Tricare offers respite for caregivers Published Oct. 3, 2008 FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS) -- 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 important to know that "homebound" members are servicemembers whose conditions or injuries make them unable to leave home without taxing effort. "Frequent" means that servicemembers need more than two interventions during the eight-hour period per day that the primary caregiver normally would be sleeping. To provide the best possible help and respite for caregivers, this benefit will provide a maximum of eight hours of respite per day, five days per week. "What this benefit does is provide caregivers the opportunity to rest," said Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy director of the Tricare Management Activity. "We know that homebound patients have special needs that take a real toll on the caregiver. And, if a caregiver is overworked, the wounded, ill or injured service member may suffer physically or mentally. "Tricare knows that life doesn't stop when a servicemember is injured. Most of the time it just speeds up," said General Granger. "Tricare wants to help the caregivers who help our servicemembers. That's why this benefit is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2008, and has no cost shares or co-pays." Active duty servicemembers, or their legal representatives, can submit receipts for reimbursement of respite care services that were provided after Jan. 1, 2008, by a Tricare-authorized home-health agency. For more information about this benefit visit the Tricare Web site. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page