In this week’s NewsBytes:
Defense Business Board Wants to “Civilianize” Retirement Benefits
Retroactive Coverage Closing for TRICARE Young Adult
DFAS myPay Goes Mobile
Defense Business Board Wants to “Civilianize” Retirement Benefits
The Defense Business Board (DBB), comprised of 25 corporate executives, recently released a power point presentation of a draft study of the military retirement system recommending extensive cost-saving recommendations. In their “Modernizing the Military Retirement System” report, the DBB recommends doing away with the current retirement system, and implementing a system similar to a 401(k) retirement program, where more service members would be eligible for some level of a significantly reduced retirement benefit.
FRA is closely monitoring this and other cost-saving proposals that would impact active, reserve, retiree and veterans benefits. The association strongly opposes the “civilianization” of military benefits and believes military service is unique and benefits should reflect the enormous commitment shipmates and others make when they serve a career in the military. No legislation has been introduced associated with these changes to military retirement. FRA continues to monitor the legislative process on Capitol Hill in order to protect member pay and benefits.
Retroactive Coverage Closing for TRICARE Young Adult
The opportunity to purchase retroactive TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) coverage for young adults back to Jan. 1, 2011 or thereafter, expires on Sept. 30, 2011. TYA launched in May 2011, and has shown a steady increase in enrollment numbers. As of July 31, almost 7,700 young adults have purchased TYA, which currently offers TRICARE Standard coverage for $186 a month. To qualify for TYA, uniformed services dependents must be under 26, unmarried and not eligible for their own employer-sponsored health care coverage. A premium-based TRICARE Prime benefit is scheduled to be available later in 2011.
Beneficiaries may choose to purchase retroactive coverage if they’ve had significant health care expenses that weren’t covered by other insurance, and once enrolled in TYA, may file a claim for reimbursement of costs for covered care. Additionally, young adults in the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) may elect to purchase retroactive TYA coverage and receive a refund for their CHCPB fees.
Those interested in purchasing retroactive TYA coverage must ensure their application form is received by the regional or overseas health care contractor by Sept. 30, 2011 and all premiums – both retroactive and the initial three-month payment – must be submitted with the application. The application and payment can be dropped off at a TRICARE Service Center, or mailed or faxed to the regional or overseas health care contractor. To be reimbursed for covered services, receipts for care must be included when a claim is filed.
Complete information and application forms are available at www.tricare.mil/tya .
DFAS myPay Goes Mobile
MyPay, the online pay account system for all active duty, and retirees is now mobile. MyPay users can now check pay statements on the go using a smartphone or other mobile device that has a web browser.
The myPay home page, login, Leave and Earning Statements, and Retiree Account Statements have been optimized for smartphones, and key account information is presented in an easy-to-read format. MyPay Mobile is one of several enhancements myPay is making this year. All are based on customer advice received through phone calls, Facebook, and email.
MyPay Mobile meets the same security standards that protect myPay. myPay does not operate or control any wireless networks, and thus cannot guarantee the security used to access the mobile site. Users are asked to check with their wireless service provider for information about their privacy and security. Users should reference their mobile phone’s user manual to learn more about using the web browser.
Here’s how it works:
- Launch your smartphone or other mobile device’s web browser.
- Go to https://mypay.dfas.mil Login to myPay using the same Login ID and Password you use on your computer. myPay will automatically detect that you’re using a mobile device and load a mobile version of the site.
Help is available at the Customer Care Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern. The toll-free number is 888.332.7411.
