation. In addition to showing a legal document
proving your marriage, divorce or annulment, you must provide an
identity document. That document must show your old name, as well as other
identifying information or a recent photograph. SSA can accept an expired
document as evidence of your old name. In addition to showing a legal
document citing your new name, such as a court order, adoption decree or
Certificate of Naturalization, you must provide two identity documents
that show identifying information or a recent photograph.  The two
documents needed are one identity document in your old name (which can be
expired); and one identity document in your new legal name, which must
be current (unexpired).

     If you are a U.S. citizen born outside the United States and SSA’s
records do not show you are a citizen, you will need to provide proof
of your U.S. citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security
will ask to see your current immigration documents. Your new card will
have the same number as your previous card, but will show your new
name. SSA will mail your number and card as soon as they have all of your
information and have verified your documents.  [Source:
www.socialsecurity.gov Jan 07 ++]


PHILIPPINE DEERS REGISTRATION UPDATE 01:  Initial DEERS registration
and military ID cards can now be obtained via JUSMAG at the U.S. Embassy,
Manila.   Those desiring to enroll in DEERS and/or obtain initial or
updated replacement ID cards can call Specialist Babcock at his Cell:
0920-911-8964 between 08-1700 M-F to obtain an appointment.  Walk-ins are
discouraged since Babcock has other duties to perform and may not be
available to see you without an appointment.  Those who already have an
ID card and thus are registered in DEERS need only bring their old card. 
Dependents who need to initially register  in DEERS or change their
status will have to provide original are certified copies of their birth,
marriage, death, or divorce certificates as applicable.  Students
turning age 21 must bring a letter with from the Registrar’s office of the
college/university they are attending verifying their enrollment. 
Sponsor’s should accompany dependents.  If not, possible this should be
discussed when you call for an appointment to obtain instructions on how to
proceed.   DEERS enrollment is good to age 65 unless divorced or
turning age 21 (23 if a student), and does not cease with the expiration of
your ID card. Thus, you can still file Tricare claims if your card has
expired. Other than Space “A” travel  in PI, ID card renewal is only
needed to obtain access to military installations/facilities which are
only available outside of the Philippines. To obtain TFL at age 65 you
must obtain Medicare Part “B” and reregister in DEERS.  [Source:  JUSMAG
Philippines Specialist Babcock communication 16 Jan 07 ++]


BLOOD DONOR MONTH:  About 20% of servicemembers donate blood, compared
to less than 5% of the civilian population.  This year, the Armed
Services Blood Program (ASBP) will collect about 160,000 units or pints of
blood products.  The ASBP collects blood only from servicemembers,
government civilians, retirees and their family members.  The program
manages 18 stateside blood donor centers and four overseas centers.  Specific
information can be found on the program’s website
www.militaryblood.dod.mil.  Blood is always needed because blood products normally must be
replenished about 42 days after being collected. [Source: NAUS Update 12
Jan 07]


COMMISSARY USER SAVINGS:  Commissary customers closed 2006 with
record-breaking savings. According to  Patrick Nixon, Defense Commissary
Agency director and chief executive officer the average customer savings for
a family of four have risen to nearly $3,000 annually.  Savings have
actually been holding steady at about 32% for several years. DeCA has not
revised its savings messages for more than a year, but using current
U.S. Department of Agriculture figures for retail grocery food purchases
consumed at home, a family of four shopping at the commissary on a
regular basis can save $2,957 annually on groceries. The figure formerly
used was $2,700.  Under the latest calculations, couples can save $1,885,
and individuals can save $1,029 by shopping regularly at their
commissary.  [Source: Armed Forces News 5 Jan 06 ++]


VA COMPENSATION RATES (OTHER): 
Death:
1.) Headstone -$132
2.) Service-Connected Burial: $2000
3.) Service-Connected Burial: $300
4.) Plot Allowance: $300
5.) State Cemetery Plot Allowance: $300
Note 1: The service-connected burial rate applies in cases where death
occurred on or after 9/11/01.
Note 2: The headstone/marker allowance is payable only if the veteran
died between 10/18/78 and 11/1/90. The rate payable is determined by
when the headstone/marker was purchased For example, the rate payable
would be $98 if the veteran died on 7/1/85 and the headstone/marker was
purchased on 9/29/94.

