Commissary announces upcoming sales, new services
The Fort Huachuca Commissary’s popular “Seafood Road Show” will be held from Aug. 31 – Sept. 2, and its semi-annual caselot sale from Sept. 28 – 30 inside the building during normal business hours,
In October, the Defense Commissary Agency begins its “DECA Rewards Card” program, allowing Commissary patrons to download manufacturers’ coupons from their home computers, and eliminating their need to clip and carry coupons when shopping.
Department of Labor offers job help to veterans
The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, or VETS, is an independent agency under the Department of Labor, created to help veterans looking for assistance in transitioning into civilian life, finding a job, or getting the training needed to get a job. VETS can also help protect the employment and reemployment rights of veterans, Reservists, and National Guard members.
For more information, go to www.dol.gov/vets.
VA warns of targeted scam
The Department of Veterans Affairs warns of a scheme in which a scam artist is phoning veterans and saying the process for dispensing their prescription medications has changed. The scammer then asks for credit card information in order to “fix” the problem. The VA notes that they do not call veterans and ask them to disclose personal financial information over the phone.
TRICARE approves new coverage
Under a demonstration project, TRICARE will authorize laboratory-developed tests for breast cancer — the BRACAnalysis BRCA1 and BRCA2 tests — which assess a woman’s risk of developing hereditary breast or ovarian cancers, and the Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Assay. TRICARE providers will be able to accept patients by Sept. 30, but coverage is retroactive to May 22. Beneficiaries should consult their primary health care professionals or TRICARE regional contractor to determine individual eligibility for these tests.
New model for VA claims deployed
The Regional Office in Phoenix is one of 16, of 56 nationwide, in which the VA is deploying its new process model for eliminating the compensation benefits claims backlog. The model should increase the number of compensation claims decisions made annually while ensuring veterans most in need receive priority attention.
Under the model, veterans are assigned to one of three categories — Express (those with few medical conditions or who already have supporting claims paperwork), Special Operations (those requiring special handling for unique circumstances, for example, homelessness or serious wounds), and Core (claims for multiple conditions or those needing more evidence). Greater speed and accuracy should result from the assignment of claims specialists trained in handling cases of similar complexity. The VA should fully implement the new model by the end of 2013.
USFHP eligibility rules change
TRICARE beneficiaries who now enroll in the US Family Health Plan lose their eligibility for the program when they turn 65 and are transitioned into TRICARE For Life. All current USFHP members can remain in USFHP, regardless of age, until they no longer qualify for TRICARE coverage.
USFHP enrollment will remain open to eligible active duty Family members, qualifying children and spouses who have not remarried, unmarried children to age 21 or until age 23 for full-time students, retirees and their family members under 65 and others eligible. Beneficiaries can enroll at any time and coverage follows the 20th-of-the-month rule.
USFHP is a managed care TRICARE Prime option offering comprehensive coverage at a low cost to beneficiaries. For more information, go to www.tricare.mil/usfhp.
Try our website of the month
Take a look at www.mymoney.gov, the U.S. government’s website dedicated to teaching Americans the basics of financial education. Whether buying a home, balancing a checkbook, or investing in a 401(k), this website’s resources can help users make better financial decisions. The site consolidates information from more than 20 federal agencies and bureaus.
