WASHINGTON, D. C. — TRICARE has affordable healthcare programs available for all Air Force Reserve retirees, including “gray-area retirees” and actively-participating Air Force reservists, no matter what orders they are on. Reservists that retire before age 60 are eligible for TRICARE Retired Reserve coverage while they are in the “gray-area.” This is the waiting period…

The Eastern and Midwestern regions of the U.S. routinely deal with tornadoes and hurricanes; however, in the West, in particular Southern California, the most likely natural disaster will come from earthquakes. Unlike other disasters, earthquakes are the most unnerving because occurrences cannot be predicted. The primary focus of emergency planners is to analyze disaster scenarios…

It is the responsibility of every Airman to be aware of what substances he or she is ingesting. In some cases, power bars and health foods are not always the best choice. If the ingredients of a drink, food, or snack are questionable, a physician or pharmacist should be consulted immediately. Air Force Instruction 44-121,…

Getting fit is not just a popular New Year’s resolution; it is something we need to think about every day. Fitness is critical to the readiness, mental and physical health and productivity of our service members, but it is just as beneficial to those who are not in uniform. Today is a perfect time for…

WASHINGTON D.C. — Defense Department officials are developing research-based methods to curb substance abuse among service members, their families and veterans, a senior DOD medical official said, March 11. Dr. Michael E. Kilpatrick, deputy director for force health protection and readiness programs in the office of the deputy assistant secretary of defense for force health…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A free iPhone app for the Thrift Savings Plan, available at the Apple App Store could pose a security risk, program officials warned. A notice on the Thrift Savings Plan website says the “TSP Funds” app, which asks participants for their account login information, is not sanctioned. “This app is not being…

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — TRICARE West Region beneficiaries should keep their eyes on their mailboxes. UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans, the incoming West Region health care support contractor, will be sending out welcome packages in early March. The welcome packets include contact information for UnitedHealthcare, where to file claims and information on continuing automatic payments, new…

WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. — More support has been extended to military dependents through expansions of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, which include unpaid, job-protected time off for care of injured servicemembers or veterans and activities arising from a servicemember’s deployment. While family members of the U.S. Armed Forces have enjoyed entitlements…

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — New co-payments for prescription drugs covered by TRICARE will go into effect soon. The Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act requires TRICARE to increase co-pays on brand name and non-formulary medications that are not filled at military clinics or hospitals. There is no increase to co-pays for generic medications. Increases…

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO – RANDOLPH, Texas — The new Special Victims’ Counsel Program starting Air Force-wide on Jan. 28, will be expanded to Basic Military trainees and technical training students who have been involved in unprofessional relationships of a physical and sexual nature. The SVC pilot program is designed to provide victims of sexual assault,…