Special Benefit Allowances:
1.) Automobile Allowance: One automobile allowance of $11,000 is
payable to certain very disabled veterans. Some reimbursement is possible for
adaptive equipment. Check with nearest VA office before making any
purchases.
2.) Clothing Allowance: Prosthetic appliances and medications have an
effect on clothing. If qualified, a veteran can receive a one time or
yearly allowance for reimbursement of $662 per year. The clothing
allowance increase, while effective the date of the law, is not payable until
the following August 1st.
3.) Medal of Honor Pension: $1,104 per month
[Source: www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/ Dec 06 ++]


HOSPITAL CLEANLINESS:   One of every 20 people who go into a U.S.
hospital picks up an infection. And for 90,000 Americans a year, the
infections are a death sentence. A growing number of hospitals are working
harder to stop infections, but as more bugs become resistant to
antibiotics, it’s an uphill struggle. Some two million patients get a
hospital-acquired infection annually. In Pennsylvania alone, more than 19,000
infection cases occurred in 2005 (up from 11,600 in 2004) out of 1.6
million admissions to 168 hospitals, according to a report issued by the
state’s Health Care Cost Containment Council. Pennsylvania, the first state
to provide infection data collected directly from its hospitals,
reported that nearly 13% of patients who got infections died, compared with
slightly more than 2% of patients who didn’t have infections.
Nationwide, hospital infections are the eighth leading cause of death.

     Betsy McCaughey, a health policy expert and former lieutenant
governor of New York has founded the nonprofit Committee to Reduce
Infection Death (RID). McCaughey pushes and cajoles hospitals to prevent the
spread of infection. The necessary measures, she says, are simple and
well documented in medical literature. Yet they’re not consistently
practiced or explained to patients. “A very good example,” she says, is to
tell patients to “shower with chlorhexidine soap if you’re going in for
surgery ... it’s so easy. And you get it in the drugstore.” In fact, job
number one for advocates like McCaughey is to debunk the notion that
infection in the hospital is like bad weather—unfortunate but inevitable.
Administrators, they insist, have set the bar way too low, content to
keep their hospitals’ infection rates to national averages—for example,
a wound infection for one of every 24 surgical patients and a urinary
tract infection for up to a quarter of those requiring a catheter for a
week or longer.

     Generally speaking, there’s little debate about what it takes to
check the spread of infection in hospitals, from giving patients
antibiotics before surgery to avoiding overuse of catheters and intravenous
lines. But hospitals are busy places, and the foe is invisible. Research
suggests that more than half the time, health care workers even fail to
wash their hands as recommended—a critical bulwark against infection
identified 160 years ago. McCaughey say, “Bacteria is largely spread
through touch. In the old days nurses and doctors were trained not to touch
doorknobs, cabinets, curtains and blood pressure cuffs once they
scrubbed and/or gloved. But all of that training really went by the wayside
in the early ‘70s, when the liberal use of antibiotics replaced that
attention to rigorous hygiene.” Not coincidentally, those same years
brought a galloping increase in germs you can’t knock out with standard
antibiotics. In 1974 only 2% of staph germs in the United States were
drug-resistant but by 2004, fully 63% were.

     One outcome of the crisis is that more hospitals are working
harder to stop deadly infections. In early 2005, for example, the nonprofit
Institute for Healthcare Improvement in Cambridge, Mass., enlisted
3,000 hospitals to practice interventions proven to save lives. One
approach targeted ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), a deadly infection
that strikes about 15% of patients who have a breathing tube inserted.
Hospital workers washed their hands frequently, closely monitored
incision sites and raised patient beds to at least 30 degrees to prevent
stomach fluids from backing up into the lungs—measures that enabled more
than 30 hospitals to report no VAPs for at least a year.  Pittsburgh’s
Allegheny General Hospital is also waging war on infections. In the past
few years the staff has reduced the rate of bloodstream infections
caused by large-vein catheters by 90% and ventilator pneumonias by 85%.  The
hospital saved $1.2 million over two years by devoting resources to
controlling infection.  It was determined that eliminating a single
bloodstream infection case paid for nearly a year’s worth of measures to stop
the infections. The savings to patients and insurers are more obvious.
The November report on Pennsylvania’s hospitals noted that the average
charge for infection cases was $185,260, compared with $31,389 for
noninfection cases.

