Retiree Corner Published March 19, 2010 By Denis Miller MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Health Information Help with health care costs For veterans experiencing financial difficulties, the VA offers an assortment of programs that can relieve the cost of health care or provide care at no cost. Veterans whose previous income was ruled too high for VA health care may be able to regain eligibility based on hardship. Also eligible for VA care are most veterans who recently returned from a combat zone. They are entitled to five years of free VA care. The five year clock begins with their discharge from the military. For more information, contact the VA at 1-877-222-8387 or www.va.gov/healtheligibility. Prior authorization and TRICARE TRICARE requires prior authorization for some medical services, such as care from a medical specialist or special tests. Because there is no all-inclusive list of services requiring prior authorization, beneficiaries should speak with their provider and regional contractor to confirm prior authorization before getting care. In most cases, the health care provider recommending the procedure requests the prior authorization from the regional contractor on the beneficiary's behalf. To learn more about prior authorization and what is covered, visit the TRICARE Web site at www.tricare.mil. To verify prior authorization, beneficiaries can contact their regional contractors: North Region: 1-877-TRICARE (1-877-874-2273); South Region: 1-800-444-5445; West Region: 1-888-874-9378. State of Montana Veterans Benefits Did you know that there are several benefits available to Montana veterans? They range from a $250 death payment to free fishing and hunting licenses for qualified veterans. Check with your local Montana Veterans Service Office for more information. In Great Falls, call (406) 452-2265. DEERS Milestones Life events such as changing residences, death, divorce and re-marriage are milestones in families lives that need to be reported to DEERS. TRICARE records must be kept up to date with such changes, as well. Incorrect or incomplete information in your official DEERS records can lead to a denial of services, usually at the most inopportune time. Interesting Information Wear your uniform with pride Air Force policy permits retirees to wear the uniform as prescribed at their date of retirement, or any of the uniforms authorized for active-duty personnel, including dress uniforms. However, uniform items may not be mixed. Retirees may wear the uniform at occasions of military ceremonies; memorial services, and inaugurals; at patriotic parades on national holidays; other military parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve U.S. military unit is taking part; at educational institutions when engaged in giving military instructions and at social or other functions when the invitation has been influenced by the member's active duty service. Korean War Veterans Recognition President Obama signed the "Korean War Veterans Recognition Act" (H.R. 2362). The bill adds National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day to the list of days on which the display of the flag of the United States is especially encouraged. July 28, 2009 marked the 56th anniversary of the National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. Buglers want 'Taps' as national song What has come to be known as "Taps" --- 24 notes that floated from a Civil War encampment at nightfall to become the tune that sends to their final rests fallen troops, policemen and firefighters, departed veterans and even presidents of the United States --- may soon be given a more official place in the roster of national melodies."My idea is to have [Taps] recognized as our National Song of Remembrance," said Jari Villanueva, a retired trumpet and bugle player for the U.S. Air Force Band who may very well be the country's leading authority on "Taps." He has researched "Taps," written about it, debunked myths about it - it was not found by a Union officer on the body of his son, a Confederate soldier --- and offers what is probably the best history yet of the tune on a West Point Web site. Now, along with fellow bugler Les Hampton, a Navy vet, Mr. Villanueva is working with a New York lawmaker to get Congress to officially recognize "Taps" as a song of remembrance. They hope to have this done in time for the 150th anniversary of "Taps" in 2012. Army residence community If you are 60 years or older, a retired officer, spouse of a retired officer, widow or widower of a retired officer, then you can qualify for residence at the Army Residence Community. It is a retirement community in San Antonio, Texas, for officers of all service branches. For more information on the community or qualifications, check out their Web site at www.armyresidence.com or call the Retirees Activities Office at 731-4751. Annual Military Retiree Appreciation Weekend Don't forget to mark your calendar for the Annual Military Retiree Appreciation Weekend April 23-25. The full newsletter will be produced and mailed by April 2 by the Great Falls Tribune. Watch for it.