NATIONAL HARBOR, MD — A year after a massive earthquake occurred off the coast of Japan, resulting in a large tsunami that caused nuclear-plant meltdowns, the U.S. military is creating a database to help track possible radiation exposure for troops who participated in relief efforts and for  servicemembers and their beneficiaries who were stationed or living in Japan at the time of the disaster.

By Rear Adm. Thomas McGinnis, RPh, chief, Pharmaceutical Operations Directorate,
TRICARE Management Activity
The DoD pharmacy program dispenses close to 2.8 million prescriptions each week at a cost of $6.7 billion in 2011, about 14% of the department’s total healthcare costs. The overall DoD health budget remains an issue of concern, as healthcare costs have greatly increased since 2001.

An Obama administration proposal that affects drug co-pays in TRICARE has raised
concerns from trade groups representing community pharmacies, which, in 2010, filled
40% of TRICARE prescriptions.

OLYMPIA, WA — As the tepid economy puts a vise on spending nationwide, state governments are searching for ways to take the pressure off their treasuries.

WASHINGTON — Military beneficiary groups and physician groups are watching closely how Medicare rates will fare under the deal on the debt ceiling that was agreed upon by Congress last month. Because TRICARE rates are generally set at those for Medicare, any changes to those rates could impact TRICARE reimbursement rates for civilian providers who treat beneficiaries.