    By studying quality-control techniques of the industrial production
lines hospitals are learning how to reduce their infection rates. When
an infection does happen, treatment teams to figure out what went wrong
can reduce repeat occurrences.  In most hospitals, patients do not get
a thorough review and/or disclosure about the source of an infection.
Moreover, in most parts of the country, it’s virtually impossible to
find out how well hospitals are doing at infection control overall. But
that’s changing with Pennsylvania and California among the states leading
the way. In the past three years, 14 states have passed laws requiring
hospitals to report information about infections to the public.  Public
reporting not only informs consumers, it motivates doctors and nurses
to work for better results.. In 1989, when New York state started
publishing hospitals’ death rates after bypass surgery, the hospitals
conducted internal reviews, hired new personnel and pushed out surgeons with
the highest death figures. Statewide mortality dropped by 41 percent in
four years.  Nobody wants their deficiencies published and places that
do well take pride in their good work.  [Source:  AARP Katharine
Greider article 12 Jan 07 ++]


HEALTH CARE PROVIDER PERFORMANCE:  Before getting medical care, whether
it’s having a knee or hip replaced or another non-emergency treatment,
it’s helpful to know how a particular hospital and/or physician,
performs compared to other providers. Checking out a provider’s quality
performance becomes ever more important as individuals take on more health
care decision-making in the era of consumer-driven health care.
Increasingly, federal and state governments, along with employer and consumer
organizations, are making easier the difficult task of determining the
quality of healthcare providers. Recognizing the need to provide
consumers with more performance information, many states are providing
web-based tools to help consumers locate the best hospital or physician for
their medical treatment and care. The type and amount of information made
available electronically varies by state.

     Even if your state doesn’t yet offer its own comprehensive data,
or if you simply want other resources to help with your research, you
can turn to the easy-to-use Hospital Compare tool, maintained by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services at www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov.
The tool allows adults to get information about hospitals in their area
and the quality of their treatment for certain medical conditions, such
as heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia by using available data.
It also highlights how well each facility does in preventing surgical
infections. The website has hospital information, quality measures and
patient tools. Other sources to check out include:
- The Leapfrog Group, a group representing the millions of employees of
more than 70 companies and organizations that buy health care, rates
hospitals on how they are doing on several key measures of improving
patient safety. Consumers can search for hospital rankings with the
Leapfrog Hospital Quality and Safety Survey Results, where you can search for
hospital information by your ZIP code at www.leapfroggroup.or/home.
- Quality Check, a service of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations, allows consumers to see and compare the
quality and patient safety performance of local hospitals at
www.qualitycheck.org/consumer/searchQCR.aspx.
- A fee-based service www.DocInfo.org offered by the Federation of
State Medical Boards, provides consumers with professional information on
physicians and physician assistants licensed in the United States and
includes information on disciplinary sanctions, education, medical
specialty, licensure history and locations. A directory of state medical
boards may provide you with access to free information through your state’s
medical board at www.fsmb.org/directory_smb.html.
- Good sources of health care quality information can be found at the
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality consumer site
www.ahrq.gov.consumer.
- A state by state guide is available at
www.aarp.org/bulletin/yourhealth/statebystate_guide_healthcare_provider_performance.html

The following State-by-State Guides on medical care/needs can be viewed
on the AARP Bulletin Online site www.aarp.org/bulletin:
- Healthcare Provider Performance
- Pharmacy Assistance Programs
- Nursing Home Performance Data
- HMO Report Cards
- Transportation Assistance
[Source: AARP Bulletin Online Christopher J. Gearon article Dec 06 ++]


