Breaking Down Your TRICARE Options

Trying to figure out TRICARE can be at times like playing Sudoku...on the hardest level...blindfolded. 


Ok, ok it may not be that bad, but there is an endless amount of information out there about TRICARE and most of it is rather confusing. To help make this information a little more accessible, I outlined some general information about your three TRICARE health care options below (Prime, Standard and Extra). So grab some coffee and continue reading!!!

(1) TRICARE Prime

• Care is typically provided at a military treatment facility (MTF)...basically a fancy way of saying the clinic on base...or at a contracted Civilian Medical Provider called Preferred Provider Network (PPN)...another fancy way of saying a doctor's office OFF base.  
• It is the lowest cost out of all three TRICARE options
• Active duty family members pay NO enrollment fee for Prime, but you must complete an enrollment form and select Prime as your coverage plan 
• You will be assigned a Primary Care Manager (PCM) who you will see first for your health care needs. He/She is responsible for coordinating your care, maintaing your health records and referring you to civilian doctors or specialists if necessary. 

Advantages 

• There is no enrollment fee for active duty and families
• Small fee per visit to civilian providers and no fee for active duty members
• No balance billing (a term used to describe when a provider bills a beneficiary for the difference between billed charges and the TRICARE allowable charge after TRICARE has paid everything it's going to pay) So basically, if you see a participating provider and they bill you for additional charges, you DO NOT have to pay them under Prime.  
• Guaranteed appointments
• Primary care manager supervises and coordinates care
• Away-from-home emergency coverage

Disadvantages

• Enrollment fee for retirees and their families ($260 for an individual and $520 for families) 
• Limited provider choice
• Speciality care by referral only
• Not available everywhere

                                                                                   

(2) TRICARE Standard

• Provides the most flexibility out of all of the TRICARE options
• Can see any TRICARE-authorized provider 
• You can call your managed care support contractor (MCSC) to find an authorized TRICARE provider. Providers who participate in TRICARE will accept the TRICARE allowable charge (TAC) as the full fee for services rendered. However, non-participating providers may charge up to 15% above the TAC for their services, and YOU would be responsible for the difference. 
• Most of the costs of medically necessary care from civilian providers when an MTF is not available will be covered by TRICARE
• Beneficiaries often select Standard if they are happy with their current doctor and he/she is NOT  in the TRICARE provider network - it allows them to keep their doctor, while reducing the cost of the visit

Advantages

• Broadest choice of providers
• Widely available
• No enrollment fee
• You may also use TRICARE Extra

Disadvantages

• No Primary Care Manager
• Patient pays deductible and co-payment
• Patient pays balance if bill exceeds allowable charge and the provider selected is non-participating in the TRICARE network (up to 15% additional)
• Nonavailability statement (NAS) may be required for civilian inpatient care areas surrounding MTFs
• A non availability statement (NAS) is needed when an MTF cannot provide the inpatient care you need and you must ask your MTF for one before you get inpatient care from a civilian source. Be sure to check with your MTF every time you need inpatient care - even if they couldn't provide the care you needed the last time you check, their staffing levels or capabilities may have changed and they may be able to care for you now. Also, the NAS is valid for hospital admission that occurs within 30 calendar days after the NAS is issued. 
• Beneficiaries may have to do their own paperwork and file their own claims 

                                                                                   

(3) TRICARE Extra 

• You can choose any doctor in the TRICARE Extra network
• Less expensive than TRICARE Standard
• You do NOT have to enroll or pay an annual fee
• You DO have to satisfy an annual deductible for outpatient care (just as you do in TRICARE Standard)
• Ability to seek care in a military hospital, but you are considered "low priority"
• When you receive care, you get a discount on cost sharing and you can use TRICARE Extra on a case-by-case basis, just by using network providers

Advantages

• Co-payment is 5% less than TRICARE Standard
• No balance billing
• No enrollment fee
• No deductible when using retail pharmacy network
• No forms to file
• You may also use TRICARE Standard 

Disadvantages: 

• No Primary Care Manager
• Provider choice is limited
• Patient pays deductible and co-payment
• Non availability statement may be required for civilian inpatient care for areas surrounding Military Treatment Facilities. 
• Not available overseas or to active duty 

                                                                                   

TRICARE Cost Comparison Between Prime, Extra and Standard: 

The following tables provide examples of cost-shares or co-payments for families who use civilian providers and facilities under each of the three TRICARE options. The listed fees are subject to change. 

