raonews3

DISCLAIMER: Ads in this publication are published as a service to our readers… Their publication does not constitute Air Force or Department Of Defense endorsement of the products or service...

RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE (RAO): We are an Official USAF RAO for the Philippines established in accordance with AFI 36-3106, have 10 Satellites, support all branches of service and have tried to duplicate services provided by Clark Air Base which closed during Nov 1991… Being that we did not have a base to operate from, we moved to our present location upon base closure and have provided continues service… We also had to establish legal grounds for us to continue our support in the Philippines and this was accomplished by establishing the Jim Boyd Foundation which is registered with the Philippine Security and Exchange Commission and the United States plus U.S. Registered… FUNDING: We do not receive any funding from the u.s. gov’t; however, we do receive surplus equipment from the U.S. Embassy/va, Manila… We must raise funds to pay our rent, utilities, supplies, building maintenance, local hire employees, and general operating expenses... Any excess funds are used for local scholarships… RAO volunteers do not receive a salary… The RAO Director is also appointed as the U.S. Embassy Warden for this region and we support all Americans Citizens who seek assistance, provide guidance, publish a monthly newsletters/web site and act as a focal point for Americans/Dependents in this region… We also coordinate with the clark field AMC Representative to promote the Space Available Travel Program... We are also the IRS Certifying Agent for the Philippines and assist with other U.S. tax matters… In general, most any service that a retiree and their families/widow(ers) would expect on a military base, we provide directly or through referrals… We also work very close with the VFW, American Legion, Fleet Reserve, and other retiree service organizations in providing support to the American Community… For specific support provided ref web www2.mozcom.com/~rao_cabr

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER/WEB SITE: We have changed our monthly newsletter format to provide you with current events/new information in section i and permanent data in SECTION II… Section II items will be added or deleted as sufficient changes occur and any new data will be indicated by an asterisk (*) preceding the subject… We provide our local retirees with only part 1 of our newsletter; however, we will continue to publish part 1 & 2 for our homepage (Internet) plus have part 1 & 2 available to new-comers/mail order customers and others upon request... This should cut back on our publication cost, which has exceeded our budget... Part 1 & 2 will continue to be posted on our bulletin board... Major changes to part 2 will reflected in part 1 of the newsletter... Complete newsletter is available upon request or at Website www2.mozcom.com/~rao_cabr Need all you guys with internet capability to get the word out bout our Homepage/Web.We publish this data to help our members plus all who plan to visit/move to the Philippines or former members who would like to keep up with what is going on in the Philippines...

RETIREE APPRECIATION DAY: EVERYDAY IS RETIREE APPRECIATION DAY AT OUR OFFICE... OUR OFFICIAL RETIREE APPRECIATIONS DAYS ARE HELD DURING THE MONTHS OF JAN, APR, JUL AND OCT OF EACH YEAR. SPECIFIC DATES ARE LISTED IN THE U.S. EMBASSY OUTREACH SECTION...

HANDY WEB SITES:

