Content Manager posted on April 01, 2009 22:17
URGENT! Ask President Not to Include TRICARE Fee Increases in Budget
With a month to go before the new Administration submits its first budget to Congress, NRA dba AUSN is urging members to contact the White House and ask the President not to include TRICARE fee increases and increases in pharmacy co-pays in his FY2010 budget request. NRA dba AUSN wrote to President Obama, expressing our belief that the Department of Defense must explore and implement other cost-saving measures before shifting costs to beneficiaries. Imposing higher health care costs sends a powerful and negative message not only to retirees, but also to those currently serving, about the value of their service. We strongly urge all Navy members to use the NRA dba AUSN Take Action Center.
Final Regulation for Post 9/11 GI Bill Released
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released the final regulations for the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefit that takes effect on 1 August 2009. Approximately two million service members and veterans can expect to receive a letter outlining eligibility and application requirements. Applications will be available on the VA website on or after 1 May, but benefits will not be paid until 1 August.
NRA dba AUSN strongly supported this legislation that significantly enhances education benefits for service members who have served since 11 September 2001, including VEAP-era personnel. This extensive reform package eliminates the $1,200 enrollment fee, provides a monthly cost-of-living stipend, and includes the ability to transfer the benefit to family members for some currently-serving personnel—a significant victory for Post-9/11 service members and vets. Visit www.gibill.va.gov.
TRICARE Standard coverage for Gray Area Retired Reserve members
Senator Bill Nelson (NE) introduced a bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for continuity of TRICARE Standard coverage for certain members of the Retired Reserve. S.731. Along with Congressman Latta (OH), HR 270, we now have companion bills for Continuity of TRICARE Standard coverage for gray area Retired Reserve members.
House Passes TSP Improvements and Eases SBP/DIC Offset
Before a two-week recess, the House passed "The Federal Retirement Reform Act" (H.R. 1804) that would provide benefit enhancements for currently serving military personnel and military survivors. The bill would authorize active duty military personnel the same Roth option for their Thrift Savings Plan that most corporate employees already enjoy. A Roth 401(k) allows individuals to invest after-tax dollars into an account in which the balance grows without taxation and can be withdrawn tax-free under specified criteria.
The bill also eases the financial penalties imposed on military widows whose spouses died of service-connected causes, many of whom experience considerable financial penalties because their military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities are reduced by the amount of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) they receive from the VA. Two years ago, Congress took a first step in addressing that burden by authorizing a $50 monthly allowance for these widows. H.R. 1804 would increase the monthly payment to $95 next year and to $345 in the out years. The measure now goes to the Senate for further consideration.
TRICARE Reserve Selective Informational Flyer