MILITARY LEGISLATION STATUS 31 JAN 07:  Following is a listing of
Congressional bills of interest to the military community that have been
introduced in the 110th Congress.  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 to become law. 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, the committee it has been assigned
to, and if your legislator is a sponsor or cosponsor of it. 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 is
a web link that can be used to do that. Otherwise, you can locate on
http://thomas.loc.gov 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.0023: A bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to provide
benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States merchant
marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport
Service) during World War II. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced
1/4/07). Cosponsors (7).
****************
H.R.0081: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that
members of the Armed Forces and Selected Reserve may transfer certain
educational assistance benefits to dependents, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Bartlett, Roscoe G. [MD-6] (introduced 1/4/07) Cosponsors
(2).
****************
H.R.0089: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to extend
eligibility for combat-related special compensation (CRSC) paid to certain
uniformed services retirees who are retired under chapter 61 of such
title with fewer than 20 years of creditable service. Sponsor: Rep
Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (3). To support this
bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9240191.
****************
H.R.0092: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish
standards of access (i.e. 30 days) to care for veterans seeking health
care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, would allow referral to
civilian care in cases where the standard is not met, would require the VA
to annually report its performance in meeting those access standards,
and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Brown-Waite, Ginny [FL-5]
(introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (7). To support this bill and/or contact your
Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9240456.
****************
H.R.0109: A bill to amend the Small Business Act to make
service-disabled veterans eligible under the 8(a) business development program.
Sponsor: Rep Davis, Jo Ann [VA-1] (introduced 1/4/07) Cosponsors (None).
****************
H.R.0112: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for
the payment of stipends to veterans who pursue doctoral degrees in
science or technology. Sponsor: Rep Davis, Jo Ann [VA-1] (introduced
1/4/07). Cosponsors (None).
****************
H.R.0136: A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to
provide that individuals and appropriate authorities are notified by the
Commissioner of Social Security of evidence of misuse of the Social
Security account numbers of such individuals. Sponsor: Rep Gallegly, Elton
[CA-24] (introduced 1/4/07).      Cosponsors (2).
****************
H.R.0140: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to require the
amounts reimbursed to institutional providers of health care services
under the TRICARE program to be the same as amounts reimbursed under
Medicare, and to require the Secretary of Defense to contract for health
care services with at least one teaching hospital in urban areas.
Sponsor: Rep Green, Gene [TX-29] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (None).
****************
H.R.0156: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for
the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) to the
survivors of former prisoners of war who died on or before 30 SEP 99, under
the same eligibility conditions as apply to payment of DIC to the
survivors of former prisoners of war who die after that date. Sponsor: Rep
Holden, Tim [PA-17] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (1). To support this
bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9240856
****************
H.R.0191: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal
the inclusion in gross income of Social Security benefits. Sponsor: Rep
Paul, Ron [TX-14] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (8).
****************
H.R.0207: A bill to provide for identification of members of the Armed
Forces exposed during military service to depleted uranium, to provide
for health testing of such members, and for other purposes. Sponsor:
Rep Serrano, Jose E. [NY-16] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (6).
****************
H.R.0243: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for
the payment of Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) to members of
the Armed Forces retired for disability with less than 20 years of
active military service who were awarded the Purple Heart. Sponsor: Rep
Weller, Jerry [IL-11] (introduced 1/5/07). Cosponsors (None).
****************
H.R.0303: A bill 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 (CRSC) and to eliminate the phase-in period under current
law with respect to such concurrent receipt. Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis,
Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 1/5/07). Cosponsors (17). To support this bill
and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9240026

