Ike Puzon posted on July 15, 2010 14:35
As many members know, we worked hard to get a provision in the FY 2010 NDAA, Section 705 that would allow Reserve Retirees (GRAY AREA Retirees) that are not receiving retired pay to purchase TRICARE Standard until they reach age 60. At age 60 Reserve gray area retirees receive TRICARE Standard.
Congressman Latta (R-OH) and Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) where the Congressional supporters of this provision, Section 705, PL 111- 84 (FY 2010 NDAA) and with their help, the TMC and NMVA assistance and your assistance - this provision was passed by Congress 22OCT09, and signed into law on 28 OCT 2009. AUSN personally contacted OSD-HA to seek the implementation plan and date for TRICARE Standard for Gray Area Retirees. At that time, NOV 2009, OSD indicated it would be around 18 months to implement the program WITHOUT any reasons of why it would take that long! AUSN viewed this as an unacceptable plan and a slow down for implementation process. In DEC09 and JAN2010, along with several sister associations we reengaged Congress, OSD-HA, TMA, and OMB on expediting the implementation of this critical passed health provision for Reserve Components.
There is the appearance that OSD-HA and TMA actually was avoiding providing the final rules to OMB which is counter to what AUSN was told since this week OMB indicates they did not receive the final rule on TRR until 2JUL2010 - nine months after passage of the provision!
We ask that you send the attached CAPWIZ letters to OSD, OMB (White House) and especially your Congressional delegations as soon as possible. This is an election year. Candidates as well as OSD need to be responsive. OSD and the Executive Branch could have and should have implemented this congressionally passed provision in a timely manner. This provision is not a totally new program to get started since TRICARE (TMA) has been operational since 1995 and the TRR program was to be modeled after the TRS program.
Please take 60 seconds to send the attached email letters to Congress, OSD, and the White House. Send to your Reserve Component friends to engage on this issue. Also encourage friends and relatives to join AUSN in the fight for benefits, pay, and equipment for the Navy and Navy Reserve.
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