washingtonscene
health intervention and treatment remains a difficult challenge in both health systems. The shortage of mental health care provid- ers results in increased referrals to civilian providers, many of whom have little knowl- edge or understanding of military culture and the unique needs of military families. Specialized training and military cultural awareness programs should be expanded for community providers to improve system efficiency and health outcomes for service- members and veterans and their families. We must continue to preserve and pro- tect the health and well-being of the all-vol- unteer force and those who have worn the uniform. DoD and the VA must have viable and effective health and benefit systems that address not just physical conditions but also mental and emotional issues. Senior leaders must strengthen and reinforce ef- forts to establish a command climate that eliminates stigmas associated with seeking mental health care. Establishing a culture that integrates physical and mental wellness is central to eliminating stigma and honors our military and veterans and their families.
Guard/Reserve health care
MOAA will seek enactment of legislation to correct inequities and gaps in subsidized coverage for guardmembers and reservists and their families, including “gray area” re- tirees who have not yet reached age 60. Provide members of the Selected Re- serve the option of having the government subsidize continuation of civilian health care coverage during call-ups — just as the government already provides up to 24 months of Federal Employee Health Benefits Program premium coverage for activated federal workers. Consider revamping and consolidat- ing all Guard and Reserve health care programs under a single, more equitable umbrella to improve consistency and continuity of coverage as these members
42 MILITARY OFFICER JANUARY 2017
move to and from active duty and age through current eligibility categories.
TRICARE for children
MOAA seeks to ensure any TRICARE re- forms include a uniform definition of “med- ical necessity” and align the benefit with best practices of organizations that spe- cialize in pediatrics, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics. Current TRICARE policies can leave military children behind for services unique to their pediatric health needs that aren’t reflected in Medicare re- imbursement policies.
Pharmacy issues
MOAA will work with DoD and Congress to maintain a comprehensive uniform phar- macy benefit, with a robust formulary that preserves beneficiary options to obtain spe- cific pharmaceuticals determined necessary by their providers; promote positive incen- tives that save money for both beneficiaries and the government; and strive to maximize beneficiary choice, minimize beneficiary costs, and help educate beneficiaries and providers to make the best use of various TRICARE pharmacy options.
Access to VA health care
After reports of secret waiting lists at the VA medical center in Phoenix, the president established an independent commission to make immediate and long-range systemic changes necessary to provide the best qual- ity care and support services to service- members and veterans and their families. The federally directed Commission on Care issued its final report June 30, 2016. A statement by the cochair of the com- mission provides a compelling reason for why immediate reform is needed: The systemic problems in staffing, infor- mation technology, procurement and other core functions threaten the long-term vi- ability of VA’s health care system. … No single
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