Active Duty Family Members:

	TRICARE Prime	TRICARE Extra	TRICARE Standard
Annual Deductible	None	$150/individual or $300/family for E-5 & above; $50/$100 for E-4 & below	$150/individual or $300/family for E-5 & above;$50/100 E-4 below
Annual Enrollment Fee	None	None	None
Civilian Outpatient Visit	No cost	15% of negotiated fee	20% of allowed charges for covered service
Civilian Inpatient Admission	No cost	Greater of $25 or $13.90/day	Greater of $25 or $13.90/day
Civilian Inpatient Mental Health	No cost	$20/day	$20/day
Civilian Inpatient Skilled Nursing Facility Care	$0 per diem charge per admission No separate co-payment/cost-share for separately billed professional charges	$11/day ($25 minimum) Charge per admission	$11/day ($25 minimum) Charge per admission

*New enrollment fees effective on Oct. 1, 2011 for new enrollees

Helpful Hints:

• Sponsors (aka your spouses) should ensure their family members have up-to-date uniformed services identification cards, and that they are properly enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
• Beneficiaries may find that the closest MTF is outside their area. In that case they will be enrolled in TRICARE Prime Remote.
• Beneficiaries may be required to file their own claims when using TRICARE Standard. Beneficiaries may find more information about filing claims and download claims forms on the TRICARE Website.
• Although TRICARE Standard beneficiaries have a lower priority for access to care in MTFs than TRICARE Prime enrollees, Standard beneficiaries may attempt to receive their care from an MTF. This will save money and paperwork.

For more information, visit the TRICARE Website .

I hoped this post helped clarify your TRICARE options and will make your selection process a little easier. Best of luck!!! 

The Military's Free Healthcare...Worth Every Penny

I've had my fair share of clinic visits from the small amount of time we've been apart of the Air Force. My family and friends know me as being somewhat accident-prone and by somewhat I mean highly accident-prone. So one big benefit of being in the military for us has been my ability to essentially see a doctor whenever I need to. I don't even want to imagine what our medical bill last year would have been if we weren't in the military. However, like many things involved with the military, getting the right kind of medical attention you need can be stressful at times. 

The idea for writing this post came to me on my most recent visit to my PCM (we will call him Dr. IdontListen) to get an opthamologist referral. It was my first time seeing Dr. IdontListen and I wanted to do a followup with him on some medical issues I had at our last base. After browsing Pinterest for 45 minutes in the waiting room, my name was finally called. I followed one of the nurses into a medical room, where I was asked a number of common, routine questions. I then proceeded to wait another 40 minutes until Dr. IdontListen finally made an appearance. I got a number of indications within the first few minutes of meeting him that this visit was not going to go well.

Indication #1: He was wearing blue jeans. A doctor wearing blue jeans is cool if you're in a 1980's movie staring Michael J. Fox, but in real life I would prefer a professional appearance from the person whose job it is to keep me alive.

Indication #2: Dr. IdontListen's first words walking in the door were, "so...are you a worrier?" Translation to me:"so...are you a hypochondriac?" That made me feel real comfortable.

Indication #3: Since we were off to such a great start, Dr. IdontListen decided there was no need for an examination, and he would just jump straight to prescribing drugs. With a smirk he tells me there is no need to take into consideration previous SPECIALISTS' recommendations or even LOOK at my eyes.  How can he possibly know what to give me...is he psychic? At this point, I'm thinking it might be a good idea to start looking for his diploma on the wall and make sure it doesn't read "Hogwarts School of Medicine."  

