Military Spouse Career Advancement Account Initiative UPDATE. The Department of Defense is expanded the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts ( MyCAA) for military spouses of active duty and activated Guard and Reserve service members worldwide. In mid May, MyCAA will officially open its doors for eligible military spouses worldwide to receive up to $6,000 of financial assistance to help pay for licenses, certifications and education in high growth, high demand portable career fields. However, spouses can now begin using the online MyCAA system to establish their profiles, career plans and accounts.

Establish your own MyCAA Account by visiting the MyCAA website: https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa

Spouses may contact Military OneSource by calling 1-800-342-9647 or going to the program's page on militaryonesource.com for detailed program information. Or from the Military OneSource home page, click on College in the categories menu, then select Military Spouse Career Advancement Account Initiative.

Download our PDF flyer about the program.

Main Article

Travel with TRICARE: What you need to know.
by Kristen Ward, TriWest Healthcare Alliance

Take TRICARE with you and avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses should you need healthcare while away from home.

Before you leave:

1. Verify your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). Make sure your information is updated by calling 800.538.9552 or by visiting MDDC.OSD.mil.

2. Seek routine care by scheduling office visits, routine physicals and management of chronic health conditions with your Primary Care Manager (PCM).

3. Understand emergency room and urgent care guidelines. Contact your local military treatment facility for the procedures in your area. They may require that you contact your PCM for authorization of urgent care services in advance or within 24 hours of receiving emergency care to avoid being billed under TRICARE’s point-of-service option, which includes additional cost-shares and a deductible.

4. Refill prescriptions ahead of time. Use any of the following options listed from least expensive to the most expensive:

• Military Treatment Facility (no co-pay)
• TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy program: Get a 90-day supply delivered to your home for the same price as a 30-day supply at a TRICARE retail pharmacy. Call the Member Choice Center at 1.877.363.1433 to enroll by phone.
• TRICARE Retail Pharmacy: Call 866.363.8779 for locations.

5. Pack TRICARE and military ID cards. Place cards in a secure, easy-to-find location.

6. Carry a copy of the “Traveling with TRICARE Prime” brochure, available at TriCare.mil or at any local TRICARE Service Center. West-Region beneficiaries may also download the brochure from the TriWest Healthcare Alliance at TriWest.com.

Learn more about how TRICARE travels with you at TRICARE.mil

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