Family Programs - 07/15/2008 (Plain Text Version) View Graphical Version AUSA Sunshine Chapter 2008 Educational Scholarships Awarded The AUSA Sunshine Chapter in Orlando, FL awarded $5,500 in scholarships to four deserving students. One college student, along with three high school students were chosen as the 2008 recipients. The scholarships were awarded on a competitive basis and took into consideration GPA and community activities. Twenty students applied for the 2008 scholarships and the applicants were equally divided between college and high school students. For more information about the winners or the AUSA Sunshine Chapter, please visit their website at http://www.ausa-sunshine.org/. New G.I. Bill Clarified The new G.I. Bill, signed into law on June 30th, included full tuition benefits and a stipend for additional expenses. However, the benefits will not take effect until August 1, 2009. Starting August 1st of this year, there will be a twenty percent increase in benefits for Servicemembers. Chief sponsor of the bill, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA), was surprised that the benefits would not be retroactive for Servicemembers. Even though the new bill provides free education benefits, those currently enrolled in the Montgomery G.I. Bill must continue to make their $100 monthly installments until they have fully paid the $1,200 contribution required to participate in the program. For more information, go to http://www.armytimes.com/news/ 2008/07/military_gibill_benefits_070708w/.  [return to top] Dental Insurance Legislation Introduced to Senate Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced dental legislation (S.3178) that would allow the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) to establish a dental program for veterans, surviving spouses, and certain dependent children enrolled in the VA’s health system. Currently, most individuals covered under the VA’s healthcare system do not have access to dental insurance. This legislation is modeled after TRICARE’s Retiree Dental Program which allows retirees the option to purchase dental insurance. To view the full bill, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:s.03178::.  [return to top] TRICARE Availability Still in Jeopardy The Bush Administration has delayed paying doctors for treating Medicare patients in order to give Congress time to block a scheduled 10.6% Medicare fee cut. The 10.6% cut will affect 600,000 doctors who treat Medicare and TRICARE patients. The scheduled cut is based on a formula that requires fee cuts when spending exceeds established goals. To read more, visit http://www.military.com/military-report/tricare-availability-still-in-jeopardy.  [return to top] Subcommittee Conducts Hearing to Review Reintegration Programs The House Veterans’ Affairs Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee conducted a hearing to evaluate the progress of the VA and DoD in improving the reintegration process for members of the National Guard and Reserves. Witnesses testified that several states have already implemented successful reintegration programs. The National Guard Bureau is prepared to implement a comprehensive national reintegration program. To view a webcast of the hearing, go to http://veterans.house.gov/.  [return to top] New Policy to Prevent Loss of Leave The new military leave policy, part of the fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, allows troops to carry over 75 days of leave (rather than the previously allotted 60 days) into the next fiscal year. The policy will begin September 30th and will remain in place until December 31st, 2010. For more information, please visit http://www.military.com/military-report/policy-aims-to-prevent-loss-of-leave.  [return to top] IRS Seeks Retirees and Disabled Veterans for Rebate The IRS reported that more than five million retirees and disabled veterans are eligible for their cut of the economic stimulus package, but have failed to take the steps necessary to get their rebate checks. Individuals who receive social security, veterans’ benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits, and earned at least $3,000 in qualifying benefits and/or in earned income, are eligible for a $300 individual tax rebate or a $600 rebate for couples. However, in order to qualify, a 2007 federal tax return must be filed by October 15th. The tax rebate will not affect eligibility for federal benefits, the rebate cannot be taxed, and the filing will not have to occur every year. For more information about filing electronically or to print out the appropriate forms to file, please visit http://www.irs.gov.  [return to top] Job Training Grants for Veterans Secretary of Labor, Elanie L. Chao, announced 103 grants will be awarded to veterans totaling $30 million. The grants will assist approximately 19,000 veterans with job training for civilian careers. The grants are awarded under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) and the Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program (VWIP). The grants will be distributed on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. For more information about the grants or the Department of Labor’s programs for veterans, please visit http://www.dol.gov/.  [return to top] Ohio Gives Veterans In-State Rates at Public Colleges Governor Ted Strickland announced the “Ohio G.I. Promise,” which will allow all veterans attending college on the G.I. Bill to attend Ohio public universities at in-state tuition rates. The Ohio plan makes all veterans “honorary Ohioans” by changing the residency requirement of the state’s 36 colleges and universities. The “Ohio G.I. Promise” is offered to all veterans, their spouses, and dependents. To read the full article in The New York Times, go to http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/education/09vets.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss .  [return to top] DoD Approves New Social Networking Website Pentagon officials approved “Websites for Heroes,” a network-secure, password-protected website for Soldiers and families. The website allows families to post 2-hours of video, unlimited pictures, message boards, kids’ pages and interactive calendars. The website will enable troops to maintain communications with their families during deployments and other assignments. Previously, the DoD banned social networking sites, such as MySpace and YouTube, from their computers making daily interaction difficult for military families. “Websites for Heroes” is exempt from that ban and is accessible on DoD computers. Donations are accepted ($99 per year) for military families to access the site. So far, more than 1,300 military families have requested a website. For more information, go to http://www.websitesforheroes.com/.  [return to top] TurboTAP Offers Transition Assistance TurboTAP is an interactive web portal designed to assist Servicemembers and their families make the transition out of the military. Servicemembers must establish a lifetime membership to access the information and support online. For more information, visit http://www.turbotap.org.  [return to top] NCOs in Warrior Transition Unit Get More Pay Special Duty Assignment Pay given to noncommissioned officers who serve as platoon sergeants and squad leaders with Warrior Transition Units (WTU) and community-based health care organizations has increased from $225 to $375 per month. The pay increase is retroactive to June 5. The required two years of leadership experience to receive the Special Duty Assignment has also been eliminated allowing more officers to apply for WTU duties. For more information, please visit http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/07/army_ SDAP7_070308w/.  [return to top] Military Airfares May Not Be Cheapest In a survey conducted by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, military families report paying more for military fares than regular rate flights. The Tribune-Review compared military rates and regular airfares on various airlines between random cities eight days before departure. In each case, the lowest military rate was more expensive than the lowest regular rate. According to the airlines, the cost differences come from the military rates being a set price, while the regular rates fluctuate daily based on demand. Since many Servicemembers are only given 24 hours notice of leave, they are stuck paying for expensive flights once they are stateside. As ticket prices continue to change daily, military families should review all possible airfares before requesting a military rate. To read the full article, go to http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/search/s_576255.html.  [return to top] Airline Baggage Fees for Troops According to the General Services Administration (GSA), most military personnel will not have to pay baggage fees while traveling on official orders. American Airlines, United, and US Airways will not charge bag fees to Servicemembers traveling on official business, while Jet Blue and Midwest will charge on the second bag. The government will reimburse expenses related to checked bags during official travel with a valid receipt. For more information, go to http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/military_baggageexemption_061908w/.  [return to top] AAFES “Back to School Essay Contest” Offers Prizes The Army and Air Force Exchange Service’s “Back-To-School Essay Contest” is asking students from first through twelfth grade to submit an essay of 200 words or less on “What AAFES means to me and my family.” The essay contest runs from June 27th until August 31st and will consist of four categories: first to third grade, fourth to sixth grade, seventh to ninth grade, and tenth to twelfth grade. There will be three winners from each category. First place winners will receive a computer, second place winners will be awarded $500 savings bonds and third place winners will receive $200 savings bonds. For complete rules and specific instructions on submitting essays, please go to http://www.aafes.com and click on the “Patriot Family Connection” link.  [return to top] DeCA Honors Military Children with Scholarships This year 600 military children were awarded a $1,500 scholarship from the Scholarships for Military Children Program. The scholarship program began in 2001 and has awarded more than $6.4 million dollars in scholarships to more than 4,000 children in military families. Military children have responded with nearly 46,000 applications since the program began. The 2009 Scholarships for Military Children season kicks off Nov. 1, 2008. For more information about the program, go to DeCA’s website at http://www.commissaries.com or the Military Scholar website at http://www.militaryscholar.org.  [return to top] America Supports You Freedom Walk The National America Supports You Freedom Walk will be held on Sunday, September 7th in Washington, DC. The walk is designed for individuals to reflect on the events of 9/11, while demonstrating the country’s commitment to freedom. For more information about the Freedom Walk or to find a walk in your area, please visit http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/FreedomWalk/.  [return to top] Sears Holdings Corp Signs Statement of Support for Military Sears Holdings Corporation interim CEO and President, W. Bruce Johnson, signed a Statement of Support for the military during a ceremony with senior leadership from the Department of Defense. The Statement of Support extends Sears Holdings’ sustained commitment to the military by enforcing the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA), which protects civilian employment of reservist Servicemembers. Sears Holdings Corp also expanded their Partnership with Youth Success (PaYS) to include the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. The PaYS program provides participating companies with fully-trained Soldier employees in exchange for hiring preference. To read the full article, go to http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/07/01/10527-sears-holdings-corporation-signs-statement-of-support-for-military/.  [return to top] TRICARE Benefits Continue During Flooding TRIWest Healthcare Alliance wants to assure TRICARE beneficiaries and families affected by the flooding in Iowa and Missouri that their health care benefits will be maintained and service and support will continue. Beneficiaries should call 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378) for more information or to find a service center or provider operating in their area. TRICARE can also be accessed anytime via the internet at http://www.tricare.mil/. TRIWest has established a new “Crisis Connection” website for general updates and flood-related resources. Please visit TRIWest for more information; http://www.triwest.com/ beneficiary/default.aspx.  [return to top] TRICARE Approves Flexible Prescription Refill Provisions for Flooded Regions Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI), TRICARE’s pharmacy contractor, has been authorized to add provisions for early refills of medications for TRICARE beneficiaries living in the states affected by flooding. The states include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Beneficiaries affected by flooding in those states may take their prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy for a refill. If you do not have your prescription, please visit the pharmacy where the prescription was filled. For information about additional resources or to find a pharmacy near you, please call 1-866-363-8779.   [return to top] TRICARE Covers Back Surgeries Two minimally invasive back surgeries, percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, are now covered under TRICARE with prior approval. Many vertebral fractures heal on their own in approximately three months with bed rest and anti-inflammatory medication. However, those that experience persistent pain past the three month period may undergo back surgery. Spinal fusion surgery was the traditional treatment requiring up to 12 hours in the operating room and days of hospitalization. Percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are outpatient procedures where the patients are generally active after 24 hours. For any questions, or to seek approval for the surgeries, go to http://www.tricare.mil.  [return to top] Donor Program Saves Lives The C.W. Bill Young Department of Defense (DoD) Marrow Donor Program provides support for military personnel who volunteer as marrow donors. Active-duty military members and their families, civilian employees, Coast Guard members, and National Guard and Reserve personnel are eligible to register as a marrow donor through the program. For more information, call the C.W. Bill Young DoD Marrow Donor Program at 1-800-MARROW-3 (627-7693) or go to http://www.dodmarrow.org/.  [return to top] ER Patients Confused about Doctor’s Orders According to a study completed by the journal Annals of Emergency Medicine, more than three in four emergency room patients do not fully understand the instructions that doctors give them after their visits. The American College of Emergency Physicians believe overburdened and overcrowded emergency departments are to blame for the miscommunication with patients. Due to time constraints and multiple patients, doctors cannot take the time to fully explain aftercare instructions. Doctors urge patients to bring a written list of questions to the visit in order to ensure everything is answered and to repeat after-care instructions to ensure full comprehension before discharge. To read the full article, please visit http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=5323746&page=1.  [return to top] FDA Imposes Urgent Warning The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered makers of flouroquinolone drugs (class of antibiotics) to add a prominent “black box” warning to their products and develop new literature emphasizing the risks of tendon rupture for patients. The two leading drugs covered by the warning include Cipro, produced by Bayer, and Levaquin, produced by Ortho-McNeil. The FDA reported that some of the tendon ruptures occurred without warning, but typically the patient felt pain or inflammation for a week or two before the rupture. This suggests that discontinuing use of the drug should prevent further injury. FDA analysis found that patients with the highest risk of problems include people over 60, those taking steroids, and those with kidney, heart or lung transplants. To read the complete article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070801183.html.  [return to top] Sunscreen a Must during Summer Season According to the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 62,400 new cases of melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer) diagnosed this year, and more then 8,400 people are expected to die from the disease. Dermatologists recommend an SPF of at least 15 for daily use and a SPF 30 for outdoor activities. Physicians say children are more susceptible to sunburns because their skin is more sensitive. Bad sunburns during childhood are considered a significant risk factor for melanoma decades later. Sunscreen should be applied every 60 to 90 minutes and infants less then six months old should be kept out of the sun. For the entire article, visit http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=63165&archive=true.  [return to top] Military Ponders Cell Phone Use to Spread Health Info The Department of Defense’s Military Health System (MHS) is considering the use of cell phones to send health information to the military. DoD is deciding if alerts via text messaging, clinical consultations and tracking medications and symptoms through cell phones would work in the military. It is estimated that 250 million people in the United States, along with 1.3 billion people worldwide carry cell phones. For the full article, please go to http://www.govhealthit.com/online/news/350450-1.html.   [return to top] Fringe Autism Treatment May Get Federal Study The process “chelation” may be used in a federal study to treat autism. The treatment removes heavy metals from the body and is based on the fringe theory that the mercury in childhood vaccines triggers autism. DMSA (one of the drugs used for chelation) can cause rashes and a low white blood cell count. The study was put on hold because of safety concerns after an animal study linked DMSA to lasting brain problems in rats. Despite the risks, several thousand parents are already using chelation as a treatment method for their children with autism. For more information, go to  http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080708/ap_on_he_me/med _autism_research. [return to top]