Nov. 3, 2020

The Long Blue Line - Fall Issue of the Retiree Newsletter

​The Fall 2020 issue of the Long Blue Line/Retiree Newsletter is now available at https://www.longblueline.org/​

Nov. 2, 2020

2021 Thrift Savings Plan Contribution Limits Announced

2021 Contribution limits — The Internal Revenue Code places specific limits on the amount that you can contribute to employer-sponsored plans like the TSP each year. The limits for 2021 have been announced. To learn more, visit “Contribution limits.”

Oct. 22, 2020

Veterans Affairs (VA) Separation Health Assessments

M​embers separating from active duty must complete a Separation History and Physical Examination (SHPE) and a mental health assessment (MHA) prior to separation. Servicemembers who file a disability claim with the VA prior to separation, via the Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program, will receive a VA provided Separation Health Assessment (SHA). ALCOAST Commandant Notice 127/20 authorizes the use of the VA separation Health Assess​ment to meet the requirements for a military SHPE and MHA.​​

Oct. 21, 2020

Thrift Savings Plan Catch-up contributions will soon get easier

Starting in January 2021, we will make the catch-up process easier: if you’re turning 50 or older, you’ll no longer need to make two separate elections each year in order to take advantage of catch-up contributions.

Oct. 15, 2020

Distribution of Finalized DD-214

The implementation of electronic transmission of DD Form 214 data to the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) is complete. The Veterans Administration, State Directors of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Labor have access to DD Form 214 data. SPOs are not required to produce and distribute paper copies 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8. DMDC is the official distribution source of the Military Services authoritative and certified information for all periods of active duty that are completed on or after January 1, 2015.

Oct. 2, 2020

Got TRICARE For Life Questions? Here’s What You Should Know

Will you soon be eligible for Medicare based on reaching age 65? If so, now's the time to start thinking about your future health care needs. With TRICARE For Life (TFL) coverage, you can get the care you need while minimizing your out-of-pocket costs. As you begin to learn about TFL, you may have questions about costs, what's covered, and if you're eligible for it.

Oct. 1, 2020

Plan Now: TRICARE Select Enrollment Fees for Group A Retirees Coming January 2021

Did you hear the news about TRICARE Select enrollment fees? TRICARE Select Group A retirees must begin paying enrollment fees to maintain health coverage starting on Jan. 1, 2021. TRICARE Select is the name of the plan that replaced the former TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra programs in 2018.

Sept. 28, 2020

Credentialing your Coast Guard experience

Members planning to transition into a civilian job after serving, or simply looking to broaden professional opportunities, are in luck. Your experience in the Coast Guard has given you training and skills that you can put to work for you outside of the service.

Sept. 9, 2020

Open Season is Coming: Take the Time to Prepare Now

The annual period when TRICARE beneficiaries can enroll in or change health plans for the next year, is right around the corner. Take the time now to learn about your eligibility, fees, as well as health, dental, and vision plan options. Here are a few frequently asked questions and answers about open season so you'll be ready.

June 23, 2020

Changes Coming Soon for Some TRICARE Select Retired Beneficiaries

Starting on Jan. 1, 2021, TRICARE Select Group A retired beneficiaries must pay monthly enrollment fees in order to maintain their TRICARE health coverage. This is a change, and the first time this beneficiary group will pay enrollment fees. Here the key points you need to know.

June 3, 2020

Direct-Access Password Reset Guidance

During a recent Direct Access (DA) system upgrade, the forgot password security question "What is your mother's maiden name?" was disabled in DA to reduce the possibility of a compromise of personally identifiable information (PII). For users who originally chose this as a security question, the hint question will now default to "What town were you born in?" but the ANSWER has NOT changed from what the user originally established for "What is your mother's maiden name?"

May 8, 2020

A Friendly Reminder: Keep Your DEERS Info Updated

Did you know that not keeping your family's information current in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) could delay their access to health care? Errors can also cause delays with your claims and delivery of your prescription. Now is an important time to check your DEERS records.

April 3, 2020

Retirees/Annuitants/FSPA Payees Change your Federal Income Tax Withholding or Additional Withholding: 

Do not use IRS W-4P (Withholding Certificate for Pension or Annuity Payments). Direct Access is configured to withhold federal income tax based on the information from the IRS W-4. Beginning on April 1, 2020, if you provide your information on a W-4P form, you will be asked to complete a W-4 instead so that the system will be able to recognize your request

March 24, 2020

The Armed Forces Retirement Home Offers Affordable Independent Living for Eligible Veterans!

The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) – which offers affordable independent living to eligible veterans in its Washington, D.C., and Gulfport, Miss. locations, is now accepting applications for residency in 2020!

Feb. 27, 2020

TRICARE Health Matters Newsletter Issue 1, 2020

Eager to learn more about your TRICARE benefit? Here are just some of the articles you can read in the latest issue of the TRICARE Health Matters Newsletter: TRICARE Rules for Enrolling and Disenrolling Your TRICARE Payment Options Seeking Care While on Active Duty Take Action to Enroll in a TRICARE Plan When You Retire Read TRICARE Publications and Take the Survey