TRICARE Pharmacy Copays Increasing:
TRICARE pharmacy copay costs increased on Feb. 1 as required by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. The increase will impact almost all beneficiaries, including individuals on TRICARE for life. Exceptions include active-service members (ADSM), who can still fill their prescriptions at any pharmacy at no cost; dependent survivors of ADSM; and medically retired service members and their dependents, who will continue to be charged 2017 rates. Both retail network and home delivery costs are impacted for generic, brand name and non-formulary drugs. The most significant increase will be in the home delivery generic formulary drug costs, which will increase from $0 to $7 per 90-day supply of a medication. Beneficiaries can still fill their prescriptions at military treatment facilities for a $0 copay.
DOD-VA Release Discharge Upgrade Tool:
The Departments of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the launch of a web-based tool to assist veterans looking to upgrade or change their military discharge. This tool is the latest in a series of steps taken by DOD to improve the discharge review process. Previous steps have included such measures as the 2011 issuance of guidelines related to individuals discharged under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, a 2016 internal review of policies and procedures, and the August 2017 guidance clarifying consideration of cases involving mental health conditions, such as PTSD and those associated with TBI, sexual assault and sexual harassment. The new tool will provide customized guidance to veterans who believe their discharge was unjust, erroneous or warrants an upgrade, and wish to seek a review. After answering a few questions, veterans will be provided specific information on which board to apply to, which forms to complete, where to send the application, guidelines helpful to their case and tips for appealing their discharge.
Home Loan Refinance Protections:
The Senate recently introduced S. 2304, a bipartisan bill designed to stem the number of bad refinance opportunities to which veterans can fall victim. The VA home loan program is an excellent benefit that has been used by millions of veterans over the years. While most of the refinance opportunities are offered in good faith, there are some bad actors who look to prey upon VA home loan users and offer beneficiaries loans which have front-end benefits, but increase the long term costs. The bill would limit home loans from being refinanced unless they meet the Net Tangible Benefit test in which offers must benefit the VA user, not the institution. The bill would also make permanent a requirement for VA home loan beneficiaries to wait six months before being eligible to refinance their loans. The six-month seasoning period was established by VA and Ginnie Mae to control the rapid increase in interest rates for homeowners which is caused by frequent refinancing of VA home loans. The VFW is encouraged that Senators Tills and Warren have taken up this issue and we are glad to see that protection of veterans is always a priority in Congress.
TRICARE Establishes Philippine Provider Network:
A TRICARE preferred-provider network is now available to eligible beneficiaries living or traveling in the Philippines. The network replaces the Philippine Demonstration project, which was initiated in 2013. The project was designed as a way to offer high-quality health care to eligible TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) Standard beneficiaries living in certain areas in the Philippines. The Standard Plan ended Dec. 31, 2017, and individuals using the network will now pay the same copays, deductibles and catastrophic caps as those enrolled in the new TRICARE Select plan. Beneficiaries are required to see a certified provider and are encouraged to use a preferred provider, which reduces out-of-pocket costs. Choosing an uncertified or non-preferred provider may result in processing delays or denial claims.
Veterans, Active Duty Members and Civilians:
My next Driver Safety Class will be at the Farmingdale Library, on Thursday, March 1, at 9:30 a.m. Bring your lunch, drivers license, a check, a sweater and a pen. Arrive at 9:15 a.m. for a good seat. The Chamber of Commerce of Farmingdale will hold another “Comedy Night” at the Nutty Irishman on March 22. Call Jo Weider at 516-286-7800 for tickets. They go fast. Post 516’s next meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 8:30 p.m.