ACLU	www.aclu.org
AFPC	www.afpc.randolph.af.mil
AFVCLUB DISCOUNT VACATIONS	AFVCLUB.com
AIR FORCE RESERVE POINT CREDITS	www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/vs/
AMERICAN BUSINESS CENTER	www.business-in-asia.com/philippines.html
AMERICAN LEGION	www.philampost123.org
AMERICAN RED CROSS	www.redcross.org
ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME	www.afrh.com
AT & T DIRECT ACCESS NUMBERS	http://www.business.att.com/hilippines.html
13th AF/JUNGLE AIR FORCE	www.andersen.af.mil/13th_AF/default.html
15 TO 20 YEARS OF SERVICE DATA	www.dmdc.osd.mil/tera/owa/ShowPage?p=index
BALIKBAYAN BOX SHIPMENTS	www.forexworld.com
BALIKBAYAN BOX (MANILA)	www.manilaforwarder.com
BLUE BOOK	www.blue-book.ph/com
BLUE CROSS	www.bluecross.com.ph
BUREAU OF CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGRATION SERVICES	http://uscis.gov
CASHING SAVINGS BONDS, PI	www.savingsbonds.gov/sav/sbfaqcs2.htm#BankList
CDC (CLARK)	www.clark.com.ph
CIVIL AIR PATROL	http://www.cap.gov
CITIZEN CORPS	http://www.citizencorps.gov
DEERS CHANGE OF ADDRESS/READOUT	https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/swg/owa/dmdc.home
DFAS CLEVELAND	https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.asp
DELBROS	https://www.delbros.com
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY	https://www.dhs.gov.dhspublic/
DRUG SEARCH DESCRIPTION	https://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/finas.htm
EXPAT NEWS	www.whatson.expat.com.ph
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY	https://www.fema.gov
FEDERAL JOB SEARCH	https://cgi.hrsjobs.com/foxweb.exe/hrsaffil?FEDWEEK
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACTS	https://www.usdoj.gov/oip/foiacontacts.htm
HEARING AID PROGRAM	www.militaryaudiology.org/links.html
HOMELAND SECURITY (INS)	https://uscis.gov
HOSPITAL LIVING QUARTERS	www.fisherhouse.org
HOTELS IN ANGELES CITY	http://www.balibago.com/where_to_stay.html
HOTELS IN THE PHILIPPINES	http://www.asiahotels.com/hl/philippines.asp
INFORMATIVE LINKS (CLICK LINKS)	www.vfwpost2485.com
IRS	www.irs.gov
JOBS	http://amchamphilippines.com
MARGARITA VILLE	www.theville.com
MILITARY HOTELS: HALE KOA, HAWAII DRAGON HILL, KOREA	www.halekoa.com www.armymwr.com
MILITARY NEWS AIR FORCE AFTERBURNER ARMY ECHOES CG EVENING COLORS NAVY SHIFT COLORS *USMC SEMPER FIDELIS	www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afretire/#Afterburner www.odcsper.army.mil/retire www.uscg.mil/hq/hrsic/PRC.htm#RETNEWS www.persnet.navy.mil/periodicals/shiftcolors/ www.usmc.mil
MILITARY ORDER PURPLE HEART FOUNDATION	www.purpleheartfoundation.org
MILITARY PERSONNEL RECORDS	www.archives.gov/facilities/mo/st_louis.html https://vetrecs.archives.gov
MARINE SCHOLARSHIPS (KIA)	www.marine-scholars.org
MY HEALTH VET (INTERACTIVE)	www.myhealth.va.gov
NATIONAL VISA CENTER	http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrations/types/types_1309.html
NATIONWIDE GRAVESITE LOCATOR	www.cem.va.gov
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT	www.opm.gov
ORGANIZATIONS	http://www.vfwpost2485.com (CLICK INFORMATIVE LINKS) www.philampost123.org
PEOPLE SEARCH ENGINE	www.people.yahoo.com
PHARMACY SEARCH TOOL	www.tricare.osd.mil/pharmacy/retailphform.cfm
PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS	https://www.pareb.com.ph/about_memberboards.htm
PHILIPPINE BUREAU OF CUSTOMS	www.customs.gov.ph
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE	www.philcongenla.org00000000
PINOY DISHES	www.pinoycook.net
PHILIPPINE GOLF COURSE	http://www.worldgolf.com/courses/philgcs.html
PHILIPPINE IMMIGRATION	www.immigration.gov.ph
PHILIPPINE RETIREMENT AUTHORITY (PRA)	http://www.plra.gov.ph/main
PHILIPPINE NEWSPAPERS	www.inq7.net www.mb.com.ph www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga
PHILIPPINE VITAL STATISTIC (NSO)	www.e-census.com.ph
ROYAL MOVING STORAGE ROYAL CARGO	www.royalcargo.com
SPACE A	TEL # (6345) 499-7279
SCHOOLS	www.hau.edu.ph www.auf.edu.ph
SSA	www.ssa.gov
SGLI/VGLI INSURANCE	www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/handbook/handbook.htm
STAR AND STRIPES	http://www.stripes.com/section.asp?section=104
TRICARE	www.tricare.osd.af.mil
TRICARE CLAIM PROBLEMS ON-LINE	www.tricare4u.com
TRICARE PROVIDER FOR THE PI	http://www.tricare.mil/tma/pacific/pacificCertifiedProviders.aspx
TRICARE PRIME ENROLLMENT	http://www.tricare.mil/enrollment/index.cfm
TYPHOON UPDATE (PI)	www.typhoon2000.ph
UNITED TOURIST PROMOTIONS	www.ezmap.com.ph
U.S. CREDIT BUREAUS	www.equifax.com , www.experian.com & www.tuc.com
U.S. CONGRESSIONAL E-MAIL DIRECTORY	www.webslingerz.com/jhoffman/congress-email.html
U.S. EMBASSY, MANILA	http://manila.usembassy.gov
U.S. EMBASSY ON-LINE REGISTRATION	https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/
U.S. NONIMMIGRANT VISA ELECTRONIC FORMS	http://evisaforms.state.gov
USAF FORMS & PUBLICATIONS	http://www.e-publishing.af.mil
U.S. VITAL STATISTICS RECORDS	http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm
VA	www.va.gov
VA APPPROVED SCHOOLS	http://manila.usembassy.gov/us-agencies2/veteransaffairs.html
VFW	www.vfwpost2485.com
VA INSURANCE SGLI ON-LINE	www.insurance.va.gov
VA INSPECTOR GENERAL OFFICE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS	(VAOIG.hotline@forum.va.gov) www.va.gov/customer/conaff.asp
VA NEWS	www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/opalist.listserv.cfm
VA REFILLS ONLINE	www.myhealth.va.gov
VETERANS BENEFITS WEBSITE	www.govbenefits.gov
VA INQUIRY ROUTING & INFO SYSTEM	http://iris.va.gov
WAGNER H.S. ALUMNI	www.whoa.org

