Still Serving Headline Image
Special Edition - Feb 11, 2009

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

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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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(Return to top.)
Contact the MRAO: in Korea 031-663-0319, outside Korea 82-31-663-0319;
e-mail: mrao@rao-osan.com