Indication #4: I went home and immediately called an opthamologist (aka. expert when it comes to eyes) who told me not to use the drops that were prescribed to me and that Dr. IdontListen is insane!!! 

So bottom line, my visit did not go well. I have spoken to a number of other people since my visit who have had Dr. IdontListen and have had similar issues with him...

If you are apart of Tricare PRIME (as I am), you may be assigned to a PCM that you don't particularly care for. It is important to know that you have options. 

1) For one, you can switch your PCM. Switching your PCM is typically a straightforward and pain-free process - you can switch at anytime, provided the new PCM is accepting new patients. 

• The easiest way is to call HUMANA at 1-800-444-5445 and speak to a representative so they can put in your request. 
• You can also change your PCM by completing a  TRICARE Prime Enrollment and PCM Change Form with the new PCM's name (once you've picked one out) and address. You only need to complete the portion of the form related to the PCM change. Mail the form to Health Net (their address is listed on the form) and the change will become effective once the application is received and processed by your regional contractor.  For more information, visit http://tricare.mil/mybenefit/home. 

2) If you would really prefer to see a doctor of your choosing, then consider participating in TRICARE Standard.

• TRICARE Standard provides the most flexibility to TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries. It gives beneficiaries the opportunity to see any civilian TRICARE-authorized provider. 
• There may be additional fees you will have to pay under TRICARE Standard (i.e. cost shares and deductibles) depending if the doctor you wish to see is in the authorized TRICARE network or not, but for some these fees are worth any additional cost. (TRICARE Prime vs. Standard will be explained in another post)

Lastly, I thought I would end this post with some helpful tips from (abc.com) for the next time you do see your PCM or any doctor. Some hints that I need to remember as well!!

• You are the Expert on You: trust your gut feeling - if something doesn't seem right, believe your instincts and speak up...it is your life that is on the line. 
• Be Organized: make a list of what is bothering you before you go so you can remember everything that needs to be addressed and then you can prioritize these issues with your doctor.
• Don't Go Alone: everybody needs a health buddy - it can be your spouse (if possible), a family member, a best friend...you just need another set of eyes and ears to help you plan and listen to your doctor. Studies show that up to 50% of patients forget what the doctor has told them the minute they walk out the door. Your health buddy can take notes, help you follow through on your doctor's advice and be another set of ears to remember any instructions! 
• Know Your Goal for Every Condition: don't passively accept medication (ooops!) not knowing the purpose or the goal the doctor is trying to achieve. Write down the target goal and measure your progress. Often, people are under or over or mistreated with medications.
• Follow Up on Tests Results: don't assume "no news is good news." Tests results can be easily misfiled, misplaced or even misread. You need a copy of every blood test result, X-ray report and pap test or EKG. Give your doctor a self-addressed stamped envelope and ask for a copy. You are legally entitled to any information in your file. 
• Carry Basic Medical Info With You at All Times: you need to plan for emergencies so you can ensure you get the proper care. When faced with an emergency (i.e. Hurricane Katrina, a car accident or acute illness while on the road) you should always have on you a form that lists your allergies, blood type, every pill you take and the dosage, immunizations and emergency contact. Click here for an emergency form you can fill out and carry with you. 

In the word's of my mother, "be an advocate for your own health." And...unless his name tag reads "Doogie Howser M.D," be suspicious of a Dr. that wears blue jeans ; )

Tips on Managing a Home Business

As military spouses, we often have to seek alternative or creative career options due to the nomadic lifestyle of the military. For many of us, having a home business is an appealing option since it allows us to have a career that moves with us. Pursuing something you are passionate about and having the luxury of creating your own work schedule are both wonderful things, however, managing a home business takes time and effort if you want it to be successful. 

I have started two home businesses and these are all items that I need to be reminded of as well. Here are some tips from Military OneSource:

1) Create a marketing plan

 Marketing your business is incredibly important to its success. It allows potential customers to know about your service or product and it helps prioritize your energy/budget.