QUICK REF TELEPHONE/FAX NUMBERS

AMERICAN LEGION POST 123	(045) 625-5584
AMERICAN LEGION POST 10	(045) 322-1950
AMERICAN LEGION SUBIC	047) 222-2074
DAV, ANGELES CITY	(045) 892-6374
DEERS CONFIRMATION	001-800-538--9552
DFAS FOR MILITARY RETIREES	001-800-321-1080/001-216-522-5955 FAX 001-800-469-6559
DFAS FOR ANNUITANT PAY	001-800-321-1080/001-216-522-5955 FAX 001-800-982-8459
FPO MAILROOM	(045) 892-0817
FPO MAILROOM (VFW)	0915 965 0847
JUSMAG ID CARD/DEERS SECTION, U.S. EMBASSY	(02) 301- 2000 EXT. 6340
PASSPORT RENEWAL BY COURIER	(02) 879-4747
PI IMMIGRATIONS, CLARK (NO SHORTS ALLOWED)	(045) 499-1246/892-6110 OFFICE HRS 0700-1630 M-F…
PI IMMIGRATIONS, MANILA (NO SHORTS ALLOWED)	(02) 527-3260/3248
SPACE A, CLARK FIELD	(6345) 499 7279/CP (63) 920 970 5030
SOCIAL SECURITY	FAX (02) 708 9723/708 9714
TRICARE CLAIMS/VIA FAX	FAX 1-608-301-2251 FOLLOW UP 1-608-301-2250
VA FAX, REGIONAL OFFICE	FAX (02) 550-3945
VA SERVICE OFFICER, MANILA	(02) 528-2500 OR TOLL FREE 1-800-1888- 5252
VA TEL REGIONAL OFFICE	(02) 550-3888
VFW VA REP	(045) 892-2407
VFW POST 2485	(045) 892-7147
VA CLINIC, MANILA	(02) 318-8387 PHARMACY (02) 318-8311 FAX (02) 310-5957 OR TOLL FREE 1-800-1888- 8782
VA PHARMACY AUTO REFILLS	(02) 556-VETS (8387)
U.S. EMBASSY, MANILA, SWITCHBOARD	(02) 301-2000
FUNERAL HOMES ANGELES CITY:
ANGELINA	(045) 322-4920/888-9469
INDIONGCO	(045) 888-0750 /322 8541
LA PIETA	(045) 888-0465/8555
PANGILINAN	(045) 888-2959/602-5247
ANGELES INT’L TRAVEL AGENCY	(045) 322-5929/888-2175
SWAGMAN	(045) 892-0378

