HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Treasure Island opens at Minot

    The winds can howl up to 50 mph and temperatures can drop to negative digits outside, but people here can find an island oasis inside now that the Treasure Island indoor fun park opened here Dec. 23.The indoor retreat includes two softball and one fast-pitch batting cages and a nine-hole miniature

  • Treating Airmen outside the wire

    Most medical teams deployed to Iraq treat their patients from the forward operating base, but three Airmen in Kirkuk are taking their knowledge to the streets by providing medical care to security forces troops outside the wire. The 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron boasts a medical cell

  • Treatment available to troops suffering from combat stress

    The servicemember who goes to combat and the one who comes back are never the same person, the Defense Department's director of mental-health policy said July 14."No one comes back unchanged," said Army Col. (Dr.) Tom Burke.Dr. Burke and other DOD health officials try to reach out to those returning

  • Trial by fire, SecAF marks first 100 days in office

    In late March, the Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James dusted off her desert boots after her first troop visit to Europe and Afghanistan. While the trip allowed her to get a feel for the global reach of the force under her command, James also celebrated a tacit career milestone, when she

  • 'Trial by Flag' for new F-35A pilots

    F-35A pilots who recently graduated their initial training and are currently deployed to Nellis Air Force Base as part of exercise Red-Flag 19-1. Now they are being battle-tested.

  • Trial date set for former legal officer

    A trial judge approved the former commander of the Air Force Legal Operations Agency's defense counsel's requests for deferments of plea and court forum choice during an arraignment April 14 in a courtroom at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. Col. Michael Murphy's general court-martial was tentatively

  • Trial ends for Air Force translator

    Senior Airman Ahmad al-Halabi, a supply clerk who served as a Guantanamo Bay translator, was found guilty of three charges and four specifications of violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The trial ended here Sept. 23.Col. Barbara Brand, the military judge for the case, sentenced

  • Triathlon kicks off fitness month, brings families together

    Members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community participated in the second annual FitFactor Triathlon May 2 here. Approximately 70 participants swam, biked and ran their way to the finish line where family, friends and spectators cheered them on. The event, held mainly for youth to get out and

  • 'Tribute to the Troops' scheduled for 9/11

    The second annual "Tribute to the Troops" motorcycle ride is scheduled to roll through the American heartland over the Sept. 11 weekend.The tribute ride, which will include several hundred bikers, is a means to honor servicemembers who gave their lives for freedom and to raise money for local

  • Tributes flow in as nation mourns passing of George H.W. Bush

    President Donald J. Trump declared Dec. 5 as a national day of mourning for former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away Friday night at age 94. Trump joined countless others in paying tribute to Bush and his lifetime of service as a Navy pilot in World War II, congressman, ambassador to the

  • Tricare adds coverage for breast cancer MRI screenings

    Recognizing the importance of early detection, officials from the Tricare Management Activity recently changed its policy adding coverage for Magnetic Resonance Imaging screening for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. The American Cancer Society has clear guidelines defining high risk,

  • Tricare announces H1N1 immunization policy

    Immunizations against the H1N1 virus will soon be available, and people are eager to take precautions. Tricare Prime, Standard and Extra beneficiaries can get their shots from network and non-network providers without paying a deductible or making a co-payment. A temporary waiver allows retired

  • Tricare announces updated reimbursement rates

    An updated list of the Tricare reimbursement rates is now available to beneficiaries. The changes for fiscal year 2007 include updated rates for inpatient mental health, residential treatment centers, partial hospitalization, hospice, and inpatient cost-shares for civilian hospitals. "We take very

  • TRICARE assistance program is here for beneficiaries during the holidays

    The holidays are a great opportunity to bond with family members and reconnect with old friends, but this time of year can also present significant stress, particularly if a loved one is deployed for the holidays. An empty seat at the dinner table, holiday shopping minus one or unwrapped gifts under

  • TRICARE autism demonstration proving positive

    During the recent 2011 Military Health System Conference, Michael O'Bar, deputy director for TRICARE policy and operations, reported on the Department of Defense Enhanced Access to Autism Services Demonstration. "We have begun the process to determine how best to make the board-certified behavior

