There’s a move in Washington to enhance servicemember access to over-the-counter birth control and reproductive healthcare. And that move isn’t limited to internal review of healthcare regulations, there are lawsuits and investigations into a variety of complaints about federal policy on this type of healthcare in an attempt to bring DoD and VA guidelines into… Read more »
When you ship out to Basic Training, do you have to buy your own uniform? The short answer is yes and no. Yes, trainees must purchase their initial set of uniforms in basic training. No, they aren’t asked to pay out of pocket. Instead, the DoD provides an Initial Clothing Allowance meant to cover the… Read more »
The Pentagon has announced reforms to its guidelines for those who win military medical malpractice claims against the Department of Defense. Those who successfully bring a case against the DoD may now get up to $750 thousand in damages unrelated to awards for “economic damages,” which have no cap. The $750 thousand cap announced on… Read more »
What Is TRICARE For Life? TRICARE For Life is an additional medical coverage that applies to service members and retired service members who are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to help cover costs associated with medical care. TRICARE For Life applies to those who meet all qualifications to supplement medical costs not completely covered… Read more »
If you are active duty military and receive permanent change of station orders to an overseas base, the Overseas Cost of Living Allowance, or OCOLA, is one of the first things you’ll learn about about pay and benefits for overseas troops. But the amount of those OCOLA benefits is shrinking. The DoD, by law, plans… Read more »
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced a Cost of Living Adjustment or COLA increase of 3.2% for retirees and disabled veterans effective November 30, 2023, “for the payment of disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation,” according to the text of Public Law 118–6 by the 118th Congress. How Much is the 2024 COLA Increase?… Read more »
Do you qualify for free flu shots from the Department of Veterans Affairs? While it’s true that you can get influenza any time of year, there is a definite “flu season” that makes the flu easier to get. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) literature on influenza, “…flu viruses typically circulate during the… Read more »
Military housing problems have been a continuous source of headlines–and DoD headaches in 2023. In addition to continuous grilling by public officials over lead paint in military family housing, overflowing sewage, and black mold in barracks, dorms, and (again) military family housing units, there’s new scrutiny over the accessibility of base housing. Air Force Times… Read more »
In 2022, the Air Force issued a press release announcing a “THC retest pilot program,” which allows applicants a second chance if they test positive for marijuana use as part of their inprocessing through a Military Entrance Processing Station or MEPS. When the program was first implemented, the Air Force wasn’t facing a recruiting shortage… Read more »
TRICARE Open Season 2023 was the period of time when military families can change their TRICARE coverage without needing to justify a major life event like a birth or death in the family. Open Season has now closed. When Was TRICARE Open Season 2023? TRICARE Open Season is Nov. 13 through Dec. 12, 2023. Related:… Read more »