RESPONSE TIME TO EMAILS
ONE BUSINESS DAY 1
about changes in the way pre- scriptions were going to be filled through military treatment facili- ties wrote that the information she received from the MSC was very helpful. “We have been hearing a lot of rumors, and I felt confident from prior experience that MOAA could provide the correct info if it was available,” she said.
Explaining legislation Every day, the MSC receives ques- tions about what is happening in Congress regarding military benefits and compensation issues. Each ques- tion is unique, so each response is customized to address a member’s specific concerns. Additionally, feedback is passed along to MOAA’s Government Rela- tions staff so they can accurately advocate for members’ interests. In early 2015, the biggest issue about which the MSC received emails was the Military Compensation and Re- tirement Modernization Commis- sion. For example, members wanted to know what effects the commis- sion’s recommendations, if enacted through legislation, would have on their TFL.
The MSC also fields hundreds of emails and calls about the SBP/ DIC offset and concurrent receipt, two hallmarks of MOAA’s legisla- tive agenda. Even if a member just wants to know what the annual defense budget has in store for military families, the MSC is a go-to information resource.
Assisting with VA claims The MSC is the first point of con- tact for any individual seeking VA claim assistance through MOAA. MSRs can provide general informa- tion, such as VA program eligibility or the details of certain benefits. For individuals looking to use
MOAA as their veteran service organization (VSO) representative, MSRs ensure servicemembers meet the basic eligibility requirements of the program. Those looking to file a claim through this program must live in Maryland, Virginia, or Wash- ington, D.C., and must intend to file a predischarge claim or a fully de- veloped claim, a Vietnam-era Agent Orange claim, or a survivor claim. If the individual meets the re-
quirements, a VA-accredited MSR will set up an initial phone con- sultation before scheduling an in- person consultation.
92%
GOOD OR EXCELLENT SERVICE
MEMBER SATISFACTION RATING VIA SURVEY
If the individual does not meet
the requirements, alternative re- sources, such as helpful tips for filing claims and contact informa- tion for other nationally recognized VSOs, will be provided.
Building awareness of products and services MOAA offers a host of membership benefits, but oftentimes members are unaware of all that is available. Some of these benefits include discounts on computer purchases, travel packages through MOAA Travel, a com-
Frequently Asked
Questions
1. How does MOAA deter- mine its legislative agenda? MOAA’s legislative agenda is formalized and voted on by its board of directors. Advocacy is- sues are brought forth internally by its Government Relations team and through resolutions submitted by MOAA members. You have a direct say in the types of issues for which we fight. Additional issues might arise as legislation gets intro- duced, so the Government Rela- tions team often must react to emerging information.
2. What do I need to do to sign up for TRICARE For Life? Enroll in Medicare parts A and B before your 65th birthday; have an accurate, up-to-date record in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System; and have a valid, up-to-date uni- formed services ID card.
3. Are grandchildren eligible for the MOAA Scholarship Program? At this time, grandchildren of servicemembers are not eligible for the scholarship program. Due to limited resources and an al- ready competitive field of entries each year, extending eligibility would potentially stretch our resources too thin, and we want to sustain the program for many years to come. It is possible that grandchildren will be eligible in the future.
[CONTINUES ON PAGE 78] AUGUST 2015 MILITARY OFFICER 69
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88