Military spouses still face confusion in federal return-to-office rule
Democratic lawmakers are demanding immediate action to make clear that federally employed military spouses are exempt from the rule.
Health Care
Tricare snafus cause medical shortfalls for military families
Military families are struggling to get medical appointments as some health care providers drop Tricare beneficiaries due to lack of payment.
Federal military spouse workers exempt from return-to-office rule
Military spouses employed by the federal government are "categorically exempt" from the Trump administration's return-to-office mandate.
Military families to see drop in Tricare dental premiums
Some active-duty families will see their premiums drop by nearly one-third as the new Tricare Dental Program contract takes effect.
Kroger rejoins military families’ Tricare retail pharmacy network
Tricare beneficiaries will now have access to 2,200 Kroger pharmacies across 35 states.
Military school students’ test scores lead the nation
The scores showed positive stability at DOD schools, while the nation’s public schools aren’t regaining ground lost during the pandemic.
Military families see bumpy start to household goods moving program
About 1,000 military families have experienced problems with pickups, deliveries and communications with the new contractor managing household goods moves.
Federal military spouse workers ‘should’ be able to continue remotely
"We're trying to calm a whole community," said one military spouse advocate who's looking for answers.
Tricare lets patients bypass TriWest problems slowing specialty care
A temporary waiver allows beneficiaries to take their referral from a primary care manager directly to a specialist without waiting for approval.
Lawmaker: Tricare West problems ‘actively harming military readiness’
A Washington lawmaker wants answers from the Defense Health Agency about what it's doing to address problems plaguing the TriWest transition.
Outgoing DOD family official: ‘Don’t forget who you’re working for’
Patricia Barron connected with – and listened to – military spouses during her four years as head of DOD family policy.
Expecting mothers overseas now have doula coverage in Tricare test
Starting Jan. 1, Tricare expanded doula and lactation services to expectant mothers overseas. The services are part of a test that runs through 2026.
TriWest switch sparks ‘deluge of misdirected calls,’ Health Net says
Health Net is seeing a 200% increase in calls to their claims center, many because of problems reaching the new West Region contractor.
Tricare West beneficiaries granted more time for payment updates
Tricare beneficiaries in the West Region have more time to set up recurring payments with the new regional contractor.
New health care savings benefit coming to troops in 2025
This tax-savings benefit will help defray out-of-pocket costs for medical and dental services and items.
Will most troops move under new household goods program in 2025?
More than half of installations in the continental United States are moving troops' shipments under the new system.
Months after this commissary closed, customers still seek answers
Officials haven't determined when the Mitchel Field, New York, store will reopen.
