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FEATURED ARTICLES AND LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

COLA Legislation Sent To White House
U.S. Senate Committee On VA Affairs Veterans Compensation Cost-Of-Living Adjustment Legislation Sent To White House

Following unanimous approval by the House and Senate, Congress is sending S. 407, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009 to the White House.  If approved by President Barack Obama, S. 407 would protect the value of compensation for veterans and their survivors from potential inflation.

"Millions of disabled veterans and their survivors rely on monthly compensation, and the value of their payments should be protected from potential inflation," said Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), author of the bill.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics uses the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to measure inflation.  In the event that the CPI increases, S. 407 would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2009, the rates of:

• Veterans' disability compensation,
• Dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children, and
• Additional related benefits.

The cost of living adjustment (COLA) is designed to offset inflation.  If the CPI increases, COLA for the above-mentioned benefits would match the annual increase provided to Social Security recipients.  This year's COLA rate has not been determined, and some predict that the CPI will decrease this year.  In the event of a decrease in the CPI, veteran and survivor compensation will remain at last year's rate. (From Military.com)

TRICARE Beneficiaries Give TRICARE Website "Thumbs Up"
TRICARE beneficiaries gave their seal of approval to the beneficiary portal at www.tricare.mil in a recent American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Web Satisfaction survey.

The score of 72 points out of a possible 100 marks an 18-point improvement since June 2007 - the month before the TRICARE Beneficiary Web site was redesigned.

Responding to beneficiary input, TRICARE Management Activity Communications and Customer Service worked hard to improve the beneficiary portal located at www.TRICARE.mil/mybenefit so all 9.5 million TRICARE beneficiaries could easily navigate the Web site for information about their benefits.

The beneficiary profile function is a key new feature making site navigation easier.  Beneficiaries answer three profile questions-their beneficiary category, where they live and the TRICARE plan they use-and the information they receive is tailored to their specific category and need.

"Improvements to the Web site have been based on user feedback through ACSI online surveys," said Chris Mulieri, chief of TRICARE's Web & Creative Services Branch.  "We continue to monitor online surveys closely and make modifications when necessary to improve the experience for our beneficiaries.  For instance, to improve the site's search capability, TRICARE implemented Google Custom Search in November 2008."

ASCI survey results now show that since the changes, beneficiaries are more likely to use the Web site as their main source of benefit information and will likely return or recommend the site to other beneficiaries.

In addition to improvements to TRICARE.mil, beneficiaries can stay informed of TRICARE benefit news and updates by e-mail when they subscribe to the electronic delivery system available by clicking on the "e-mail Updates" link at www.tricare.mil.  Subscribers can enter their e-mail address and choose alerts by topic or beneficiary category.  Delivery is safe and secure. (TRICARE Management Activity (TMA))

TRICARE Putting Into Effect Waiver of Some Preventive Services for Some TRICARE Beneficiaries
DoD is putting into effect the Congressional ordered waiver of co-pays for some preventive services for beneficiaries who use TRICARE Standard or TRICARE Extra. (Not TRICARE for Life).  The services are:

Colorectal cancer screenings
• Breast Cancer Screenings

• Cervical cancer screenings

• Prostate cancer screenings

• Immunizations

• Well child visits for children under the age of 6 years

• The medical visit if it is for one of the items listed above.  If a patient has more than one of the listed services provided during the visit (and who wouldn't) then those other services are subject to co-pays and deductibles.

The law went into effect on October 14, 2008, as part of this year's NDAA but it will not be implemented until September 1, 2009.  So if you have had any of these services preformed since October 14, of last year, paid co-pays and/or deductibles, retain or try to collect records to submit after September 1.

The 09NDAA said that DoD could include TFL recipients under this program; but they were not compelled to do so.  And not surprisingly they did not.  We are going to push to have TFL included especially for immunizations (which is not paid for under Medicare Part B) (The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA))

National Resource Directory (NDR) On Line
The Federal Government has put together a web site under DoD that is a "partnership" among the Department of Defense, the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs that tries to put in one place information for all wounded or injured service members, veterans and their families (please see the description below).  It is a useful source of all kinds of information.  To find it go to:&!nbsp; http://www.nationalresourcedirectory.org/nrd/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=6036

National Resource Directory:&!nbsp; The National Resource Directory (NRD) is an online resource for wounded, ill and injured Service Members, Veterans, their families and those who support them.  The NRD provides information on, and access to, medical and non-medical services and resources across the country which will help them reach their personal and professional goals as they successfully transition from recovery to community living.

