Military Officer - February 2008 - (Page 36) washingtonscene FY 2008 Defense Authorization Act Health Care Issues Issue TRICARE fee increases Senate version Similar provision but establishes sense of Congress that troops pay large, inkind premiums for health care in service and sacrifice. Mandate that drug companies give DoD some discount in retail stores as in military or mail order pharmacy. Restore eligibility for reserve members and families whose previously earned coverage expired. No similar provision. House version Bar any TRICARE Prime or Standard fee increases before Sept. 30, 2008. Final law Senate provision adopted but drops sense of Congress language. TRICARE pharmacy Bar copayment changes before Sept. 30, 2008. SecDef may bar drug if manufacturer refuses discount in retail system. SecDef may pay premium to continue employer coverage during mobilization in special needs cases. Permanently prohibit the conversion of military medical and dental billets to civilian positions. No provision. Senate provision adopted, including bar on copayment changes before Sept. 30, 2008. TRICARE coverage for Selected Reserve Both provisions adopted. Civilianization of military medical and dental positions House provision adopted except prohibition expires Sept. 30, 2012. Surveys of doctors’ participation in TRICARE Health care requirements for returning servicemembers Require annual surveys of of doctors and beneficiaries through FY 2011. Allow up to three years of active duty-level care for a separating member with a severe injury or illness. Test joint DoD/VA disability evaluation. DoD must count all unfitting conditions for disability retirement. Require SecDef and SecVA to jointly develop a plan for the comprehensive care and management of wounded servicemembers. FEBRUARY 2008 Senate provision adopted. Require case managers and surveys of wounded members in outpatient status to ensure adequacy of care. Require case advocate and liaison assistance for members in medical and disability evaluation process. DoD and the VA must establish joint separation physical and electronic medical record, with transition plan for each member. All provisions adopted. Active duty-level care applies when care is not available from the VA. All provisions adopted. Military medical and disability evaluation process Seamless Transition Both provisions adopted. 36 MILITARY OFFICER
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