Fleet Reserve Association News-Bytes - 12-16-04

[haele]

Again, I'm posting snippets of the FRA newsletter that might be of interest and a resource to DU vets, active duty and their families, be they Army, AirForce, Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard.

This week's issue covered the following -

* FCC Considers Increase in Phone Card Prices
* TRICARE Transition Update
* Status of Mandatory Generic Drug Program
* Congress Reconvenes Soon, Veterans' Secretary Resigns
* FRA Offices Close for Holiday Observances

FCC Considers Increase in Phone Card Prices

FRA has learned that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
is again reviewing proposals to increase the cost in prepaid
phone cards by nearly 20 percent, despite opposition from FRA and
other veterans' organizations.

In a June letter to FCC Chairman Michael Powell. NES Joe Barnes
pointed to the significant number of prepaid phone cards that are
purchased by and for uniformed service members who are in combat
zones or areas outside the United States. Additionally, prepaid
phone cards are often purchased in bulk by charitable and
veterans' service organizations (including FRA branches) for
distribution among these service members.
(snip)

TRICARE Transition Update

Since June 2004, DoD's TRICARE program has transitioned from 12
regions and four contractors to three regions and three
contractors (TriWest, Humana and Health Net). While TRICARE
benefits remain the same, there have been changes in program
administration which have led to some administrative problems.
TRICARE Management Authority (TMA) leaders have posted
information on the TRICARE Web site at
www.tricare.osd.mil/healthcarecontracts/default.cfm about these
problems they have encountered and ongoing efforts to fix them in
each of the TRICARE regions.
(snip - the article discussed problems with automation and excessive waits to see a service rep.)

Status of Mandatory Generic Drug Program

The Department of Defense (DoD) and Express Scripts Inc. (ESI),
the company selected to manage the TRICARE Retail Pharmacy
program (TRRx), are working together to promote a high quality,
cost-effective pharmacy benefit.
(snip)
DoD contracted with ESI to send a letter to all patients
receiving a brand-name drug on 1 June 2004, for which there was a
generic equivalent available. The letter stated that the
beneficiaries' current prescription for the brand-name medication
would be honored until they have obtained all the refills
remaining on their current prescription.
(snip)
(Concerning use of Brand names vice generics - )The
stipulations of medical necessity are discussed in further detail
at www.osd.tricare.mil. Unless the patient has an approved letter
of medical necessity before they fill the new prescription, they
will have to pay the full cost of the medication in addition to
the cost share.

Haele