BYE BYE SSNS: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS ON MILITARY IDENTIFICATION CARDS WILL SOON DISAPPEAR TO PROTECT DOD IDENTIFICATION CARD HOLDERS IDENTITY THEFT. THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IS PRINTED ON THE BACK OF COMMON ACCESS CARDS, AND ON THE FRONT OF CARDS ISSUED TO DEPENDENTS AND RETIREES. BEGINNING THIS MONTH, AS CURRENT CARDS EXPIRE THE SSN WILL BE REPLACED WITH A 10-DIGIT DOD IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. AN 11-DIGIT DOD BENEFITS NUMBER WILL APPEAR ON CARDS OF THOSE PEOPLE ELIGIBLE FOR DOD BENEFITS. THE FIRST NINE DIGITS ARE COMMON TO A SPONSOR AND THE LAST TWO DIGITS IDENTIFY A SPECIFIC PERSON WITHIN THE SPONSOR’S FAMILY. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS EMBEDDED IN BAR CODES ON THE BACK OF IDENTIFICATION CARD WILL BE PHASED OUT IN 2012. “BECAUSE CARDS WILL BE REPLACED UPON EXPIRATION, IT WILL BE APPROXIMATELY FOUR YEARS UNTIL ALL CARDS ARE REPLACED WITH THE DOD NUMBER.” SOURCE: RAO JBAB, DC

CRDP VS. CRSC: RETIREES ELIGIBLE FOR BOTH CONCURRENT RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY PAY, AND COMBAT-RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION CAN CHOOSE WHICH ENTITLEMENT THEY PREFER TO RECEIVE. THOSE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ANNUAL OPEN SEASON RECEIVE A LETTER DETAILING THE BENEFITS OF EACH ENTITLEMENT. INCLUDED WITH THE LETTER IS AN OPEN SEASON ELECTION FORM, ALLOWING THEM TO CHOOSE THE TYPE OF PAYMENT THEY WISH TO RECEIVE. FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS RECEIVING BOTH CRDP AND CRSC. RETIREES MIGHT BASE THEIR DECISION ON THE DIFFERENCE IN MONETARY VALUE OR ON THE EFFECT EACH ENTITLEMENT WILL HAVE ON THEIR TAXABLE INCOME. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TWO ENTITLEMENTS ARE ANSWERED AT www.dfas.mil/rapay/rafaqs/crdpcrsc.html. THERE ARE SEVERAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO ENTITLEMENTS: CRDP IS SUBJECT TO FEDERAL TAXES; CRSC IS NOT; CRDP IS SUBJECT TO DIVISION WITH A FORMER SPOUSE; CRSC IS NOT; SURVIVOR BENEFIT PLAN PREMIUMS CAN BE DEDUCTED FROM CRDP, BUT NOT CRSC. A CHART EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO IS AVAILABLE AT www.dfas.mil/rapay/disability/crscandcrdp.html. RETIREES WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW AN ELECTION WILL AFFECT THEIR TAXES SHOULD CONTACT A FINANCIAL ADVISER OR TAX PROFESSIONAL. IF A RETIREE FEELS THE INFORMATION REFLECTED ON THEIR FORM IS INCORRECT, THEY MAY CONTACT DEFENSE ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE SERVICE AT 1 800 321-1080, 7 A.M. TO 7:30 P.M. SOURCE: RAO JBAB, DC

CHANGE IN BOND ALLOTMENTS: THE DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE (DFAS) HAS DISCONTINUED SAVINGS BOND ALLOTMENTS PROCESSING FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL AND MILITARY RETIREES… THE TREASURY HAS CONVERTED TO ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS THROUGH www.TreasuryDirect.gov… DFAS CUSTOMERS WHO WISH TO CONTINUE PURCHASING SAVINGS BONDS THROUGH PAYROLL DEDUCTION NEED TO ESTABLISH AN ONLINE ACCOUNT WITH TREASURY DIRECT… SOURCE: RAO, JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C.

COLA INCREASE FOR 2012: SMILE TIME: MIL RETIREE PAY, SSA, VA WILL INCREASE 3.6 % FOR 2012. SHOULD BE IN YOUR END OF DEC PAY. . . . MEDICARE PART B INCREASES WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER. . .