• Know your market - take time to really analyze and figure out who you target market is going to be (i.e. the people who are most likely going to become your future clients). 
• Decide on your marketing tools - your marketing tools will vary depending on the type of business you have and your target market. Are you providing a local service (i.e. childcare services)? Then you may want to consider a combination of traditional marketing methods, flyers, local newspaper ads, magazines, as well as virtual marketing.  If your business is done completely virtually, then you will want to focus most of your efforts on internet-based approaches. 
• Network and promote yourself- be involved in as many social and professional organizations in and around base that you can...it's an awesome opportunity to meet people AND promote your brand! You'll especially want to be out meeting people if your business provides a local service - word-of-mouth marketing is extremely effective. Also, make sure to have your "elevator pitch" down - this should be a a 30 second to 1 minute breakdown of exactly what you do and what your business is. Rehearse it. Own it. 
• Business cards- make them...carry them with you. Enough said. 

2) Keep yourself accountable

Probably one of the most necessary and difficult parts to having a home business. You need a schedule and goals to keep your business going and to aid in avoiding common distractions around the house or your home office. 

• Create a work schedule - set aside a time to devote solely to your home business. How much time you are willing and able to dedicate to your business to make it a success is up to you. However, you must be stringent on sticking to this schedule. WRITE IT ALL DOWN. 
• Set aside time for admin tasks - in addition to your work schedule, make sure you include a set time for any administrative duties that may be required (i.e. responding to emails, advertising, financials, etc). 
• Consider your family's schedule - it's important to make your schedule work for both you and your family. Figure out the best time that allows you to get the most done without causing a big burden on "family time." If it's during your childrens' nap time, right after they are put to bed or before they wake up in the am...Make sure it is a known rule that you cannot be interrupted during your set work time. 
• Set goals - set short-term and long-term goals for your business. These goals need to be realistic within the timeframe you set for yourself. In terms of the frequency, you need to figure out what works best for you - do you need to keep yourself motivated by setting daily goals? Weekly? Monthly? A TIP: if you are easily distracted, then the more goals you have = the more productive you are! 
• Stay on track while your spouse is deployed - everything seems to go wrong when your spouse is deployed, combine that with managing a family AND a business and things can get a little crazy. Being able "to do it all," again comes from organizing your time effectively and adhering to your schedule (even if it means having to change your timeframe to better accommodate your family's new routine).
• Keep a positive attitude - there will be times when your business isn't as busy or you may get less than ideal feedback, don't let this get you down. Every business owner goes through these obstacles and they are to be expected. Push through the hard times so you can get to the good times! 

3) Think ahead.

When your spouse gets orders to relocate, it's time to start thinking about moving your business. If your business is computer-based, then relocating shouldn't cause too much difficulty (just a few down days while taking care of packing and traveling). However, if you have a traditional business that requires you to meet with clients, then you will have to start from scratch. To help with this transition, consider the following:

• Plan ahead - doing research before you move will help speed up your "down" time. Research the area and create a new marketing plan before you relocate. 
• Consider licenses, permits and zoning regulations -  license, permit and zoning regulations vary by state. Even if you didn't need a permit at your old duty station, you may need one now. Visit the local Small Business Administration (SBA) www.sba.gov , to see what requirements you may have to fulfill. 
• Look at SOFA agreements if going overseas - the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFAR) may determine the type of business you can run in your host nation. Before you move, contact the installation's Family Employment Readiness Program for detailed information on your new duty station.

Other resources

Military.com

www.military.com/spouse

Provides a wide range of information about employment for military spouses, including a guide to military spouse-friendly employers and links to branch-specific resources related to military spouse employment.

Small Business Administration

www.sba.gov

Free information on all aspects of small businesses, including online classes and Webinars, with a listing of local SBA offices. The SBA's Patriot Express program helps military veterans and members of the military community with information on starting and growing a home business, as well as finding small business loans.

Your military support services

Each service branch sponsors information and support programs for service members and their families. You can call or visit any installation Army Community Service Center, Marine Corps Community Services, Fleet and Family Support Center, or Airman and Family Readiness Center regardless of your branch affiliation.

