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.

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