TRICARE
2008-11-07

FALLS CHURCH, Va.-October 02, 2008 –

TRICARE now offers primary caregivers of Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) much needed rest, relief and reprieve thanks to section 1633 of the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The respite benefit specifically helps homebound ADSMs who need frequent help from their primary caregiver.

It is important to know that “homebound” members are service members whose conditions or injuries make them unable to leave home without taxing effort. “Frequent” means that service members need more than two interventions during the eight-hour period per day that the primary caregiver would normally be sleeping.

To provide the best possible help and respite for caregivers, this benefit will provide a maximum of eight hours of respite per day, five days per week.

“What this benefit does is provide caregivers the opportunity to rest,” said Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy director, TRICARE Management Activity. “We know that homebound patients have special needs that take a real toll on the caregiver. And, if a caregiver is overworked, the wounded, ill or injured service member may suffer physically or mentally.”

“TRICARE knows that life doesn’t stop when a service member is injured. Most of the time it just speeds up,” said Granger. “TRICARE wants to help the caregivers who help our service members. That’s why this benefit is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2008, and has no cost shares or co-pays.”

ADSMs, or their legal representatives, can submit receipts for reimbursement of respite care services that were provided after Jan. 1, 2008, by a TRICARE-authorized Home Health Agency.

For more information about this benefit visit Tricare.

About TRICARE Management Activity and the Military Health System TRICARE Management Activity, the Defense Department activity that administers the health care plan for the uniformed services, retirees and their families, serves more than 9.2 million eligible beneficiaries worldwide in the Military Health System (MHS). The mission of the MHS is to enhance Department of Defense and national security by providing health support for the full range of military operations. The MHS provides quality medical care through a network of providers, military treatment facilities, medical clinics and dental clinics worldwide. For more about the MHS go to www.health.mil.

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