If you aren't near an installation, National Guard Family Assistance Centers are available in every state. The Local Community Resource Finder on the National Guard Family Program at www.jointservicessupport.org will identify your closest center (Source: Military OneSource).

Now that you are armed with techniques to make your home business successful...go make it happen!!!

Will Youuuuu Be My Friend?

Our recent PCS inspired me to write this post, as it is something every military spouse has to deal with, but not necessarily something that many women feel comfortable talking openly about. You've just PCSd to a new location - you're trying to get to know the area, find a place to live, find a job, get your kids in school...and the list goes on. Once the craziness settles down, you may have a moment to sit down and think, "Well, I've taken care of all the necessities and "big picture" items, but what about meeting people, making friends, getting some much needed girl time?" Meeting people and making friends is typically going to be on the bottom of every military spouse's "to do" list, but it is definitely a task that cannot be ignored or taken lightly. In this post, I outline some obvious and not-so-obvious points to think about when it comes to making friends at a new base.

- Realize that EVERY military spouse is in the exact same position as you. 

I think at times when we are overwhelmed with moving, it can be easier to focus on the negative. You may begin to think that you're going to be entering into this exclusive party-like setting where everyone knows each other and doesn't feel the need to let anyone else into their event. This is not the case...in fact, it has been my experience that even groups of people who've known each other for some time are more than willing, if not happy to let in a "newbie." Even if you do run into the occasional exclusive, tight-knit group of people, realize that there are TONS of new spouses who have either just PCSd or will be PCSing soon that are in your exact same position. So don't get down about not having friendships right off the bat...

- Remain open-minded.

Every new base brings new experiences and new people that add to that experience. A very important lesson I've learned since being in the military: people will surprise you. One of the worst things you can do to your future social life is to have preconceived notions about people: who they are, what they're like, what they've been through. Realize that every person has a story and that each story, whether good or bad, can enrich your life. You'll meet people from ALL walks of life and while they may not be like the friends you have at home, they are the ones who will be there for you when your husband is deployed, watch your kids when you're sick, get coffee with you when you need to vent and be a shoulder to cry on when life gets hard. So take the time to get to know this person (even if she dresses strangely, has different interests than you or has peculiar habits) because she may need you just as much as you need her. 

- Be willing to go outside of your comfort zone.

I am the type of person that can be overly talkative/outgoing or incredibly shy and quiet...Depending on my mood or the situation, it can be difficult for me to feel comfortable enough going up to someone and saying, "Hi, will you be my friend?" If you're anything like me, you have to get over this! Remember these women are in the same position as you...you're not going to come off as creepy, overly-aggressive or crazy if you ask someone you met in the grocery line at the Commissary if she'd like to get coffee sometime. In life outside the military, yes, you may come off as a little "loco," but in the military these occurrences are very normal. In fact, these occurrences MAY be your only opportunity at times to meet people (especially if you aren't able to get involved in many extra-curricular activities)! 

- Get creative with "friend-making" opportunities.

There are some fairly direct "friend-making" opportunities on base and then some that you have to get a little creative with. 

Direct opportunities:

- Spouses' Club (both the base's spouses' club, as well as the unit)

- New Spouse Educational Programs

   1) Heartlink (Air Force)

   2) Family Team Building (Army) 

   3) L.I.N.K.S. (Marine Corps)

   4) COMPASS (Navy)

"Creative" opportunities:

- Workout classes on base

- Volunteering on base

- Local church or bible study

- Base-wide events (holiday celebrations, balls, fundraisers, etc.)

Be sure to visit your base's service or support center as soon as you arrive. They can provide a lot of valuable information that is specific to your base in regards to the local area, resources, volunteer and career opportunities, personal financial education, etc.  

Just to wrap up: When arriving at a new base, remember that making friends is an incredibly important part of the relocation process - don't let 3-4 months go by without creating a friend-making plan! 

Valentine's Day on a Budget!