The NRD is an online partnership of the Department of Defense, Department of Labor and Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as numerous Veteran service and benefit organizations; non-profit community-based and faith-based organizations; academic institutions, professional associations and philanthropic organizations. (The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA))

Most Decorated Marine Pilot Dies
On June 20, Marine Corps Col. Kenneth L. Reusser (Ret), died at the age of 89. Col. Reusser was said to be the most decorated Marine aviator in history.  He flew 253 combat missions in 3 wars:&!nbsp; World War II, Korea, and Vietnam and was shot down in all three.  His 59 medals included 2 Navy Crosses, 4 Purple Hearts and 2 Legions of Merit.  He was buried at the Willamette National Cemetery in Oregon. (The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA))

VA Begins $250 Payments to Veterans
As part of the national recovery plan, VA is making one-time payments of $250 to eligible veterans and survivors to offset the effects of the current economy.  The VA estimates $500 million in payments will be made to approximately 1.9 million veterans and eligible beneficiaries as part of this measure.  The first payments were sent Monday, June 22.  All payments will be distributed by June 30.

This payment is not countable in determining eligibility for VA pension or parents' dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC).  The law allows one $250 tax-free payment per person.  VA beneficiaries who also receive benefits from the Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement Board will be paid through those agencies and will not receive the payment from VA.

To be eligible for the payment, VA beneficiaries must have received VA's compensation, pension, DIC, or spina bifida benefits at any time between November 2008 and January 2009.  Beneficiaries also must reside within the U.S. or its territories.

No application is necessary.  VA used its existing payment records to determine eligibility for the $250 payment.  Beneficiaries will receive their payments the same way they receive their monthly VA benefits - either by direct deposit or in the mail.

The VA's Website provides additional information about how the VA handles recovery act funds to benefit veterans. (c) 2008, The Military Officers Association of America. Used with permission.

Latest Research on Dementia and Caregiving
By Nanette Lavoie-Vaughan, MSN, APN

Dementia can be a devastating illness for patients and their caregivers.  Current research is focusing on the causes and manifestations of dementia, new medications and treatments, and education and support for caregivers.

News from the various arenas of dementia research and expert advice includes:

* Ongoing studies hope to determine if Alzheimer's dementia can be predicted and diagnosed by scanning the optic nerve.  The same laser technology now used in an ophthalmologist's office to monitor glaucoma is being used to visualize distinctive optic nerve shapes that occur in Alzheimer's disease patients.

* Studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., and the University of Pittsburgh show the drug memantine (Namenda) might play a valuable role in treating Alzheimer's dementia, especially when given in combination with other drugs such as Aricept and Exelon.

* The Alzheimer's Foundation Medical Advisory Board has published reversible risk factors for preventing dementia.  Although these factors cannot overrule the role of age, genetics, and medical disease, they are avoidable risks that you have control over.  The list includes:

o Being a couch potato:&!nbsp; Inactivity impedes blood flow to vital organs and the brain, which is necessary to repair and replenish brain cells.  So start exercising!

o Tipping the scale:&!nbsp; Being overweight or obese alters insulin production in the body that can lead to brain inflammation.  Obesity also increases the risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, and other medical conditions that are risk factors for dementia.

o Rising blood pressure:&!nbsp; High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain and other major organs.  However, hypertension can be tricky to diagnose, as there usually are no symptoms until your blood pressure is very high.  It is important to have your blood pressure monitored and promptly begin treatment if you're diagnosed with hypertension.

o Drinking alcohol:&!nbsp; Prolonged and heavy consumption of alcohol causes a specific type of dementia known as alcohol-related dementia.  Researchers also note that individuals with dementia who drink on a regular basis typically have a higher incidence of confusion, delirium, and behavior problems.

* The American Geriatrics Society has reported that 25 percent of dementia diagnoses are missed due to inadequate screening.  The organization recommends memory screening for people age 65 or older and those younger than 65 who are at higher risk for dementia.  Memory screening is a simple evaluation tool that assesses memory and other intellectual functions and indicates whether further testing is indicated.