  • TRICARE begins home delivery education initiative

    TRICARE beneficiaries who still get two or more maintenance prescriptions from a retail pharmacy should start checking their mailboxes. TRICARE Management Activity and Express Scripts Inc. are mailing out home delivery education "alert" letters to promote pharmacy home delivery.The alerts focus on

  • TRICARE beneficiaries being targeted by call centers

    The Defense Health Agency, Office of Program Integrity (DHA-PI) has received a significant number of concerns from our TRICARE beneficiaries regarding unsolicited contact from call centers encouraging them to provide personally identifiable and health information.

  • Tricare beneficiaries can skip co-pay during over-the-counter test

    A two-year test authorized by the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act allows Tricare beneficiaries to substitute over-the-counter versions of certain prescription drugs without a copayment. For now, the test includes the Tricare mail order pharmacy only.  Plans call for expansion to retail

  • Tricare beneficiaries can 'stay alert' by e-mail

    Officials with the Tricare Management Activity are now providing benefit news electronically. From the latest beneficiary newsletters and changes in coverage, to pharmacy updates and news releases, all 9.2 million Tricare beneficiaries now have an easy way to stay informed by e-mail. A new

  • TRICARE beneficiaries encouraged to review new dietary guidelines

    New dietary guidelines released by officials from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture urge Americans to increase physical activity, reduce sodium intake, choose foods that provide more potassium and opt for water instead of soft drinks. The 2010 Dietary

  • TRICARE beneficiaries have many options to prepare for flu season

    TRICARE officials urge their 9.6 million beneficiaries to take preventive steps to stop the spread of the flu. Seasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory virus that many beneficiaries may already have been exposed to throughout the year. The 2010 through 2011 flu vaccine will protect against

  • TRICARE beneficiaries have several pharmacy options

    Despite questions about whether the Walgreens pharmacy chain will continue as a TRICARE provider, beneficiaries will have several options for filling prescriptions, Defense Department spokeswoman Eileen M. Lainez said today.The retail pharmacy contract between Express Scripts Inc., or ESI, and the

  • Tricare beneficiaries overseas to get transition letters

    Tricare beneficiaries living outside of the United States soon will begin receiving letters updating them on the Tricare Overseas Program Contract that begins Sept. 1. However, beneficiaries will receive the letter only if their Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System address is

  • Tricare beneficiaries save time, money with new service

    Registering for the Tricare mail-order pharmacy is now just a quick phone call or click of a mouse away for military families and retireees with the launch of the new Member Choice Center. With this new service, beneficiaries obtain enrollment assistance, and MCC members contact the physician to

  • Tricare beneficiaries save with mail-order pharmacy

    Nearly 20,000 Tricare beneficiaries are saving money on their prescriptions after making the switch to mail order through the new member choice center. After only two months of operation, beneficiaries saved approximately $600,000 on prescriptions by switching from retail to the Tricare Mail Order

  • Tricare benefits continue for hurricane victims

    Tricare beneficiaries and their families affected by Hurricane Katrina will continue to receive health benefits, service and support during this time of tragedy, said Tricare Management Activity officials.“We are aware that many of our active duty servicemembers, retirees and their families have

  • Tricare benefits enhanced for certain active-duty survivors

    Citing the debt of gratitude owed to those who have served the country and made the ultimate sacrifice, a top defense health official recently revised the Tricare policy for transitional survivors. The change allows active-duty families who live overseas, and who are on accompanied orders at the

  • TRICARE benefits follow students on winter break

    With winter break approaching, many college students will visit family or friends. Making sure their TRICARE benefits follow them during holiday travel is a simple process. To avoid higher out-of-pocket costs and point-of-service charges, students should get care before heading home or elsewhere for

  • Tricare benefits improved significantly for reservists

    The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2005 significantly improves the overall health benefits available to guardsmen, reservists and their families. It also makes permanent several of the Tricare benefits authorized “temporarily” under defense legislation, while extending secretarial

  • Tricare can help make New Year's resolutions reality

    Saving money, tobacco use and fighting the battle of the bulge are among the hot topics on most people's New Year's resolution lists, but this year Tricare officials can help. Saving money on regularly used prescriptions got a lot easier in 2007 with the new Member Choice Center.The MCC can save a

  • TRICARE changes to Nexium coverage

    Starting June 28, the drug Nexium will no longer be a TRICARE preferred, or formulary, drug. This means it will no longer be available in military pharmacies, and you will pay more if you get it through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or a retail network pharmacy.

