Deadline nears for military retirees

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 27, 2001

U.S. Rep. Karen Thurman would like to remind military retirees about an important deadline. To participate in the new TRICARE for Life and TRICARE pharmacy benefit this year, they must enroll in Medicare Part B during the 2001 enrollment period, which ends March 31. Medicare eligible military retirees also must update their DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) information.

Starting April 1, military retirees ages 65 and older, as well as certain family members, will be eligible for the TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Benefit. The law requires military retirees who turn 65 on or after April 1 to be enrolled in Medicare Part B to receive the TRICARE pharmacy benefit. However, those who have turned 65 before April 1 do not have to be enrolled in Medicare Part B for this particular benefit.

Starting Oct. 1, they will also be eligible for TRICARE for Life, which provides TRICARE as a secondary payer to Medicare. In other words, TRICARE will pay most of the costs not covered by Medicare, thus eliminating most of the out-of-pocket expenses for medical care. Enrollment in Medicare Part B is a prerequisite for participation in this program.

For information about enrolling in Medicare Part B, seniors can call their local Social Security office or toll free 1-800-772-1213. To update DEERS information, visit the nearest military personnel office or call toll free 1-800-538-9552 or mail changes to DEERS Support Office, Attn. CA, 400 Gigling Road, Seaside, CA., 93955-6771.

Thurman is sponsoring local forums where the new TRICARE prescription drug and health benefits will be discussed. Attending the presentations will be representatives from the Department of Defense, TRICARE Humana Military Healthcare Services and the Social Security Administration.

For reservations to one of the following meetings, call Thurman's office toll free at 1-800-833-4352. Here's the schedule:

Spring Hill: 10 a.m. April 9, VFW Post 10209, 15166 Spring Hill Drive.

Beverly Hills: 2 p.m. April 9, VFW Post 10087, 2170 Vet Lane.

Gainesville: 3 p.m. April 11, VFW Post 2811, 1150 NE Waldo Road.

New Port Richey: 10 a.m. April 11, American Legion Paradise Post 79, 5329 Legion Place.

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