Newsbytes December 13, 2024

In this Issue:
Major Richard Star Act 
Elizabeth Dole Act 
House Passes FY25 NDAA
TRICARE Announcement
Wreath Across America 
Order 2025 Planner and Calendar 

Major Richard Star Act Final Push in 118th Congress.
The push to pass the Major Richard Star Act has reached a critical stage as Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) intensifies efforts to bring the bill to a floor vote. This legislation addresses a longstanding inequity affecting over 50,000 medically retired veterans, many of whom sustained combat-related injuries. Currently, these veterans face a financial penalty where their military retirement pay is reduced dollar-for-dollar by the amount of VA disability compensation they receive. The Major Richard Star Act seeks to eliminate this offset, ensuring veterans receive the full benefits they earned through their service and sacrifice. 

Support for the bill has reached historic levels. In the Senate, 74 senators from both parties, including 43 Democrats, 28 Republicans, and 3 Independents, have signed on as cosponsors. In the House of Representatives, the bill has secured 346 cosponsors, with 214 Democrats and 132 Republicans backing the measure. Despite this overwhelming bipartisan support, the bill still awaits a floor vote. 

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) has made passing the Major Richard Star Act one of its top legislative priorities. Recognizing the urgent need to address this critical issue, the FRA is calling on its members and supporters to mobilize immediately. The association emphasizes that it will take all hands-on deck to push the bill across the finish line. 

With the legislative calendar winding down, time is running out. The FRA urges everyone to contact their congressional representatives and demand swift action. Thousands of combat-injured veterans are counting on this legislation for the financial stability they rightfully deserve. 
Click here to take action.

Support the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 8371)
This vital bill will significantly improve home care services for veterans, especially for those who need alternatives to nursing home care. It expands caregiver support and helps address shortages of home health aides. Additionally, it extends home loan fee rates, making homeownership more accessible for veterans.

Take action today! Reach out to your senators and ask them to support H.R. 8371 - Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.  

Your voice can make a real difference in improving care for our nation's veterans! 

Click the link below to log in and send your message: 

https://bit.ly/49v7vaF 

House Passes FY2025 NDAA
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including significant provisions aimed at enhancing the lives of military personnel and their families. This move signals one of the most substantial commitments to military quality-of-life improvements in recent history.

Key Provisions:

1. Historic Pay Raises:

Junior enlisted service members (E-1 to E-4) are set to receive a 14.5% pay raise — the largest increase in two decades. This change seeks to address inflation and the rising cost of living.The across-the-board 4.5% raise for all service members will take effect at the beginning of the year as normal. The extra raise for junior enlisted troops will begin in April.

2. Housing and Food Security:

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will be adjusted to cover 100% of housing costs, up from the previous 95%.

Service members facing food insecurity may qualify for the expanded Basic Needs Allowance, with BAH excluded from income calculations upon demonstrating financial need.

3. Support for Families:

Childcare workers on military installations will receive pay adjustments to match market rates, ensuring better recruitment and retention.

Military spouses will benefit from streamlined state-to-state professional licensing transfers, simplifying career continuity during relocations.

4. Healthcare Access:

Service members will have easier access to specialty healthcare, with fewer referral requirements.

5. Infrastructure and Housing Improvements:

Military services must report costs for barracks upgrades, prompting needed maintenance and facility enhancements.

With the House’s approval secured, the FY2025 NDAA now moves to the Senate for deliberation. If passed, the legislation promises to reshape military life through improved pay, housing stability, and expanded family support services.

Important Notice for TRICARE West Region Beneficiaries 
If you are a TRICARE beneficiary living in Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, or Wisconsin, urgent action is needed to maintain your healthcare coverage. These states will shift from the TRICARE East Region to the TRICARE West Region on January 1, 2025, under the new contractor TriWest Healthcare Alliance. 

What You Need to Do: 

Unless you pay using military allotments, you must update your Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), credit card, or debit card authorization with TriWest. Existing payment arrangements with Health Net Federal Services will not transfer automatically. 

How to Update Your Payment Information: 

Online Setup: 

Visit TRICARE West Region. 
Click “New User? Sign up now” under the blue “Sign In” button. 
Verify your email and complete the secure forms. 

Mail-In Option: 

Download the Automatic Monthly TRICARE Payment Set Up Request form from the TRICARE website. 
Complete and mail the form to the address provided on page 2. 

Important Notes: 

Payments via military allotment will transfer automatically. 
No charges will be made by TriWest before January 1, 2025. 
Coverage and benefits remain the same, and current referrals are valid through June 30, 2025, or until they expire. 

Provider Network Changes: 

Some current healthcare providers may not be in the TriWest network. Visit the TriWest Provider Directory to explore network options or call 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378) for assistance with finding new providers or addressing concerns about your healthcare coverage. 

Fleet Reserve Branches Participate in Wreaths Across America 
Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) branches nationwide will once again take part in this weekend's Wreaths Across America, an annual event honoring veterans by placing wreaths on their graves at national cemeteries. Members of various branches will volunteer their time to ensure that the sacrifices of service members are remembered and celebrated during the holiday season. 

The event, held every December, inspires communities to honor fallen heroes by laying wreaths and holding commemorative ceremonies. FRA branches will join thousands of volunteers across the country in this meaningful tribute. 

FRA branches that participated are encouraged to send in photos of their wreath-laying events to media@fra.org. 

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