NewsBytes September 2, 2022
In this issue:
You Can Stop Cuts to TRICARE Medical Staff
Military Recruitment Crisis
TRICARE Telemental Health Services?
NHQ Closed on Labor Day
Ask Senators to Stop Cuts to TRICARE Medical Staff
Please ask your Senators to support Sections 780 and 1110 in H.R.7900, the House passed version of the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
House Sec. 780 addresses concerns about battlefield medicine by halting medical billet cuts for three years and requiring an extensive DoD assessment of military medical manning related to operational requirements.
Medical billet cuts also have the potential to create access challenges for military families, retirees and their families, and survivors who rely on the military health system. The civilian health care system is in a very different place today than it was in 2019, when DoD announced plans to cut medical billets and transition beneficiary care to civilian providers. The three-year halt required by Sec. 780 would also allow time to assess changes in civilian medical system capacity and workforce projections.
House Sec. 1110 includes eliminating the 180-day delay for retirees joining DoD as civilian employees if they are healthcare workers in the Military Health System (MHS).
Members can go to the FRA Action Center to weigh in on these issues.
Military Recruitment Crisis
During the House Armed Services, Military Personnel Subcommittee (HASC-MP) markup of the FY2023 National Defense (NDAA-H.R.7900), Ranking Member Mike Gallagher (Wis.) said, “We are on the cusp of a military recruiting crisis.” Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern that this year could be the worst recruiting environment since the end of the Vietnam War. According to Politico the Army has reached 66 percent of its goal for the fiscal year ending in September, and the Navy is at 89 percent, according to data compiled from October 2021 to May 2022. Even with rates of 100 percent for the Air Force, Space Force, and the Marine Corps (Marines reduced their end strength by 1500), that leaves the department with a total rate of just 85 percent.
The FRA noted in its written statement to HASC-MP for the NDAA subcommittee markup that with the high rate of inflation there is no more critical morale issue for active-duty warriors than adequate pay with adequate pay increases. Further the association advocates for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payments to be restored to 100 percent of housing costs from the current 95 percent and more oversight of military housing to ensure safe and healthy housing. The FRA believes that these and other enhancements would improve recruitment and retention.
Does TRICARE cover Telemental health services?
TRICARE beneficiaries have the option to use Telemental health services as part of their TRICARE benefit. A beneficiary’s regional contractor has a network of providers who can evaluate, treat, and refer as necessary. Telemedicine can be done using live audio and video or audio-only services. Beneficiaries can search for a Telemental health provider on their TRICARE contractor’s provider directory. Beneficiaries can also call their regional contractor to request Telemental health services or other types of mental health services.
Depending on a beneficiaries TRICARE health plan, they may first need an authorization or referral. Active-duty service members need a referral for Telemental health care. Beneficiaries can contact their regional contractor for more information.
NHQ Closed on Labor Day
In observance of the Labor Day Holiday the national headquarters will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2022.
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