Ahhh yes the day of "love" is fast approaching - the day of red roses, sweet champagne, luscious chocolates and nonstop romantic gazing, right? WRONG...very wrong. Well, at least for most of us. Being military spouses, we typically don't have the luxury of splurging on Valentine's Day festivities and gifts OR we aren't able to spend the day with our significant others due to night shifts, deployments, etc. In response to this, I've compiled a list of budget-friendly V-Day ideas to appeal to both those who are with and without their loves this Valentine's Day.

V-Day Ideas that work if your love is deployed OR at home:


1) Boudoir Photo Shoot (oooo la la!)

I don't know a single guy that wouldn't love some sexy photos of his lady. Boudoir pictures make the perfect present for you love if he is home or away. Taking boudoir pictures is a fun experience (even if you are a bit nervous at first, you will relax once the camera starts snapping away) and you can really get creative with them. You can do a military-themed boudoir photo shoot like the picture below (I took this for a military spouse who wanted to give these pictures to her husband as a going-away present); you can take pictures in his favorite team's jersey or t-shirt, or any outfits that he loves you in. You can be as conservative or crazy as you'd like to be! Also, if you use a photographer that caters to military families, their rates can be much lower. Be sure to check out Groupon and LivingSocial for photography discounts as well.

2) Put together a "Love Box"

Create a Love Box with all your man's favorite things. Consider including some of his favorite candies or sweets, a movie or book he's been wanting, a picture of you, a cute pair of boxers or briefs (whichever he prefers) and a sexy note. This gift works great if your love is deployed or at home with you - and it's totally affordable! It's an awesome way to show him how much thought and time you put into his present...

3) Get crafty and create "52 Reasons I Love You" on playing cards

This an awesome and creative way to express your love! PaperVine gives a step-by-step tutorial on how to turn playing cards into 52 ways to express your love! Check out the directions here: PaperVine "52 Reasons I Love You" tutorial

4) Make a Map O' Love!

I absolutely adore this idea and I think it so perfect for military families. The blog, "How Does She?" gives a complete tutorial on how to create this Map O' Love. Basically you cut out states/countries of places that are important to you and your love (i.e. where you first met, got engaged, married, honeymooned, ate amazing pasta, etc.) and you place a little heart in the general area it took place. You put the state or country with the heart on a page in a journal and give the page a title, "Where We Met."And being in the military, our journals will be thick with the many places we've traveled! Here is the tutorial: Map O' Love.

5) Make a CD of all your favorite songs

Put a CD together that includes special songs that mean something to the both of you. Then, include a note on when and where you were when the song came on/why it's special to you.

V-Day Ideas if you can celebrate in-person with your love:


1) Do an appetizer or dessert picnic at sunset on the beach

Grab a few towels or a big blanket, some munchies, a favorite beverage (if you're allowed wine/beer/champagne would be best!), a laptop for some music and you're good to go. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view!

2) Make a fancy dinner/dessert at home

Have some fun with this one. Pick out a few of his most favorite things to eat and start cooking! Even if he loves hamburgers and pizza, there are plenty of ways to "jazz" up this dinner. Set the table up nicely and bring out your best plates, glasses and silverware. Light some candles, pour a couple glasses of wine, play music and enjoy a 3-course fancy meal at home!

3) Setup a massage "station."

Light the fireplace (if you have one - if not, candles will work just as good), spread out a few pillows with blankets or towels on top, play soothing tunes and have the massage oil handy!

4) Celebrate in the morning!

If your loved one is on night shifts, do something special in the morning or afternoon - Valentine's Day isn't just reserved for evening celebrations! Think about surprising him with some heart-shaped pancakes or waffles, bacon and eggs...better yet, bring him breakfast in bed! Then spend some time doing your favorite activity together - go on a hike or bike ride, hit up the beach or just take a few hours to relax and cuddle in bed.

