The White Falcon - 08.10.1993, Qupperneq 4

Key features of Tricare medical plan
Washington, D.C. (AFNS) — If approved by Congress, the De-
partment of Defense’s (DoD) Tricare plan could become effective as
early as 1995. Everyone eligible for military medical care eventually
would have to enroll in the plan to receive care at a DoD medical
facility.
Under the plan, active duty members would be automatically
enrolled at no cost, they would receive medical care at either a mili-
tary facility or through a contracted civilian doctor specified by the
military and at no cost.
Active duty families
of higher ranking mem-
bers, including officers,
can enroll for an annual
fee of $35 per person or
$70 per family. Retirees
and their family mem-
bers can enroll for an
annual fee of $50 per
person or $100 per fam-
ily.
Active duty family
members or retirees and
their families will not
pay a separate charge to
use military medical fa-
cilities.
If space available ap-
pointments are not avail-
able at a military facil-
ity, patients can be referred to a contracted doctor. Active duty
families of E-4s and below will pay $5 per visit of a contracted doctor.
Active duty families of E-5s and above, including officers, will pay
$10 per visit. Retirees and their dependents will pay $15 per visit.
Families will not pay for prescriptions filled at military facilities,
even if the prescription was written by a contracted civilian doctor.
Families using contracted doctors pay no deductibles and cost-
sharing fees will be less than under the standard CHAMPUS plan.
Currently, CHAMPUS deductibles range from $50 to $300, depend-
ing on sponsor’s duty status and rank. CHAMPUS pays 75 percent to
80 percent of cost-sharing fees.
DoD will pay an average of 80 percent for insurance premiums for
all military beneficiaries not employed by a civilian employer.
In areas where Tricare is not available, DoD will pay up to 100
percent of the premium for family members who choose the lower
cost civilian managed care plan. DoD will pay up to 80 percent of the
premium for retirees and their families.
Families can change from one primary care provider to another
within the plan. However, once enrolled in Tricare, families cannot
switch to another plan until the next year. This does not apply to
people making permanent change of station moves.
Involuntary allotment ^
Washington, D. C. (NNS) — Congress has authorized the use of
involuntary allotments from military pay in cases where a service
member owes a debt to a third party.
The provision is in an amendment attached to the Hatch Act
Reform Bill which permits federal civilian workers and postal em-
ployees to engage in certain political activities. Senate and House
lawmakers already passed the bill. The President is expected to sign
it shortly.
In the past, federal law limited automatic deductions of military pay
for indebtedness to cases involving failure to pay child support and
alimony. Once implemented by service regulation, the new involun-
tary allotment law will permit automatic deduction from a member’s
pay for any court-ordered indebtedness, regardless of the nature of the
debt. This new legal avenue to obtain money owed to a creditor
significantly expands the creditor’s remedies against a service mem-
ber.
This process will be subject to various legal conditions. The
amendment specifies that consideration for the absence of a service
member owing to military duty must be included in the new regula-
tion. It also mandates a review of any court-ordered indebtedness for
compliance with the protections granted to service members by the
Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act.
Additional details on conditions and procedures will be contained
in the implementing regulation, which is required to be issued wi
180 days after the bill is signed into law. For further informat
contact Legal at ext. 7900.
Education and commissioning program
The Air Force Education Office is accepting applications for the
Airman Education and Commissioning Program (AECP). The pro-
gram is open to individuals who wish to pursue a degree in Meteor-
ology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engi-
neering or Civil Engineering. Application cut-off date is Feb. 1,1994.
For more information, contact the Air Force Education Office at ext
2698.
Tuition assistance course limit lifted
The six course limit for Navy tuition assistance announced earlier
this year for fiscal year 94 has been lifted effective immediately. Tui-
tion assistance, however, is capped at $1,000 per year per individual
for vocational/technical courses. It may be used to pay for an
individual’s first associates, bachelors, masters or doctorate only.
Call ext 6226 for more information.
A sailor is.
The CNO has just approved
the following definition of a sailor after a review of the
boot camp curriculum. The review showed sailors
wanted and needed a strong, universal definition of who
they are and what they are becoming. Sailors will begin
learning this definition as part of boot camp training.
31
will obey the orders of my superiors,
will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of
OI am a United States Sailor.
3I represent the fighting spirit of Navy bluejackets who have gone
before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.
31 proudly serve my country’s Navy combat team with honor, commit
ment and courage.
31 am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.
America.
The White Falcon