  • Tricare civilian inpatient rates increase slightly

    The daily cost of inpatient care in civilian hospitals for active-duty family members under Tricare Standard and Tricare Extra increased Oct. 1 from $13.32 to $13.90 per day or $25, whichever is greater. For example, if a family member of an active-duty servicemember is an inpatient for one day, he

  • Tricare computers, files stolen

    Officials from the Tricare Management Activity announced Dec. 23 that computer equipment and files were stolen Dec. 14 from its Tricare Central Region health contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance Corp. in Phoenix.TriWest contracts with the military health system to provide health services to

  • Tricare continues medical support for Katrina victims

    Tricare is continuing its efforts to ensure the more than 136,000 displaced servicemembers and family members in the Gulf Coast region have access to medical care during Hurricane Katrina recovery operations. Tricare is the Department of Defense agency responsible for managing the military’s health

  • TRICARE continues to expand coverage

    Effective in early December, TRICARE will expand coverage to include the care and treatment of beneficiaries requiring an auditory osseointegrated implant (AOI) to non-active-duty family members, and we will also cover the services and supplies needed to diagnose and treat illness or injury of the

  • Tricare coverage guaranteed for beneficiaries

    Tricare Management Activity wants to reassure its beneficiaries that none of them are at risk of losing their Tricare coverage, regardless of the cost of their care or other conditions that might affect commercial insurance policies. "I want to remind our beneficiaries that Tricare is an entitlement

  • TRICARE covers skilled nursing facility care

    A skilled nursing facility is designed to provide short-term care for people who no longer need acute care in the hospital but are not well enough to go home. Under TRICARE, a SNF must have the staff and equipment to provide skilled nursing, skilled rehabilitation or other medically necessary health

  • TRICARE data breach

    Science Applications International Corporation is mailing letters to affected military clinic and hospital patients regarding a data breach involving personally identifiable and protected health information. On Sept. 14, SAIC reported the loss of backup tapes containing electronic health care

  • Tricare Dental Program newsletter delivers

    The Tricare Dental Program newsletter, published three times a year, provides great information to enrollees about their dental benefits. Topics covered in Issue 2 of the dental newsletter include details about enhancements made to the Tricare Dental Program website, facts on getting dental care

  • Tricare deputy director highlights new programs

    Tricare officials are enhancing programs and services as part of an ongoing commitment to provide quality health care for military families, the new deputy director of Tricare Management Activity said. One of the key Tricare initiatives is to enhance the contact beneficiaries and their family

  • Tricare dives into social media to engage beneficiaries

    Tricare officials are taking the plunge into social media to uncover what issues matter most to their beneficiaries around the world. Social media channels and networks like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr continue to transform how healthcare information, and information in general, is

  • TRICARE does not retire when you do

    When beneficiaries retire from active duty, they may have big plans for how they are going to spend their time. Along with choices about where to live and their next great adventure, they must make choices about their health care. Understanding these choices will help beneficiaries and their

  • TRICARE ECHO helps families with special needs

    For beneficiaries with specific mental or physical disabilities, TRICARE's Extended Care Health Option provides benefits, including financial assistance that is not available through the basic TRICARE program.ECHO does not replace benefits from other TRICARE programs; it simply offers supplemental

  • TRICARE eligibility requires DEERS enrollment for newborns

    TRICARE offers a variety of health plans designed to provide the best quality of care for parents and their babies. However, if children are not properly registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, they risk losing their TRICARE benefits, program officials said."TRICARE

