Health Care Alternative
By CWO4 Lewis Tolleson, USCG-Ret., Director; Lt. Col. William A. Pierce, USA-Ret.; and Capt. Bud Schneeweis, USCG-Ret.

What is the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan?

This plan is an alternative to TRICARE Prime. The Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP) offers a comprehensive package of major medical health care coverage plus the advantages of preventive care, including annual physicals, mammograms, immunizations, and well-baby care. The plan also covers medically necessary care and prescription drugs.

Enrollment is similar to TRICARE Prime - just complete an application and submit it to the USFHP program of your choice - but it is contingent on available space, and you must reside in the service area of a USFHP program to enroll. All eligible beneficiaries may enroll at any time throughout the year. Enrollment means a one-year commitment to receive your care from the plan - unless you move out of the area or your eligibility status changes.

Where is USFHP available?

It is available in six service areas across the United States. Major facilities are located in Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, and Washington. (An Ohio site will close at the end of April.) Coverage often extends into neighboring states. To determine if you are in a USFHP service area, click on the map found on the USFHP Web site, available via MOAA's links page, www.moaa.org/magazine/links.asp.

Who is eligible to enroll in the USFHP?

Any beneficiary who relies on the Military Health System for health care and is eligible in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) can enroll. The DEERS list includes anyone who is eligible to receive military health benefits, including active duty family members, retirees, and retiree family members.

Active duty personnel are not eligible, as they are required to obtain their health care at a military treatment facility (MTF).

Can I use an MTF while enrolled in USFHP?

Not for routine or urgent care. Under the USFHP, you may use MTFs only if you have an acute medical emergency and the MTF is closest to you or if care is not available through USFHP specialists. New members who are pregnant and wish to complete their prenatal care at their previous MTF may do so.

Space-Available Travel

Where can retirees and reservists fly Space-A?

Retired members with a DD Form 2 (blue) ID card may fly anywhere the Air Force Air Mobility Command flies, including within the continental United States (CONUS).

Reserve members with a DD Form 2 (red) ID card may fly to, from, and in between Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and CONUS.

Where and when can my family members travel with me?

Family members with valid ID cards may travel Space A to, from, and in between overseas locations, but not within CONUS. Generally, the sponsor must accompany family members on Space-A travel. There are a few exceptions, which are identified on the Space-A Web site. See Postscript box for contact information.

Can military survivors use Space A?

No. Space-A travel is not authorized for survivors of military members.

DFAS Inquiries Online

Can I make pay inquiries to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) using the Internet?

Yes. DFAS operates a Web site through which customers can submit inqiries and requests to help resolve pay or annuity problems without lengthy waits on the telephone. You may access the site via MOAA's links page, www.moaa.org/magazine/links.asp. Annuitants can e-mail ccl-annuity-pay@dfas.mil.