* The Caregivers Coalition has posted a set of tips for dementia caregivers:

o Prioritize.  Learn to put aside rigid schedules and be flexible.  Caregivers need to be able to adapt and go with the flow.

o Don't assume your children are too busy to help you.  Ask them for assistance, and let them make their own decisions.

o Look for community resources.  Many caregivers are not aware of the free and low-cost services available in their own communities.  Take time to do a little research.

o Be aware of your feelings.  Your body and your mind will tell you when you need to take a break or get respite.  Listen to the subtle signals, and recognize them before it is too late.

For more information on dementia and caregiving research, visit the following Web sites:

* Alzheimer's Association

* The American Geriatrics Society

* The Rosalynn Carter Caregiver Institute

(c) 2008, The Military Officers Association of America. Used with permission.

VA Eligibility Relaxed for High-Income Vets
Restrictions have ended for some veterans who previously had been shut out of the VA health care system because they do not meet low-income thresholds.

Because of a new rule change, so-called "Priority 8? veterans can enroll in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system more easily as of June 15.  Income will remain a consideration for priority treatment, with services going to those with fewer assets first.

For more information, visit the VA's health eligibility Web site at www.va.gov/healtheligibility/ or call (877) 222 8387 (VETS). (c) 2008, The Military Officers Association of America. Used with permission.

House vs. Senate -- Defense Bill Comparison
Last week we reported the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) completed its initial draft of the defense bill; however, the mark had not been filed at press-time so many of the details remain unknown.

What is known and conspicuously missing is the Administration's concurrent receipt fix.  MOAA will be working with Senate sponsors to introduce amendments to add that and other items during Senate floor action expected later in July.

For now, we gleaned several of the provisions from the SASC press release.  Click here to compare provisions in our "side-by-side" of the House vs.  Senate bills contents on personnel and compensation/benefit topics. (c) 2008, The Military Officers Association of America. Used with permission.

Copyright (C) 2009, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), all rights reserved. Part or all of this message may be retransmitted for information purposes, but may not be used for any commercial purpose or in any commercial product, posted on a Web site, or used in any non-MOAA publication (other than that of a MOAA affiliate, or a member of The Military Coalition) without the written permission of MOAA. All retransmissions, postings, and publications of this message must include this notice.

COMMUNITY AND LOCAL BASE - POST NEWS

Military Family Night at Nationals Stadium
The Nationals Stadium honors the nation's military with Military Family Night, July 18 as the Washington Nationals play the Chicago Cubs beginning at 7:05 p.m. at the Nationals Stadium, in Washington, D.C.

Fans are invited to a pre-game picnic from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the Rooftop Party Deck.  Picnic menu includes:

Burger bar; Hot dogs and half smokes

Charbroiled chicken

Barbecue beans

Lemon Cole Slaw

Mustard potato salad

Watermelon

Unlimited soft drinks

Tickets cost $70 per person, including round trip transportation and picnic or $35 per person for tickets only.

Trip leaves from the Fort Eustis Family, Morale and Recreation center, 671 Lee Blvd.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Eustis FMWR ITT at 878-3694.

Nationals Park is located in southeast Washington, D.C., south of the Capitol, along the Capitol riverfront adjacent to the Navy yard.

Outdoor Recreation Summer Rental Specials
Equipment Rentals:

Recreational Vehicles - 1,000 miles free;

Pop-Up Campers - Rent for two or more days get one day free;

Travel Trailers - Rent for two or more days, get one day free.

Boat Rentals (comes with trailers):

Privateers - $70 per day;

Stripers - $110 per day.

Outdoor Recreation is at Bldg. 828 Kells Drive.

For more information and availability, please call 878-2610.

Music Under The Stars Summer Concert Series
Join the evening of classic country in TRADOC's Music Under the Stars summer concert series at Monroe's Continental Park on Fenwick Road.

Each Thursday through August, music lovers can gather at Continental Park for an evening of music and relaxation presented by the TRADOC Band.

Everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket, picnic dinner, and beverages of choice and enjoy the sights and sounds of this Hampton Roads tradition.

All shows are free and open to the public.

A complete 2009 MUTS schedule can be found at www.tradoc.army.mil/band

CONTENT DISCLAMER
Although every effort is made to verify the information contained on this web site, neither the editor nor the RAO staff can guarantee the accuracy of information received from outside sources.




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