CRIME IN ANGELES CITY: SEEMS THAT OUR CITY IS NOT AS SAFE AS BEFORE… THERE ARE MORE BREAKING AND ENTERING PROBLEMS, MORE VIOLENCE AGAINST FOREIGNERS PLUS THE NORMAL EXTORTION RACKETS, PICKPOCKETS AND SNATCHING… SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO TO MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR THE CRIMINAL ELEMENT IS TO MAINTAIN A LOW PROFILE AND DO NOT OVERDRESS OR WEAR EXPENSIVE JEWELRY OR DRIVE EXPENSIVE VEHICLE… ALSO WOULD BE ADVISABLE TO INSTALL AN INEXPENSIVE BUGLARY ALARM SYSTEM IN YOUR HOME (LESS THAN P4, 000.)… IF YOU GO THE SAME ROUTE AT THE SAME TIME EVERYDAY, YOU BECOME AN EASY TARGET… TRY AND CHANGE YOUR TRAVEL HABITS AND BE ALERT…

DFAS MAKING DEATH REPORTING EASIER: DFAS MILITARY RETIREES DEATHS CAN NOW BE REPORTED VIA THE INTERNET AT LINK http://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/forms.html. THIS IS MUCH QUICKER THAN MAILING/FAX AND SHOULD RECEIVE CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT WITHIN 48 HOURS… THIS SHOULD ALSO EXPEDITE ANY BENEFITS YOU MAY HAVE COMING FROM DFAS… IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, PLS SEE US AT THE RAO OFFICE.
NOTE: THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO ANNUITANTS… SEE ATTACHMENT…

DFAS (RETIRED MILITARY PAY): DFAS HAS BEEN TRYING TO IMPROVE THEIR SERVICES TO RETIREES OVER THE YEARS; HOWEVER, TO FULLY UTILIZE THESE SERVICES, YOU NEED TO GET “COMPUTERIZED” AND START USING THE MYPAY WEB… WHEN THE DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE FIRST LAUNCHED THE MYPAY WEB-BASED PAY ACCOUNT SYSTEM IN 2000, LESS THAN 500,000 MILITARY, MILITARY RETIREES, ANNUITANTS AND FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES WERE LISTED AS ONLINE USERS. TODAY THAT NUMBER INCLUDES 3.7 MILLION USERS WITH ACCESS TO PAY ACCOUNT INFORMATION, TAX STATEMENTS AND THE ABILITY TO UPDATE THEIR BANK, PERSONAL AND ALLOTMENT INFORMATION INSTANTLY AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, SECURELY. CURRENTLY, MORE THAN 2.6 MILLION MYPAY USERS HAVE ACCESSED THEIR 2009 TAX STATEMENTS ONLINE, THEREBY AVOIDING THE DELAYS AND POSSIBLE SECURITY RISKS OF REGULAR MAIL DELIVERY. LAST NOVEMBER, DFAS OFFICIALS IMPLEMENTED A MYPAY SECURITY ENHANCEMENT REQUIRING USERS TO ESTABLISH NEW LOGIN CREDENTIALS, INCLUDING PERSONALIZED LOGIN IDS AND PASSWORDS. THE AGENCY HAS POSTED STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS IN BOTH TEXT AND VIDEO AT THE MYPAY SITE (https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx) AND ITS PUBLIC WEB SITE (www.dfas.mil) TO HELP CUSTOMERS SET UP THEIR NEW INFORMATION. CURRENTLY, 82 PERCENT OF MYPAY ACCOUNTS HAVE BEEN UPDATED WITH NEW LOGIN INFORMATION. “WHILE SOME MIGHT VIEW 82 PERCENT AS A POSITIVE, I’M CONCERNED THAT SOME OF OUR CUSTOMERS DON’T APPRECIATE WHAT MYPAY PROVIDES,” SAID RICHARD GUSTAFSON, DFAS PRINCIPAL DEPUTY DIRECTOR. MR. GUSTAFSON SAID MYPAY IS A USEFUL TOOL, AND CUSTOMERS CAN BE CONFIDENT THAT THEIR INFORMATION IS PROTECTED. “WE WANT TO HELP OUR CUSTOMERS BECOME EDUCATED CUSTOMERS, TO PARTNER WITH US TO MAKE SURE ALL ASPECTS OF THEIR PAY— FROM WHAT THEY ARE DUE TO HOW IT IS DELIVERED—ARE AS ACCURATE AS POSSIBLE,” HE SAID. USERS OF MYPAY HAVE GREATER CONTROL OVER THEIR PAY ACCOUNTS AND CAN MAKE CHANGES TO VITAL INFORMATION IN A VERY SECURE ENVIRONMENT. SOME OF THE OPTIONS WITHIN MYPAY INCLUDE:

