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Special Edition - Feb 11, 2009 |
This newsletter is published monthly by the Military Retiree Assistance Office outside Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Korea. It is provided primarily for the information of retirees of all services and their families living in the Republic of Korea (South Korea). The information contained herein may not necessarily reflect the views or official positions of the Department of Defense, the U.S. military services and their component commands. If you are receiving this newsletter directly by e-mail, it is because you have subscribed to it and confirmed the subscription. To subscribe or unsubscribe, please follow the instructions contained at the end of the newsletter. All issues of the newsletter are maintained in HTML, PDF Print and Text formats on an index at the Retiree Activities Office web site. The index allows direct access to each news item in each newsletter. Contact the MRAO: in Korea 031-663-0319; outside Korea 82-31-663-0319; e-mail: mrao@rao-osan.com |
Newsletter Mailing Test
I installed an upgrade to the newsletter mailing software and need a test of the full mailing capability to ensure that it works properly before the next newsletter is ready to send.
To keep you from being pestered by a worthless test message, I've included a new piece of information provided by the Yongsan TRICARE Office regarding TRICARE for Life Overseas. Even if you're not close to age 65, this is important information if you plan on remaining in Korea. This will be posted on the web site, but you're getting the first look at it.
Finally, I want to welcome those subscribers who have been wondering why they weren't getting the newsletter. I took this opportunity to review the mailing list to find and fix errors, such as not responding to the subscription confirmation message that would activate your subscription. This also fixed the problem for the retiree who reported that he had not received the confirmation message. Enjoy!
Jack Terwiel
Medical Care Matters
Contact: Sheri Pueblo
TRICARE Pacific Marketing Representative
TRICARE Program Office, 736-9130
TRICARE for Life Overseas Program (TOP TFL)
TRICARE for Life is available for dual-eligible beneficiaries residing overseas. By statute to be eligible for TFL, Medicare-entitled beneficiaries must be enrolled in Medicare Part B. There are no enrollment fees for TFL; however, eligible Medicare-TRICARE beneficiaries must pay Medicare Part B monthly premiums. The Part B requirement applies whether you live in the United States or abroad. Beneficiaries must retain enrollment in Medicare Part B in order to qualify for TRICARE benefits. For more information about enrolling in Medicare Part B, please visit the Social Security Administration online at www.ssa.gov/foreign.
Because Medicare typically does not provide benefits for medical care received overseas, TRICARE is the primary source of health benefits. Beneficiaries may seek care from any host nation provider without a referral or prior authorization. TOP TFL provides the same coverage as Standard with the same cost shares and deductibles. The deductible is based on a fiscal year (October 1 through September 30). For more information on costs, visit http://www.tricare.mil/tfl/tflcostmatrix.html.
When seeking reimbursement for care provided by a qualified host nation provider, a claim must be submitted by using DD Form 2642 along with medical receipts and itemized bills to the TRICARE overseas claims processor. After the deductible has been satisfied, a reimbursement minus a 25% out patient cost share [up to the $3,000 annual maximum patient cost share] or appropriate inpatient cost share will be issued. Submit TFL overseas claims to:
- TRICARE Overseas
- P.O. Box 7985
- Madison, WI 53707-7985
Beneficiaries should confirm that their Medicare status is current in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) by calling the DEERS Support Office at 1-800-538-9552. Beneficiaries may also visit the TRICARE DEERS web site at www.tricare.mil/deers/update-info.cfm to learn how to update personal information.
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If you have other problems with this newsletter or wish to submit comments or suggestions, please e-mail still-serving@rao-osan.com. Return to top.