  • TRICARE ends walk-in admin services at 189 facilities

    TRICARE military health plan service centers will end administrative walk-in services in the U.S. on April 1, Pentagon officials said Jan. 13. While the 189 facilities will stop taking walk-ins, beneficiaries can accomplish any administrative task online or by phone, said Pentagon spokesman Army

  • Tricare enhances dental benefit for pregnant women

    In response to research indicating the increased risk of dental disease during pregnancy, Tricare Management Activity recently approved an enhanced Maternity Dental Benefit through United Concordia, a dental contractor. The enhanced benefit authorizes an additional cleaning at no cost for all

  • TRICARE expands assistance to reduce tobacco use

    The Defense Department is committed to helping troops, their families and all beneficiaries of the TRICARE health care plan reduce their reliance on tobacco products, a TRICARE official said here today.During an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel, Paul Fitzpatrick,

  • TRICARE expectant, new parents survey validates review program

    Patients enrolled in TRICARE's Parent Review program are giving high marks to this outreach. Out of 1,037 completed surveys, the great majority of respondents' comments were positive, expressing appreciation for the email service.More than 2,000 healthy babies are born to military families each

  • TRICARE extends Web-based counseling program

    The TRICARE Assistance Program has been extended through March 20, 2012. This demonstration program lets active-duty service members and their families' beneficiaries use the Internet and a webcam to speak face-to-face with mental health counselors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year

  • TRICARE follows beneficiaries departing Japan

    TRICARE Management Activity officials assure TRICARE beneficiaries affected by the situation in Japan that their health care benefits will be maintained and support will continue during this difficult time. Even if relocated, beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Overseas Program Prime, or

  • Tricare grants extension for overseas claims filing

    Tricare Management Activity officials have extended the "timely filing waiver" for dates of service before Dec. 31, 2007, to allow providers, beneficiaries and others living overseas additional time to submit overdue claims for reimbursement. The original deadline was Dec. 31, 2008, for services

  • Tricare implements enhanced coverages

    Tricare will implement coverage for anesthesia services and associated costs for dental treatment for beneficiaries with developmental, mental or physical disabilities, and for children age 5 or under beginning July 1. Additionally, Tricare encourages beneficiaries who received these services

  • TRICARE improves mental health care, treatment

    People in distress may hesitate to reach out for help due to perceived stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment. This perception and the belief that care may be hard to get, may prevent some people who need care from getting it. TRICARE has worked hard to eliminate potential barriers

  • Tricare information now housed under one Internet roof

    Tricare beneficiaries will get a pleasant surprise the next time they visit Tricare Online. The Web site has a new name, a new look and a new home. It is now part of Tricare.mil, the official Web site for all Tricare information. "We reorganized the Web site with our beneficiaries in mind," said

  • Tricare inpatient costs increase for fiscal 2010

    Every year the costs for Tricare-covered inpatient services are reviewed and are subject to change. For the coming fiscal 2010, which runs Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2010, there is an increase for some out-of-pocket costs paid by Tricare Standard beneficiaries at civilian hospitals for inpatient care and

  • TRICARE joins campaign to increase medication adherence

    TRICARE joined the U.S. surgeon general and other partners recently in Washington D.C. to launch the Script Your Future campaign, which encourages patients to take their medications as directed.The Script Your Future campaign's primary goal is patient education and awareness, focused on patients

  • Tricare launches healthy choices for life programs

    Take care of your body, and it will take care of you, say health experts. In today’s fast-paced world, they also say that is getting harder to do. Being overweight, using tobacco products and excessive drinking go against this adage and can cause serious health problems and possibly early death. 

