|
|
|
|
ARMED FORCES NEWS |
|
|
One requirement for eligibility for Tricare for Life is enrollment in Medicare Part B. Some 90,000 military retirees and spouses never enrolled in Part B, either because they expected lifetime care in military treatment facilities that subsequently were closed or because they live overseas where Medicare doesn't pay. Many of those would use TFL except for the severe late-enrollment penalties for Part B. According to the Military Officers Association of America, the Senate Finance Committee has agreed to include an amendment by Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., to the Medicare pharmacy coverage bill. The amendment would eliminate the late-enrollment penalty for TFL beneficiaries who first signed up for Part B between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2004. It also would permit year-round enrollment through 2004. It would delay receipt of Part B coverage until January 2005 for new late enrollees, although a House bill would implement the change this year. |
|
