Retiree Corner

  • Published
  • By Denis Miller
  • Director, Retiree Activities Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --    Retiree Appreciation Weekend
  By now, if you are a retiree, you should have received your 2010 Military Retiree Appreciation Weekend Newsletter. The new format is the result of the hard work of the Great Falls Tribune, the Retirees Council and Malmstrom AFB. We hope you like the new format. If you are a retiree and have not received your copy, contact the Retiree Affairs Office at 731-4751 and ask for Denis Miller.
 

TRICARE
With the passage of the Health Care Reform plan, there are many questions and just as many answers concerning the effects of the new plan. Many of the service organizations have released statements, questions and answers. While no one yet has all the answers, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki released a statement saying that none of the proposals would force veterans to purchase new health care or change the way current benefits are delivered. Defense Secretary Robert Gates echoed that statement saying the changes "will not negatively impact the TRICARE medical insurance program."

VA Disability Benefits
In addition to state veterans benefits, the federal government also offers various veterans benefits including disability benefits. Some of these, depending on disability rating, are commissary privileges, dental treatment, compensation for dependents, Aid and Attendance for a disabled spouse, adaptive home and clothing allowances, insurance, civil service preference, education training and passes for federal parks. For a complete listing and more information, check the Web site www.va.gov. If you do not have Internet access, contact the Retiree Affairs Office at 731-4751 for assistance.

Designation of Beneficiary
Retirees need to ensure they have a current designation of beneficiary on record with DFAS. Retirees should have a person designated to receive any monies due the estate at the time of death of the service member. The beneficiary named for unpaid compensation due a retiree at death is separate from the Survivor Benefit Plan, although both can be the same. A Beneficiary Designation Form is available on line at www.dfas.mil under Retired Pay, or by calling DFAS at 1-800-321-1080. If you need assistance, call the RAO at 731-4751.