News Briefs

Web Site explains TRICARE For Life and Medicare

Medicare and TRICARE are distinct programs governed by different federal laws and regulations. For either program to pay for health care services, the service must meet that program’s requirements. Neither Medicare nor TRICARE can pay for services not considered medically necessary and appropriate for the particular patient’s diagnosis, symptoms or history.

While Medicare is your primary insurance, TRICARE acts as your secondary insurance, minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses. TRICARE benefits include covering the co-insurance and deductible amounts incurred by Medicare. Be aware, however, there are instances in which some health care costs may not be covered by Medicare, TRICARE, or both.

For more information visit http://www.tricare.mil/tfl.

NARA streamlines Vets’ access to service records

Now veterans or a veteran’s next-of-kin can get access to their military records easy with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) online request system. Vets can get not only copies of their records but also a copy of their DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) on line. Information on the site also includes mail or fax instructions.

For more information visit www.archives.gov/veterans.

DoD Solicits Support for Mail-Order Pharmacy
By Sgt. Maj. Cliff Lovette,  USA Ret.
Richards-Gebaur TRICARE Clinic

The TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy (TMOP) program can ultimately save both the Department of Defense and beneficiaries a substantial amount of money on prescription costs.

According to TRICARE officials the savings beneficiaries experience can be up to 66 percent over retail pharmacy costs.

For every prescription beneficiaries fill at a retail pharmacy, the cost is a $3 co-payment for generic medications and $9 for brand name medications every month. If those same prescriptions are filled through TMOP, the beneficiaries’ co-payments remain the same but a 90-day supply is received for the same price.

And it provides the added convenience of having prescriptions delivered to their doorsteps--a great benefit to individuals living in locations without a military treatment facility in sight.

For more information on the TMOP program visit www.tricare.mil, www.triwest.com or call 1-866-DoD-TMOP (1-866-363-8667).

KC Chapter Organizes Veteran’s Day Soldier Support Collection Site

On November 11, AUSA Board Member Diane Boeger organized a collection site in her neighborhood from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm. 

Neighbors dropped off items such as books, games, snacks, toiletries and phone cards.  Mrs. Boeger collected six large boxes of supplies that will be sent to Iraq to be used by our Soldiers serving there.

The organization that manages these shipments is called Operation Give/ Operation Christmas Stocking.

Visit www.operationgive.org for more information.