Cute V-Day themed breakfast-in-bed

5) Start a "Our Dream Trip" fund

Instead of buying each other expensive presents or going out to a nice dinner, put a hundred or so dollars in your savings to go toward a "dream  trip" you've both been wanting to take. You can repeat this tradition for every holiday or special day until you have enough money saved up to go on your dream trip. Putting your money toward a vacation is much more memorable than a steak and lobster dinner : )

Wishing you all a very Happy and Affordable V-day! xoxo!

Financial Aid Programs - the Abbreviated Version

Alright, so you've made the first big step and have decided to go back to school (yay!) Now onto the next big obstacle you need to get through: actually paying for school. The cost of going to school can be a big expense - you have to consider tuition cost, exams/licenses/ certificates that need to be paid for, books, supplies, etc. However, one HUGE benefit of being part of the military is that there are so many financial aid programs available to us, which at times can be somewhat overwhelming. In this post, I aim breakdown some of your financial aid options to make it a bit easier to tackle (source: military.com). 

So happy to be going to school - this could be YOU!

Post 9/11 GI Bill

This is probably one of the most well-known financial aid programs available to military members. There is a special provision in this program that allows servicemembers to share their remaining GI Bill benefits with immediate family members (that means you!) Only UNUSED benefits can be transferred to a family member (meaning if the servicemember has used 12 months of his/her GI Bill, then you are only able to use the remaining 24 months left of the benefit). There is other criteria the servicemember has to meet in order to transfer his/her GI Bill Benefits - this includes having at least 6 years of service already and an obligation to serve at least 4 more. Learn more about the GI Bill transferability HERE. 

A Quick Overview of the Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits:

If  You  Are:	You Qualify for:	Tuition and Fees	Monthly Housing Stipend	Book Stipend	Able to Transfer Benefits	Yellow Ribbon	Relocation Allowance	Licensing and Certification Exams
On Active Duty		X		X *	X			X
A Guard or Selected Reserve Member		X	NOTE 1	X	X	X	X	X
A Veteran		X	NOTE 1	X	NOTE 2	X	X	X

*Beginning October 1, 2011

NOTE 1: All students on active duty, those pursuing half-time or less, are not eligible for the Housing Stipend. 

NOTE 2: You may only choose to transfer benefits while you are still serving in the military.

Please look HERE for more detailed information from www.military.com on what exactly is provided in the Post 9/11 GI Bill. 

MyCAA - Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts

I've discussed MyCAA in my blog here because it is FAB and a great way to gain additional skills FOR FREE! It provides up to $4000 of financial assistance in either an associate's degree, license or certification. You can contact MilitaryOneSource for education counseling at 1-800-342-9647. Click here to learn more about the MyCAA program. 

Dependent's Educational Assistance (DEA) 

The Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program offers up to 45 months of education benefits to eligible dependents of certain veterans. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. 

Click here to learn more about your eligibility and an overview of the Dependents Education Assistance Program. 

State-Provided Education Benefits

Educational benefits for families, particularly the children of deceased, MIA, POW,  and disabled veterans, may be available in some states. Military.com has developed an on-line general summary of educational benefits for veterans, surviving spouses and their dependents.

Click here to learn more about State Education Benefits.

Private Scholarships and Grants

Many times military family members will overlook the $300 million of military and veteran scholarships and grants. 


Military.com states the following misconceptions people have about scholarships and grants:


1) VA education benefits eliminate the need for scholarships and grants.
REALITY: Although the Survivor and Dependent Education Assistance program offers great benefits, it may not cover everything. There are hundreds of scholarships and grants specifically designed to help cover education related costs, so you don't have to.


2) Scholarships are too difficult to win and applying requires too much work.
REALITY: Some scholarships do require a written essay, but each scholarship and grant application varies widely. There are many that require only a short application! AND the payoff can potentially be really helpful - you could save hundreds of dollars just for taking a couple hours of your time to write an essay.


3) Scholarships are too difficult to find.
REALITY: Military.com offers a great online resource to help military members and their families find scholarships. Visit the Scholarship Finder today to find out which scholarships you can apply for and how you can earn free money for school!

NOT APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS IS LIKE TURNING DOWN FREE MONEY. 
So what are you waiting for?!