Camp Mabry, Texas (August 10, 2010) –
1. Who is eligible for Early TRICARE?
ANSWER: Members of the Reserve Component (RC) supporting a contingency operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13)(B) for an active duty period of more than 30 days. U.S.C 101(a)(13)(B) is a continuation of (13)(A) which defines the term “contingency operation” to mean a “military operation that is designated by the SECDEF as an operation in which members of the armed forces are or may become involved in military actions, operations, or hostilities against an enemy of the United States or against and opposing military force”. Note: Yes, 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13)(B) makes mention of 12301(a), 12302, 12304, 12305, and 12406.
However, subsequent DoD mobilization/demobilization policies reference that “RC members may be placed on voluntary active duty or voluntarily retained on active duty pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 12301(d), with their consent, and in accordance with military service policy”. So, yes, members who fall under the 10 U.S.C. 12301(d) (voluntary activation) are eligible for Early TRICARE if in support of a contingency operation for an active duty period of more than 30 days.
2. What is the TRICARE coverage period prior to mobilization?
ANSWER: The FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) did amend the 10 U.S.C. 1074 to increase the amount of time a RC member is eligible for TRICARE coverage from 90 to 180 days. DoDI 7730.54 implements the EXTENSION OF UP TO 180 DAYS FOR EARLY TRICARE ELIGIBILITY FOR RC MEMBERS activated in support of a contingency operation for more than 30 days are eligible for this program, which also extends to eligible family members.
3. Will the 180 days Early TRICARE Coverage period be retroactive?
ANSWER: The 180 day Early TRICARE coverage for ANG members is effective 28 October 2009. Any ANG member activated prior to that 28 October 2009 will fall under the 90 days Early TRICARE coverage policy. Please see reference below.
IAW DoDI 7730.54, Early Identification Date (E-ID) eligibility for TRICARE is the later of:
Ninety (90) days prior to the start of activation or the date of notification of the activation start date for delayed-effective-date active-duty orders issued from November 24, 2003, and before October 28, 2009.
One hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the start of activation or the date of notification of the activation start date for delayed-effective-date active-duty orders issued on or after October 28, 2009.
4. What is a “Unit Alert Order” (delayed-effective-active duty)?
ANSWER: For ANG members, a unit alert order translates to mean, the ULN (tasking) + Member's name + signature by a unit commander or a senior authorized individual in the unit. The NGB/CF memo (signed 24 Dec 09) introduced the term unit alert order to the ANG. This allows ANG to comply with the law and DoD definition to allow coverage of Early TRICARE.
5. When is the “Early TRICARE” policy effective?
ANSWER: The policy is effective 24 Dec 09 (the date NGB/CF signed the memo). This is not to be confused with the TRICARE coverage period (see question 3.)
6. Why won’t the 180 day Early TRICARE update in DEERs?
ANSWER: The AROWS system has to be updated to catch up with the new policy. Estimated get well date is 1 Sep 10. Until then follow the manual LIM-MOB update instructions. Air National Guard POCs for LIM-MOB Updates: NGB/A1PR, commercial 301-836-7158, DSN 278-7158 and email: angrc.ngb.a1pr.staff@ang.af.mil