****************
H.R.0315: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts with community
health care providers to improve access to health care for veterans in
highly rural areas, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Pearce, Stevan
[NM-2] (introduced 1/5/07). Cosponsors (9).
****************
H.R.0333: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit
retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability
rated less than 50% to receive concurrent payment of both retired pay
and veterans' disability compensation, to eliminate the phase-in period
for concurrent receipt, to extend eligibility for concurrent receipt
and combat-related special compensation to chapter 61 disability retirees
with less than 20 years of service, and for other purposes. Sponsor:
Rep Marshall, Jim [GA-8] (introduced 1/9/07). Cosponsors (7). To support
this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9226426&type=ML
****************
H.R.0339: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve
access to medical services for veterans seeking treatment at Department of
Veterans Affairs outpatient clinics with exceptionally long waiting
periods. Sponsor: Rep Duncan, John J., Jr. [TN-2] (introduced 1/9/07).
Cosponsors (None).
****************
H.R.0343: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a
refundable credit to military retirees for premiums paid for coverage
under Medicare Part B. Sponsor: Rep Emerson, Jo Ann [MO-8] (introduced
1/9/07). Cosponsors (None).
****************
H.R.0402: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for
annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to be made automatically by
law each year in the rates of disability compensation for veterans with
service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity
compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled
veterans. Sponsor: Rep Knollenberg, Joe [MI-9] (introduced 1/11/07).    
Cosponsors (11).
****************
H.R.0447: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that
World War II merchant mariners who were awarded the Mariners Medal
shall be provided eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs health
care on the same basis as veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart.
Sponsor: Rep Fortenberry, Jeff [NE-1] (introduced 1/12/07). Cosponsors
(None).
****************
H.R.0463: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to terminate
the administrative freeze on the enrollment into the health care system
of the Department of Veterans Affairs of veterans in the lowest priority
category for enrollment (referred to as "Priority 8"). Sponsor: Rep
Rothman, Steven R. [NJ-9] (introduced 1/12/07). Cosponsors (29).
****************
H.R.0551:  A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with
respect to the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing, and for
other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Davis, Susan A. [CA-53] (introduced
1/18/07). Cosponsors (19).
****************
H.R.0579:  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to prohibit
certain increases in fees for military health care. Sponsor: Rep Edwards,
Chet [TX-17] (introduced 1/19/07). Cosponsors (28). To support this
bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/index_frame.dbq?url=http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9284961&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
****************
H.R.0585:  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the
number of individuals qualifying for retroactive benefits from
traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life
Insurance. Sponsor: Rep Herseth, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 1/19/07). Cosponsors
(1).
****************
H.R.0612:  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the
period of eligibility for health care for combat service in the Persian
Gulf War or future hostilities from two years to five years after
discharge or release. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 1/22/07).
Cosponsors (None).
****************
H.R.0649:  A bill to amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to
provide that annuities paid by States to blind veterans shall be
disregarded in determining supplemental security income benefits. Sponsor: Rep
Reynolds, Thomas M. [NY-26] (introduced 1/24/07). Cosponsors (28).
****************
H.R.0650:  A bill to provide for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
conduct a pilot program to determine the effectiveness of contracting
for the use of private memory care facilities for veterans with
Alzheimer's Disease. Sponsor: Rep Reynolds, Thomas M. [NY-26] (introduced
1/24/07). Cosponsors (11).
Reynolds, Thomas M. [NY-26] (introduced 1/24/07). Cosponsors (24).
****************
H.R.0652:  A bill to make the National Parks and Federal Recreational
Lands Pass available at a discount to certain veterans. Sponsor: Rep
Reynolds, Thomas M. [NY-26] (introduced 1/24/07). Cosponsors (24).
****************
H.R.0653:  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to allow the
sworn affidavit of a veteran who served in combat during the Korean War
or an earlier conflict to be accepted as proof of service-connection of
a disease or injury alleged to have been incurred or aggravated by such
service. Sponsor: Rep Reynolds, Thomas M. [NY-26] (introduced 1/24/07).
Cosponsors (1).
****************
H.R.0675:  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase
the amount of assistance available to disabled veterans for specially
adapted housing and to provide for annual increases in such amount.
Sponsor: Rep Herseth, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 1/24/07). Cosponsors (None)
