Military Officer - February 2006 - (Page 32) washingtonscene FY 2006 Defense Authorization Act Health Care Issues Issue TRICARE Standard requirements House (H.R. 1815) Require expanded surveys on provider participation in TRICARE Standard. Direct GAO review of Standard improvement efforts. Senate (S. 1042) Similar survey provisions; require TRICARE Standard coordinator in each regional office to encourage participation and help beneficiaries. Authorize permanent coverage for virtually all drilling members, with premium set at 28% of cost. Final Outcome House provisions adopted. TRICARE regional offices are responsible for TRICARE Standard support and must submit annual report to Congress on this topic. Those not mobilized since Sept. 11, 2001, pay larger premium (50% to 85% of cost). Allows sign-up within 90 days; continues survivor coverage, but not for separatees/retirees. Not included in law, but Senate Armed Services Committee direction to Pentagon to submit plan remains binding. Not included in law, but House Armed Services Committee direction to Pentagon to submit study remains binding. Not adopted. TRICARE coverage for Selected Reserve Allow sign-up within 120 days after leaving active duty. Continue eligibility if involuntarily separated; six months family coverage if member dies. Pretax treatment of health expenses No provision Direct plan to allow pretax payment of premiums and out-of-pocket expenses by active duty and reserve members. No similar provision TRICARE interaction with other health insurance (OHI) Direct study on restoring TRICARE Standard as true second-payer to OHI (as TRICARE For Life is to Medicare). Report due March 31, 2006. No similar provision Pharmacy benefits for nursing-home residents Bar imposing nonnetwork deductible/copayments on nursing-home residents. Require pilot projects to destigmatize PTSD and other combat-related conditions and encourage early treatment. Require study of MHS organization, cost, retention and recruitment, and ways to improve efficiency/quality. Mental health/PTSD awareness efforts Authorize campaign on availability of mental health services and early identification and treatment. Similar provisions adopted. Report on health care delivery through military health care system (MHS) 32 MILITARY OFFICER No similar provision Senate provision adopted. FEBRUARY 2006
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