· DOWNLOAD, SAVE AND PRINT PAY ACCOUNT INFORMATION FROM MILITARY RETIRED OR ANNUITANT ACCOUNT STATEMENTS
· DOWNLOAD, SAVE AND PRINT ANNUAL TAX STATEMENTS SUCH AS 1099Rs.
· VERIFY AND UPDATE POSTAL AND E-MAIL ADDRESSES.
· VERIFY AND UPDATE BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT.
· START, CHANGE OR STOP FINANCIAL ALLOTMENTS.
· MAKE CHANGES TO FEDERAL OR STATE TAX WITHHOLDING AMOUNTS.
· CHANGE USER NAMES AND PASSWORDS TO KEEP ACCOUNTS SECURE.

WHILE THE OPTIONS MAY VARY FROM ONE CUSTOMER CATEGORY TO ANOTHER, ALL MYPAY USERS CAN ESTABLISH ALTERNATE LOGIN CREDENTIALS FOR USE BY FAMILY MEMBERS, TAX PREPARES OR OTHERS THEY TRUST TO VIEW ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND DOWNLOAD TAX STATEMENTS. “THE MYPAY SYSTEM HAS BEEN WITH US FOR A WHILE,” MR. GUSTAFSON SAID. “OUR SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED TO COUNTER THREATS TO OUR CUSTOMERS’ PERSONAL AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION. THE GROWTH IN WHAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED HAS REFLECTED THE NEEDS AND WISHES OF MANY RECIPIENTS OF OUR PAYROLL SERVICES. IN SHORT, MYPAY GIVES THEM A WAY TO AVOID THE RISKS OF POSTAL DELIVERY OF THEIR INFORMATION, AND A WAY TO REALLY SHORTEN THE AMOUNT OF TIME IT TAKES TO UPDATE INFORMATION IN OUR PAY SYSTEMS. “BUT THE BOTTOM LINE IS STILL HOW THESE USERS VIEW THE IMPORTANCE AND WORTH OF MYPAY,” HE SAID. “DO THEY UNDERSTAND THEIR ROLE IN KEEPING THEIR FINANCIAL INFORMATION CURRENT AND ACCURENT?” WHILE DFAS MAINTAINS SOME OF THE MORE TRADITIONAL METHODS OF SUBMITTING CHANGES TO CUSTOMER INFORMATION OR INQUIRING ABOUT PAY ISSUES SUCH AS FAX, CALL CENTERS AND MAIL, THE MYPAY SYSTEM PROVIDES A FASTER AND MORE EFFICIENT MEANS TO COMMUNICATE WITH THEIR PAYROLL SERVICE PROVIDER. “THE CHANGES CUSTOMERS SUBMIT VIA MYPAY ARE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY,” SAID DAWN COULTER, THE AGENCY’S E-COMMERCE DIRECTOR.. “RATHER THAN WAITING FOR THE FAX MACHINE OR MAIL TO GET THE INFORMATION TO DFAS, THEN WAITING FOR A PAYROLL TECHNICIAN TO INPUT THAT INFORMATION INTO THE PAY SYSTEM, ADDRESS CHANGES, NEW BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION OR OTHER DATA BECOME EFFECTIVE THE MOMENT THE CUSTOMER HITS THE SUBMIT BUTTON.” (COURTESY OF DFAS)

