AUSA Led the Way – Past Successes

• Prevention of new co-pays and fees for under 65 TRICARE beneficiaries
• Elimination of the SBP – Social Security offset
• Approval of concurrent receipt
• Waiver of the Medicare Part B penalties for military Retired Soldiers(part of the Medicare legislation)
• TRICARE for Life for over 65 Retired Soldiers and the Pharmacy Benefit for all beneficiaries
• Reduction of the Catastrophic cap from $7500 to $3000
• Elimination of financial penalties for federally employed Retired Soldiers
• Full funding of TRICARE/Pharmacy Programs for all beneficiaries

AER prepared to provide financial assistance during appropriations lapse

Army Emergency Relief (AER) is prepared to step in and support Soldiers and their families if the upcoming government lapse affects the Oct. 15 military payday.

AER will provide rapid, zero-interest loans to help cover financial needs until normal operations and back pay resume. Assistance is available up to the amount of one net paycheck (maximum $6,000), with repayment beginning once pay is restored. If you or someone you know may be affected, please share this information. Together, we can make sure Soldiers and their families know where to turn for help.
 

Government Shutdown - Army Emergency Relief

AirPort Honor Lanes (TSA)

HONOR LANE

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) introduced expedited access for military members in TSA PreCheck lanes at select airports near larger military installations: https://mybaseguide.com/tsa-honor-lane

WHAT: HONOR LANES offers speed, respect, and relief.

• Shorter wait times with a dedicated screening line
• Family-friendly processing, especially helpful when traveling with young children
• More dignity and less stress, particularly for those traveling in uniform, with visible injuries, or navigating the airport with a service dog

WHO: This benefit extends to the entire military family. Eligible individuals include:

• All branches and all components
• Veterans with a valid military ID or VA Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Military spouses and dependents with DoD-issued ID cards
• Gold Star families

In short: If your ID reflects your military connection, you’re covered.

WHERE: Currently supported at the following airports (with more on the way!)

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
• Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• El Paso International Airport (ELP)
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Nashville International Airport (BNA)
• San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
• San Diego International Airport (SAN)
• Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

WHEN: Whenever you're flying the friendly skies.

WHY: It's the TSA saying, "We see you, we thank you, and we’ve got your six."
 

Expanded Tricare Prime Options Coming in 2026

Active-duty family members, retirees and their eligible family members in Atlanta and Tampa, Florida, will have access to a new Tricare Prime option starting in 2026.

The option “represents an innovative approach to advance access to care, enhance the patient experience, and strive for better health outcomes,” Dr. David Krulak, director of the Tricare Health Plan at the Defense Health Agency, said in a news release. “The data we get from this demonstration will inform future Tricare innovations nationwide.”

The three-year demo begins in January. Managed by CareSource Military and Veterans, enrollees will get care from CareSource’s network of primary and specialty care providers. The demo will provide Tricare Prime coverage to over 146,000 beneficiaries across both cities, Military.com reported.

The demo aims to bring more health care choices to eligible individuals. Participants enrolled in the Tricare Prime Demo will keep comprehensive Tricare coverage with a few differences from the traditional Tricare Prime.

Participants will have their Tricare Prime enrollment fee waived for the first year of the demo. After that, retirees, their family members and survivors will pay enrollment fees.

Enrollees will not need referrals to see network providers, but they can only get care at a military hospital or clinic in an emergency. They also will not be able to use the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line, but CareSource has its own advice line for beneficiaries, according to the news release.

Only participants who live within the designated geographic areas of the Atlanta and Tampa Bay metropolitan areas and have an active-duty, activated National Guard or Reserve or retired family member are eligible. Retirees and family members who are eligible for Medicare or have Tricare For Life are not eligible.

Eligible individuals can enroll during the next Tricare open season later this year. Coverage will begin on Jan. 1.

For more information, click here.

Resources for Retired Soldiers & Veterans

Soldier for Life (SFL)

Retired Soldier Newsletter Archive

View Archive of Retired Soldier Newsletters