  • Tricare makes traveling within the U.S. carefree

    Preparing for a road trip or vacation requires planning -- what to pack, where to stay and what to do -- but taking a few minutes to think about health care before hitting the road can save a lot of hassles. To reduce the chance of health care problems while traveling, beneficiaries should see their

  • Tricare may change for some families

    With Operation Iraqi Freedom in full swing, deployments have become common for military members stationed at overseas locaitions. This can affect health care for family members.Health care is available for eligible family members whether they choose to stay overseas or decide to temporarily return

  • Tricare meets or exceeds most new health provisions

    Tricare already meets or exceeds most of the new health care provisions in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that took effect Sept. 23. The PPACA provides new or expanded options and consumer protections for those with private health insurance coverage.Most provisions

  • TRICARE moves forward with prime service area reductions

    Defense Department officials will reduce the number of TRICARE Prime service areas in the United States beginning Oct. 1, affecting about 171,000 retirees and their family members. Those beneficiaries, who mostly reside more than 40 miles from a military clinic or hospital, received a letter earlier

  • Tricare news available fast and easy at Media Center

    Don't feel like waiting for the next newsletter to get all the latest Tricare news? Visit the new media center at www.tricare.mil/mediacenter for the hottest links to Tricare's social media and updates to what's happening with Tricare.The new media center makes it easier than ever for beneficiaries

  • TRICARE offers relief for spring allergies

    The weather is finally warming and we can spend more time outdoors. Unfortunately for some, warm weather brings suffering from seasonal allergies. However, there is hope. TRICARE covers proven services and supplies needed to diagnose and treat allergies.

  • Tricare offers respite for caregivers

    Tricare now offers primary caregivers of active duty servicemembers much needed rest, relief and reprieve thanks to section 1633 of the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The respite benefit specifically helps homebound servicemembers who need frequent help from their primary caregiver. It is

  • TRICARE offers transitional health care

    When service members leave active duty, TRICARE offers a transitional health care option for eligible beneficiaries and their families while they look for new health coverage. The Transitional Assistance Management Program, or TAMP, is designed to extend TRICARE eligibility for sponsors and their

  • Tricare official explains plans for future

    To balance increasingly complex responsibilities at home and overseas, Military Health System officials have adopted the Quadruple Aim model of care, Rear Adm. Christine Hunter, deputy director of the Tricare Management Activity, told a standing-room only crowd of military medical leaders Jan. 27. 

  • TRICARE official: Early flu shots key to prevention

    With flu season already under way, the top TRICARE military health plan official encourages the system's almost 9.7 million beneficiaries to get their flu shots as early as possible at a military medical facility or network provider, or at any participating pharmacy.Military hospitals and clinics

  • TRICARE officials announce Young Adult program

    The Department of Defense announced Jan. 13 its introduction of the premium-based TRICARE Young Adult Program which extends medical coverage to eligible military family members to age 26. Expected to be in place later this spring, TYAP implements the National Defense Authorization Act of fiscal

  • TRICARE officials caution against overuse of common pain medication

    Officials at the Food and Drug Administration are limiting the amount of acetaminophen allowed in prescription pain medications.The ruling came with renewed warnings that exceeding the recommended daily dose of 4,000 milligrams can lead to serious liver problems.Acetaminophen is one of the most

  • Tricare officials encourage beneficiaries to get flu shot

    Tricare officials urge uniformed service families to be prepared for this year's flu season, and an important step to do so is receive a flu vaccine shot. In the United States more than 220,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 die every year as a result of the flu and flu-related complications.

  • Tricare officials encourage eye exams

    Maintaining healthy eyes and vision is an important part of personal safety and quality of life. Getting an eye exam is a smart idea for anyone, whether or not he or she has vision problems. Active duty family members can get a routine eye exam every year, and retirees and their family

  • Tricare officials encourage military kids to "move" on childhood obesity

    During the month of September, Tricare officials continue their strong commitment to the battle against childhood obesity. By observing Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, Tricare representatives are active participants in the Let's Move! program for military kids. The national Let's Move! program

  • TRICARE officials expand retail pharmacy vaccine program

    TRICARE officials are expanding the number of preventive vaccines covered at retail network pharmacies. Until now, the majority of vaccines were only covered when obtained through a physician's office."Vaccines are a critical part of every family's preventive health program," said Rear Adm.