****************
H.R.0690:  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to reduce the
minimum age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service
from 60 to 55. Sponsor: Rep Saxton, Jim [NJ-3] (introduced 1/24/07).     
Cosponsors (34).
****************
H.R.0704 : A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to reduce from
age 57 to age 55 the age after which the remarriage of the surviving
spouse of a deceased veteran shall not result in termination of
dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) otherwise payable to that surviving
spouse.
Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 1/29/07). Cosponsors
(None).
****************
****************
S.0022: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a
program of educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces who
serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other
purposes. Sponsor: Sen Webb, Jim [VA] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (None).
To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9242071
****************
S.0057: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to deem certain
service in the organized military forces of the Government of the
Commonwealth of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts to have been active
service for purposes of benefits under programs administered by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors
(1).
****************
S.0066: A bill to require the Secretary of the Army to determine the
validity of the claims of certain Filipinos that they performed military
service on behalf of the United States during World War II.
Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors
(None).
****************
S.0067: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit former
members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability
rated as total to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to
the same extent as retired members of the Armed Forces are entitled to
travel on such aircraft. Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced
1/4/07).  Cosponsors (None).
****************
S.0071: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize
certain disabled former prisoners of war to use DoD commissary and exchange
stores. Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/4/07).
Cosponsors (None).
****************
S.0117: A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to
improve benefits and services for members of the Armed Forces, veterans of
the Global War on Terrorism, and other veterans, to require reports on
the effects of the Global War on Terrorism, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 1/4/07).  Cosponsors (1).
****************
S.0207: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow
taxpayers to designate part or all of any income tax refund to support
reservists and National Guard members. Sponsor: Sen Coleman, Norm [MN]
(introduced 1/9/07). Cosponsors (2)
****************
S.0225: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the
number of individuals qualifying for retroactive benefits from traumatic
injury protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.
It would expand retroactive payments of traumatic injury insurance to
servicemembers injured outside a combat area between 10 OCT 01 and 1 DEC
05. Sponsor: Sen Craig, Larry E. [ID] (introduced 1/9/07). Cosponsors
(1).  To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9242246
****************
S.0326: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a
special period of limitation when uniformed services retirement pay is
reduced as result of award of disability compensation. Sponsor: Sen
Lincoln, Blanche L. [AR] (introduced 1/17/07). Cosponsors (13). To support
this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9294921
****************
S.0383: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the
period of eligibility for health care for combat service in the Persian
Gulf War or future hostilities from two years to five years after
discharge or release. Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/24/07).
Cosponsors (1).
****************
S.0423: A bill to increase, effective as of December 1, 2007, the rates
of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and
the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of
certain disabled veterans. Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI]
(introduced 1/29/07). Cosponsors (7).
[Source: http://thomas.loc.gov 31 Jan 07 ++]

Lt. James "EMO" Tichacek, USN (Ret)
Director, Retiree Assistance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & VITA Baguio
City RP
PSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517
Tel: (760) 839-9003 or FAX 1(801) 760-2430; When in RP: 0915-361-3503
or FAX 1(801) 760-2430
Email: raoemo@sbcglobal.net. When in Philippines raoemo@mozcom.com
Web: http://post_119_gulfport_ms.tripod.com/rao1.html
AL/AMVETS/DAV/FRA/NAUS/NCOA/MOAA/USDR/VFW/VVA/CG33/DD890/AD37 member

BULLETIN SUBSCRIPTION NOTES:
== To subscribe first add both the above email addees to your address
book and then provide your full name plus either the post/branch/chapter
number of the fraternal military/government organization you are
currently affiliated with (if any) "AND/OR" the city and state/country you
reside in so your addee can be properly positioned in the directory for
future recovery.  Subscription is open to everyone except AOL users. The
Bulletin directory it presently lists 54,782 subscribers after the
purging of over 12,000 AOL subscribers whose server will not allow them to
receive the Bulletin.
== To automatically change your email addee or remove yourself from
Bulletin distribution click the below or send a message which includes
your full name plus your old & new email addee.