NewsBytes 11-2-18
In this issue:
Enroll in FEDVIP without Computer
Opioid Treatment Expands Female Counselors
Flu Shots for Veterans
How to Enroll in FEDVIP without Computer
On December 31, 2018, the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) will end. As directed in the FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), military retirees and their families, who were eligible for TRDP, will have the opportunity to enroll in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). The first opportunity to enroll in FEDVIP will be during the next Federal Benefits Open Season, which runs from November 12 through December 10, 2018. Coverage will be effective January 1, 2019. If you are currently enrolled in a TRDP plan, you will not be automatically rolled over to a FEDVIP plan for 2019. You must enroll during open season. If you know a Shipmate that does not have access to a computer, they can enroll by calling 1-877-888-FEDS (1-877-888-3337), TTY number 1-877-889-5680.
Opioid Treatment Legislation Includes Expansion of Female VA Counselors
President Trump recently signed into law the “Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act” (H.R.6) sponsored by Rep. Greg Walden (Ore.). This enormous legislation intended to eliminate the opioid epidemic was amended to include the “Peer-2-Peer Counseling Act” (H.R.4635), sponsored by Rep. Mike Coffman (Colo.). Coffman’s bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) existing peer-to-peer counseling program to expand the number of female peer counselors who serve our nation’s growing female veteran population. These women counselors will prioritize helping women veterans who have experienced sexual trauma while serving in the military, are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from combat deployments or have other mental health conditions making it difficult for them to readjust to civilian life. These conditions are strong indicators that these female veterans are at risk for homelessness and even suicide.
Rep. Coffman, a Marine Corps combat veteran, is Chairman of the House Armed Services, Military Personnel Subcommittee. Earlier this year, Coffman was awarded FRA’s Pinnacle Award, which is FRA highest award provided to a member of Congress who goes above and beyond to advance FRA’s legislative agenda.
Flu Shots for Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Walgreens are national partners, providing no-cost quadrivalent flu shots to veterans enrolled the VA health care system. During the program, which runs from August 15, 2018 through March 31, 2019, enrolled veteran patients nationwide have the option of getting their no-cost flu shot at any of Walgreens’ 8,200 locations in addition to their local VA health care facilities. No appointment is required; simply go to any Walgreens, tell the pharmacist you receive care at a VA facility, then show your Veterans Health Identification Card and another form of photo ID.
Your VA immunization record will be updated in your local VA electronic health record. Walgreens has the capability to electronically send vaccination information to the VA. The VA-Walgreens national partnership is part of VA’s eHealth Exchange project. This national program ensured that many veterans got their flu shot at their local Walgreens, satisfying their wellness reminder because they either found it more convenient or did not have a scheduled appointment at a local VA health care facility. Patients will also be asked to complete a vaccine consent form at time of service.
You may receive a no-cost flu shot during any scheduled VA appointment, if you are admitted to one of the VA health care facilities, or at one of the convenient walk-in flu stations. Many other local retail pharmacies offer flu shots that may be covered by private insurance or programs such as Medicare. There may be a charge for your flu shot at these locations. If you do not have insurance, there will usually be a charge. For more information on the flu shot program go online .
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