  • Tricare officials expanded benefits and customer service in 2009

    The past year has been a busy one for Tricare officials with the introduction of a new Web-based counseling program and major enhancements to several other Tricare benefits.Introduced Aug. 1, the Tricare Assistance Program uses today's constantly evolving Web-based technologies to bring short-term

  • Tricare officials implement new formulary search tool

    Beneficiaries and providers can use the new Tricare formulary search tool to find the most up-to-date information about prescription medications.Located at http://pec.ha.osd.mil/formulary_search.php, the new formulary search tool allows beneficiaries to easily find which medicines are in the uniform

  • TRICARE officials improve online communication, access

    Additions to the TRICARE military health plan's website are giving beneficiaries easier access to their personal health data, more convenient appointment scheduling and better communication with their health care providers, the top TRICARE official reported.TRICARE Online, the military health

  • Tricare officials launch beneficiary bulletin podcast

    As part of a continuing effort to keep beneficiaries informed, Tricare officials have added a news podcast to the Tricare Web site. The Tricare Beneficiary Bulletin brings listeners the latest news about their benefits every week in a quick, easy-to-digest format. The debut podcast contains updates

  • Tricare officials launch Web page to down alcohol abuse

    April is Alcohol Awareness Month and Tricare officials here are committed to creating a "buzz" about the effects of alcohol abuse. A new Tricare Web page at http://www.tricare.mil/alcoholawareness sheds some light on alcohol abuse and promotes responsible drinking. Heavy alcohol consumption is a

  • Tricare officials offer tips for contract transition

    Some beneficiaries of the military's Tricare health-care system may experience long wait times when calling their new regional contractors.But the transition to new contracts "will make a strong program better and ultimately result in higher patient satisfaction," Tricare officials said.Officials

  • TRICARE officials promote colorectal cancer screening

    Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women in the United States. Of cancers affecting both men and women, it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., according to officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The beginning stages of

  • Tricare officials recognize Warrior Care Month

    November is Warrior Care Month, and Tricare officials seek to educate wounded, ill and injured service members about their benefits. "It is our goal to share with all service members as much information about their benefits as possible," said Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy director of

  • TRICARE officials support National Prevention Strategy

    Recently, the U.S. surgeon general and members of the National Prevention Council, including Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, released the first ever National Prevention Strategy, which provides a plan to shift the nation from a focus on sickness and disease to one based on wellness and

  • TRICARE officials warn about the dangers of holiday drinking

    Accidents related to drunken and drugged driving claim the lives of thousands of Americans each year.TRICARE officials would like to remind beneficiaries to ensure their holiday season is relaxing, enjoyable and peaceful by remembering to drink in moderation and encouraging their loved ones to do

  • Tricare officials: be prepared for hurricane season

    With meteorologists predicting another active Atlantic hurricane season, Tricare officials are urging beneficiaries to prepare now before a hurricane causes evacuations or limits access to health care. The Atlantic storm season is underway and hurricanes and typhoons at home and abroad may affect

  • TRICARE Online and MiCare have similarities, differences

    TRICARE Online and MiCare Secure Messaging may seem to offer the same services, but there are important differences to these software tools, which are designed to enhance access to care for all military beneficiaries.

  • Tricare overseas beneficiaries reminded to update DEERS

    Tricare beneficiaries living overseas should keep an eye on their mailbox for critical information about how the new Tricare Overseas Program contract affects them. To make sure this information finds its way into the right mailbox, beneficiaries living abroad need to update their Defense Enrollment

  • TRICARE pharmacy copays change Feb. 1

    Military pharmacies and TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery will remain the lowest cost pharmacy option for TRICARE beneficiaries when some TRICARE pharmacy copays change Feb. 1. Most copays for prescription drugs in the home delivery program and retail network pharmacies will increase slightly.

  • TRICARE portability reduces moving stress

    With a single phone call, TRICARE's "Moving Made Easy" option will take some of the stress out of moving, a top TRICARE official said Aug. 26. Using this option, service member and family beneficiaries under TRICARE Prime can ensure that when they arrive at a new duty station, their medical records

  • Tricare program for 'gray area' reservists coming

    A new program will offer "gray area" reservists the opportunity to purchase Tricare health care coverage.While qualified members of the Selected Reserve may purchase premium-based coverage under Tricare Reserve Select, or TRS, retired National Guard and Reserve personnel did not have Tricare health