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NAUS 5 MARCH 2010

WASHINGTON REPORT

Medicare Reimbursement Rate Cut Blocked Temporarily

Early this week, Congress took welcomed, but temporary, action to block a 21.2 percent reduction in Medicare and TRICARE payments for doctors treating Medicare and TRICARE patients.  On Tuesday, H.R. 4691 was passed and signed by the President as Public Law 111-144.  The bill once again delays the cut, through April 1, giving lawmakers additional time to look at the matter.  At last word, Congress was considering a second measure that would bar Medicare and TRICARE rate cuts through September of this year. 

The root cause of the problem, of course, is the establishment of the complex Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula that Congress implemented in 1997 as a cost-control measure.  In simple terms, the SGR establishes “spending targets” for annual healthcare expenditures based on growth in the gross domestic product (GDP).  If costs exceed the target, reimbursement rates are adjusted downward the following year. 

Over the years, Congress has consistently stepped in to avert the scheduled reductions in physician payments.   Each time it steps in the flawed formula compounds the size of the cut scheduled for the next year.  As a result, the formula presently calls for an enormous 21.2 percent cut that would, if implemented, devastate TRICARE. 

Doctors would be less likely to accept new Medicare or TRICARE patients and more likely to drop existing patients from these two programs altogether.  For retired military and their families, TRICARE would become a hollow benefit, a promise unrealized. 

Lawmakers have known of problems with the SGR for a decade but action to correct it has been continually postponed.  With your support and help, NAUS will continue to be vocal on this important matter and put Congress on notice that we’re intent on keeping our earned benefits on track and available.  Any other result is unacceptable. 

Veterans Groups Begin Congressional Testimony

This week the first invited group of veteran and military service organizations began giving their annual testimony before a joint House and Senate Veterans’ Committee.  Welcomed by House Chairman Bob Filner and Senate Chairman Daniel Akaka, the organizations made their recommendations for actions they believe should be taken this year. 

Almost unanimously all of the groups called for increased funding for those service members who are suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Additionally most of the groups called for claims processing to be sped up as well as an increase in benefits. 

More groups are scheduled to testify later in the month and on a related note NAUS will be presenting our views before a House Veterans’ Affairs Summit on suggestions we might have to assist VA in speeding up disability claims.  Additionally NAUS is slated to present testimony before the House VA/Milcon Subcommittee also later in March.

HEALTH CARE NEWS

Dental Health Important for Retirees Too

As the TRICARE Management Activity recently noted, good oral health is an important part of maintaining overall health and a military retiree’s access to dental coverage doesn’t have to end when they hang up their uniform.  Retired service members can purchase affordable dental coverage for themselves and their eligible family members through the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP).
 
TRDP is available around the world to retired service members who receive retirement pay; “gray area” retired National Guard and Reserve members who are entitled to, but not yet receiving retirement pay; and Medal of Honor recipients.  The spouses and children up to 21, or 23 if they are full-time students, of these retirees are also eligible for the retiree dental program.

Delta Dental administers this premium-based plan, which has cost shares for certain services after beneficiaries reach their $50 per-person deductible.  Most preventive, diagnostic and emergency dental services are covered or available for cost sharing immediately after enrollment, but some services including orthodontics, dentures and crowns are available with a cost-share only after 12 months of continuous enrollment.
 
Monthly premium rates, which are automatically deducted from retirement pay, vary based on the retiree’s location and number of people covered by the plan.  Visit TRICARE Retired Dental Program and click “Prospective Enrollees” for more information on rates and benefits.

New and Improved TRICARE Media Center Up and Running

Be sure to visit the new and improved TRICARE Media Center for updates on TRICARE programs.  The new Media Center makes it easier than ever for beneficiaries and providers to follow TRICARE online and share information with friends and family.  By joining the conversation, TRICARE is addressing concerns and providing resources to resolve the common issues beneficiaries have when accessing their health care benefits.  Visitors to the media center can become a TRICARE fan on Facebook, get “tweets” on Twitter, receive e-mail alerts, view TRICARE news releases and videos, download podcasts and much more.

Stop Health Care Fraud

TRICARE protects its beneficiaries by working with other government agencies and the TRICARE regional health care contractors to identify and investigate fraud and abuse. Beneficiaries are encouraged to examine their explanation of benefits (EOBs) and question anything that may have been fraudulently billed.  TRICARE maintains a list of sanctioned medical providers who are barred from participating in TRICARE.  The sanctioned provider list can be searched here.  To report medical fraud or abuse, contact the regional contractor's fraud and abuse office, call the toll-free number provided on the EOB To report pharmacy fraud or abuse, contact Express Scripts at .  Learn more about the TRICARE fraud watch program at the TRICARE website.

