Military Benefits

Comprehensive news and information from Army Times about military benefits

Here are the rules to get reimbursed for shipping a pet in 2024

DoD reimbursement for the costs of shipping a pet doesn't start until Jan. 1. In the meantime, military relief societies may be able to help.

2 weeks ago

DoD aims for more consistent support for special needs families

The policy aims to standardize the services provided to special needs families, but one advocate says it doesn't go far enough.

2 weeks ago

Your Army

Pre-K for 4-year-olds to start in the fall at this DoD school in Japan

If the school system gets funding, DoDEA officials plan to start phasing in the pre-K program at more schools in the fall of 2024.

More families file claims against Navy for Hawaii water contamination

Another 1,002 people have filed claims seeking monetary damages related to current and future medical care due to the fuel-tainted water.

3 weeks ago

An airman counts cash for a customer’s withdrawal request as part of his immersion tour with the wing staff agency July 30, 2020, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey.

Lawmakers eyeing even more boosts to junior enlisted pay

Expect more conversation from House lawmakers in coming months about ways to bump up enlisted personnel paychecks.

4 weeks ago

Health officials reverse decision on pregnant women at Kadena Air Base

'It’s what we were hoping for, that the pregnant mothers would be able to deliver on Okinawa," said one advocate for Kadena families.

5 weeks ago

Pregnant women at Kadena Air Base in Japan facing tough decisions

A staffing shortage at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa means pregnant women at Kadena Air Base may have to fly home to deliver.

5 weeks ago

2023 or bust: Now’s the time to revise your Survivor Benefit Plan

Military retirees have a once-in-a-generation chance to revise their Survivor Benefit Plan during the congressionally-authorized 2023 “SBP Open Season."

2 months ago

New Tricare dental rates take effect

Increases went into effect May 1.

2 months ago

TriWest Healthcare’s $65 billion contract clears protest hurdle

The timeline for the new Tricare contracts to take effect is August 2024, for now.

3 months ago

MCPON: Sailors need speedier, easier access to counseling

Families don't have to get referrals for mental health telehealth. Why do service members?

4 months ago

Tricare now covers new costly insulin device for Type 1 diabetics

The new device makes it easier to manage Type 1 diabetes with constant monitoring, automatically adding needed insulin.

4 months ago

DoD pulls back Tricare contract in West Region for ‘corrective action’

It's not known whether the action will affect the timeline for starting the newest iteration of Tricare contracts.

5 months ago

New DoD health agency director is ‘baddest woman in the Army’

Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland said she'll work with Tricare contractors to make sure all beneficiaries in the community are served.

6 months ago

More pharmacies rejoin Tricare network. Are there enough?

An additional 4,356 independent pharmacies will rejoin the Tricare retail pharmacy network, effective Jan. 15.

6 months ago

Roadblocks cleared for $6.2 billion reform of household goods moves

The transition is under way, but moves under the new system won't start until after this summer's peak season.

6 months ago

Military stores not immune to shortages of kids’ over-the-counter meds

While Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores are well-stocked, other exchange commands and commissaries report strains in their supply.

7 months ago

Pentagon awards Tricare contracts worth $136 billion, to start in 2024

TriWest returns as a Tricare contractor, and Humana continues.

7 months ago

Are housing conditions causing medical problems? DoD doesn’t know.

Military housing is generally safe and healthy, but auditors need more information to make connections between unsafe conditions and residents' health.

7 months ago