by Debbie Gildea
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
2/1/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- Blue retiree identification cards issued prior to December 2012 had the word "indef" instead of an expiration date. Since December, retiree cards issued have an expiration date effective the day before the retiree's 65th birthday. Although benefits will not automatically expire, some changes will take effect based on Medicare eligibility, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.
"Retirees and their eligible spouses will still have access to benefits and they'll still be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, but the expiration date - which is one day before their 65th birthday - is a reminder to retirees that they must enroll in Medicare Part A and B to retain their TRICARE for Life eligibility," said Ed Yoder, Air Force DEERS project office.
Airmen who retired before the December card change took effect do not need to get a new ID card just because of the expiration date change, Yoder said.
"If your ID card is worn out, unserviceable or your appearance has changed significantly enough that the picture is no longer a good likeness, you should get your card replaced. But there is no mandate to replace your card with the new expiration date card."
Retirees who have the new card showing the expiration date will get a replacement card showing the indefinite status once they turn 65, and spouses' cards will read "indef" once they turn 75, Yoder said.
Airmen who need or want to renew their retiree ID card can go to the nearest Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System office (military personnel section), or call their nearest RAPIDS facility for assistance and guidance.
For information the new expiration date retiree card, DEERS eligibility programs and other personnel issues, visit the myPers website at https://mypers.af.mil.
