Retiree Corner

  • Published
  • By Denis Miller
  • Montana Retiree's Council Director
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Retiree Activities Office volunteers assist retirees with several actions including serving as an information center for Space-A travel, Tricare and base services, and contact information for the Veterans Administration and other services.

We also counsel active-duty Airmen nearing retirement and provide literature on retirement issues. Contact the RAO at 731-4751, Monday-Friday, or stop in and see us at the 341st Medical Group Clinic.

Just a reminder, there will be no Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for military retirees or annuitants or SSI payments in 2010 since there was no increase in the Consumer Price Index from the 3rd quarter of 2008 through the 3rd quarter of 2009. DFAS has posted the projected dates 1099R's will be available.

For those with computer access and myPay accounts, they will be able to view their 1099's after Dec. 14. For copies mailed through the postal service, expect them to be mailed out between Dec. 16 and 31. Retiree Annual Statements are available on myPay now.

Do you have some free time during the day and like to drive? Do you want to help out people that have fought for our freedom? The Disabled American Veterans van takes veterans to and from medical appointments. If you are interested call 447-7760.

The Veterans Administration October release adds conditions considered as presumptive to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War. Added were Parkinson's Disease, B Cell Leukemias and Ischemic Heart Disease. Contact a Disabled American Veterans Service Officer, an American Legion Service Officer or the Veterans Administration.

Gov. Schweitzer and Department of Transportation Director Jim Lynch dedicated the new Veterans Bridge where Highway 93 crosses the Bitterroot River just north of Hamilton. The bridge was dedicated Oct. 13 and is dedicated to all veterans. Another reminder concerning Tricare and Other Health Insurance.

If you have Other Health Insurance, you or your provider must file a claim for your health care with the insurance plan before filing with Tricare. After your other health insurance has determined what it's going to pay, a claim may be filed with Tricare. For more information contact Triwest at 888-874-9378 or the Tricare office at the MAFB Clinic.

The VA has issued a warning that veterans have reported being contacted by "Patient Care Group" stating they are helping administer VA prescriptions and the need the veteran's credit card information. This is false. The VA does not call veterans asking to disclose personal financial data.

Don't forget to donate your used cell phones to Cell Phones for Soldiers. Each donated phone represents a one hour pre-paid phone card for a deployed service member. Drop boxes are located at the BX, the Commissary, the Clinic and all 1st Liberty Federal Credit Union offices.