ACTIVE DUTY NEWS

Patriot Express Travel Routes Expanded

Pacific-based service members and their families will soon have more options available for traveling to and from the United States beginning this April, with the re-routing of current Patriot Express flights and the addition of a third weekly flight.  Patriot Express flights have been available for Japan-based members since October and in April the service will connect South Korea-based members.  Additionally, four-legged family members can fly in the Patriot Express' pet spaces.  While the service is targeted mainly toward service members and families traveling on PCS moves, it is also open to members traveling on temporary duty and retirees eligible for space-available.

Homeowners Assistance Program Expands

In 2009, the Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) was expanded to provide assistance to wounded service members or Department Of Defense (DOD) civilians reassigned due to medical or rehabilitation purposes or retirement due to their disability; surviving spouses of the fallen; BRAC 2005 impacted homeowners, and service members undergoing a permanent change of station during the mortgage crisis.  A new component now allows the program to assist qualified applicants in the direct sale of their homes in two specific ways: reimbursement at closing and government acquisition.  For a straight private sale - where the applicant does not have the funds to close - HAP may help.  For more information, visit the Homeowners Assistance Program website or contact your local HAP Field Office which can be found here.

New Chaplain of the Coast Guard

Captain Gary P. Weeden, CHC, USN, has been selected as the next Chaplain of the Coast Guard.

A native of northern Virginia, Captain Weeden enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard after graduation from high school.  He served as a Marine Science Technician and later served with the Oregon Air National Guard.

Captain Weeden received his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Reserve while completing seminary studies at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon.

He holds a Bachelors degree in Biblical Studies and Masters degrees in Divinity, Theology and in National Strategy and Security Studies from the Naval War College

Chaplain Weeden has served in a variety of operation and staff assignments in both the Coast Guard and the Navy.  He is currently serving as the Chaplain for Coast Guard Atlantic Area in Portsmouth, Virginia.  NAUS Note:  The Coast Guard does not have its own Chaplain Corps.  Navy Chaplains serve all three sea-going services - Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

Guardian Angels for Soldiers' Pet

The Guardian Angels for Soldiers’ Pet "Foster Home" program was created to help military service members who have not been able to find a family member or friend to care for their beloved pet(s) prior to deployment.  It allows them to deploy in harm's way without concerns for their pet's welfare and know their beloved pet(s) will be waiting for them to return safely home.  

This program is available to all branches of service and domestic pets throughout the country.  Based on the number of potential foster homes available, Guardian Angels may need to foster the pet in another part of the pet's state or in another state as close as possible to where the pet owner and his or her pet is located.  For more information on the program go to their website.

VETERANS NEWS

VA Begins Advertising Campaign

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a two-month, nationwide advertising campaign to assist student veterans and service members applying for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.  You might have already heard some of the radio ads urging veterans to learn about their education benefits.  VA has also developed a hip pocket guide and checklist with helpful tips to assist veterans and service members in the application process.  Information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as VA's other educational benefit programs, is available at VA's website, or by calling ().

California Schools Seek Veterans

California's educational institutions are actively seeking transitioning service members offering careers with an opportunity to "Serve Again."  The U.S. Department of Education's "Troops to Teachers" program connects people who still have the desire to continue serving their communities with employers looking to fill shortages in California's classrooms and across the nation.  Troops to Teachers provide help for veterans who are considering a job in teaching kindergarten through 12th grade.  The organization can help with credentialing and with stipends as high as $5,000 to help offset the costs of becoming a teacher.  For more information, visit the Troops to Teachers website.

Graduate School Possible with Post 9/11 GI Bill

A provision included in the Post-9/11 GI Bill covers graduate-level education.  The Yellow Ribbon GI Enhancement Program allows Post-9/11 GI Bill-eligible service members to attend a participating private, graduate or out-of state-university without having to pay the difference not covered by the bill.  Participating schools voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition.  The Yellow Ribbon program falls under the same guidelines as the Post-9/11 GI Bill.  For more information about the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Enhancement Program, visit the VA Yellow Ribbon Program webpage.

Extra Social Security Credit for Some

If you served on active duty anytime between 1957 and 2001, you may qualify for a higher Social Security payment because of your military service.  Under certain circumstances, special extra earnings for your military service during those years can be credited to your record for Social Security purposes.  Special earnings credits are granted for periods of active duty or active duty training.  For additional information, visit the Social Security website.

NAUS NEWS

NAUS on the Road 

Retiree Activity Days:  NAUS President MG Bill Matz and his wife Linda will be at the Fresno, California, Military Retiree Council RAD in Clovis, CA, on March 20.  President Matz will be the keynote speaker.

Veterans Benefits Advisor Mike Plumer will be the keynote speaker at the Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, RAD on March 27.  Lunch will be at the Wolf’s Den dining facility at noon (cost $4.25) and the program and booths will run from 1-5pm at the Last Frontier Community Center.

Senior Legislative Assistant Morgan Brown will be the keynote speaker at the Dover, AFB RAD on April 10.  Chapter Director Jack Chmielewski and Veterans Benefits Advisor Mike Plumer will also be on hand at Dover to answer your questions.

Make plans now to come to these upcoming Retiree Days and meet your NAUS HQ staff.