FALLS CHURCH, Va.  –  When is the last time you checked to see if your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) is up to date? If it’s been a while, take time to log in to DEERS and review your information. Keeping information on you and your family current in DEERS is important. Inaccurate information in the DEERS database could prevent you from being able to use your TRICARE benefits properly.

“TRICARE eligibility and health plan enrollment is maintained in DEERS,” said Dr. Danita Hunter, chief of Policy and Programs for the TRICARE Health Plan. “Check the DEERS records for you and your family and make sure they’re current and accurate. If you see anything wrong, get it fixed right away. Incorrect information in your DEERS record can cause problems with TRICARE claims and other health care benefits.”

You can update contact information yourself. But you’ll need to reach out to Defense Manpower Data Center for other updates and corrections. Follow these steps to help you maintain your information within DEERS.

1. Check your DEERS record
The first step is to check your DEERS record. You can do this online through the milConnect website. What are some things to check? As described in the TRICARE Qualifying Life Events Fact Sheet, your DEERS record lists your service status, family status, and other information like your TRICARE coverage. You want to look at your contact information, including phone number, address, and email, to make sure they’re current. You should also review the information for each family member and confirm your personnel, service, and eligibility status is accurate.

Keep in mind, each family member must be registered in DEERS. This means every person has to have a record in DEERS before any TRICARE benefits can be applied to the family member’s record. If you’re a sponsor, you’re automatically registered in DEERS, but you must register your eligible family members.

2. Update your DEERS record
If there is incorrect information on your DEERS record, the second step is to get it updated without delay. There are some updates sponsors and family members can make online or by phone, like updating contact information. If you need to add or remove family members, though, sponsors must do this in person promptly by going to your nearest ID card office. Don’t forget to take supporting documents with you, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.

To update and correct information in DEERS, here are all your options:

• Online: Log in to the milConnect website
• Phone: Call 1-800-538-9552 (TTY/TDD: 1-866-363-2883) or fax updates to 1-800-336-4416
• In person: Visit a local RAPIDS ID Card Office (Note: Call or check the website for operating hours and to make an appointment)
• Mail: Send updates to:
  Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office
  Attention: COA
  400 Gigling Road
  Seaside, CA 93955-6771

3. Maintain your DEERS record
Throughout the year, you may experience changes requiring you to update your DEERS record. So, the third step is to continue to update your information promptly as soon as a change occurs. You can do this by making sure every time you have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), you update your DEERS information. Common examples of QLEs include:

• Retiring or separating from active duty
• Getting married
• Giving birth or adopting
• Moving
• Becoming eligible for Medicare
• Gaining or losing other health insurance

You’re responsible for keeping your DEERS information current. Following these steps will help you avoid any break in your TRICARE coverage. Check out the DEERS page on the TRICARE website at www.tricare.mil/deers to learn more. 

                 Current Association Officers

Our current officers are:

President  Tom Anderson AR

Treasurer John Dyess TN

Secretary Roger Trout FL

Past President Dan Furtado

Our Board of Directors are:

63d RD Rep: Joe Boscacci, CA

81st RD Rep: Mary Burnham, FL

88th RD Rep: Mel Bauman, MI

99th RD Rep: David Mitchell, VA

Dave Mitchell, as the new Most Recent Past President, remains on the Board as such.

Annual Dues are $20 per year and are due now.  They go from 1 July to 1 July.  Or Life Membership for $75.  Please send your check to Amb. John Dyess, Treasurer at 419 Meadowcrest Circle, Franklin, TN 37060.  Make it payable to ARAA.  If want to join as a new member please fill out the form next to this message and send to John.

Minutes of the last Board meeting are as copied in the section below.

 See next to this column an Application Form to join the ARAA.  It is $20 annually or $75 for a life membership.

 
Please send photos for inclusion in this website.  Attach to an email and email to sbrick2011@gmail.com 

  Joining is voluntary.  If interested use the application below and mail in with your check as indicated.  Print the form and cut out or just provide appropriate information in a letter with your check and send to John Dyess.  If a new ambassador, join us.  We are there to help you and our Reserve families.  At conferences we facilitate social gatherings and we are there as senior ambassadors to answer questions and help.

ARMY RESERVE AMBASSADORS ASSOCIATION 

A Virginia Not for Profit Corporation

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

NAME:__________________________________________________________

Check or Input: Ambassador___ Emeritus______ Other_________

MAILING ADDRESS:

PREFERRED EMAIL:___________________________________________(Communication with the ARAA primarily is by email)

PHONE:_________________________________________________________

CELL: __________________________________________________________

Annual Dues Amount $20 (July to July) Life Membership $75 (checks payable to ARAA)

Additional gift to assist in ARAA operations such as refreshments at the National Conference, etc 

$______________ Total check amount $________________

I understand that my ARAA membership is voluntary. Duties as an Army Reserve

Ambassador appointed by the Chief, Army Reserve, are a separate activity and

ARAA membership is not required. I consent to the use of my personal

information for ARAA communication only. Information will not be released to

outside parties.

Date __________________ Signature _______________________________

Briefly state below any activities in which you believe ARAA should engage or

services it should offer as well as any Association committees or programs with which you are interested in participating. (Continue on back of form as necessary)

Mail your completed application with a check payable to:

Army Reserve Ambassadors Association or ARAA

Attn: Amb. John Dyess ARAA Treasurer

419 Meadowcrest Circle

Franklin, TN 37060

Form 02/ 2018

Again a pittance of $20 for annual dues and $75 for Life membership