ACR I-CARD HOLDERS: REMINDER THAT YOU MUST REGISTER WITH PHILIPPINE IMMIGRATIONS IN YOUR AREA (CLARK FIELD FOR THE ANGELES AREA) WITHIN THE 1^ST 60 DAYS OF THE NEW YEAR. . . REPORT AND LEGAL RESEARCH FEES P 310.00. TO REGISTER, YOU MUST HAVE A CURRENT ACR I-CARD. . . IF YOUR ACR I-CARD IS EXPIRED, THEY WILL DIRECT YOU TO BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION AT MAGALLANES DRIVE, INTRAMUROS, MANILA TO RENEW YOUR CARD. . . ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE SHOULD BE ASKED WHILE IN THE IMMIGRATION OFFICE AT CLARK FIELD. . . SEE ATTACHMENT FOR REQUIREMENTS. . .

FPO MAIL POLICY WHILE OUT OF TOWN: IF YOU PLAN ON BEING OUT OF TOWN OVER 15 DAYS, YOU SHOULD HAVE AN AUTHORIZED DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE TO PICK UP YOUR MAIL OR PROVIDE US A SIGNED LETTER STATING HOW LONG YOU INTEND TO BE AWAY AND WE CAN HOLD YOUR MAIL UP TO 30 DAYS… IN EVENT YOUR TRIP IS EXTENDED, YOU WILL NEED TO SEND US A SIGNED LETTER/E-MAIL SCAN/ FAX STATING THE REASON BEFORE WE CAN TAKE ANY FURTHER ACTION… IF YOU DO NOT COMPLY WITH THIS POLICY/MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS, YOUR MAIL WILL BE RETURNED…

FPO POLICY: THE U.S. EMBASSY, MANILA IS RETURNING PACKAGES THAT WEIGH OVER 16OZ/UNAUTHORIZED ITEMS… WE ARE ALLOWED TO RECEIVE FIRST CLASS LETTERS INCLUDING PERSONAL VOICE AND VIDEO CASETTES/CD’S, NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, PHOTOGRAPHS NOT TO EXCEED 16 OUNCES… WE ARE ALSO AUTHORIZED TO RECEIVE CHECKBOOKS AND TRICARE EXPRESS SCRIPT (NATIONAL MAIL ORDER PHARMACY) PACKAGES WITHOUT A WEIGH LIMIT… PLEASE REMEMBER, THAT A U.S. PHYSICIAN MUST WRITE THE PRESCRIPTION FOR EXPRESS SCRIPT (NMOP) SHIPMENTS… IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE PHARMACY, ETC THAT ARE NOT FPO AUTHORIZED, I HAVE FOUND THAT U.S. EXPRESS MAIL ADDRESSED TO YOUR HOME ADDRESS WORKS GREAT… EXPRESS MAIL CAN ALSO BE TRACED ON LINE…

INCORRECT FPO ADDRESS: EACH FPO MEMBERS IS GIVEN THE CORRECT ADDRESS TO RECEIVE MAIL: HOWEVER, MAIL STILL GETS ADDRESSED TO THE FPO ADDRESS WITH PHILIPPINES ADDED. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE FPO MAIL ENDS UP IN THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL SYSTEM AND USUALLY LOST. . . WE ARE ABLE TO RETRIEVE SOME FPO LETTERS FROM THE MAIN PHILIPPINE POST OFFICE IN MANILA AND GIVE TO OUR FPO MEMBERS; HOWEVER, THIS IS A HIT AND MISS WAY OF DOING BUSINESS. . BE SURE TO INFORM THE PEOPLE YOU CORRESPOND NOT TO INCLUDE PHILIPPINES IN THE FPO ADDRESS . . . AS ALL ARE AWARE, THE U.S MAIL SYSTEM IS ONE OF THE MOST SECURE SYSTEMS WORLDWIDE; HOWEVER, MAIL SOMETIMES GETS DESTROYED WITH HIGH SPEED SORTING MACHINE OR MISROUTED. USUALLY, MISROUTED MAIL WILL EVENTUALLY FIND ITS WAY TO THE CORRECT ADDRESS; HOWEVER, A LITTLE LATE. . BASED ON THE VOLUME OF U.S MAIL, VERY LITTLE IS LOST; HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT DOCUMENT, SUGGEST YOU MAIL CERTIFIED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT. . . WE HAD ONE CASE WERE A RETIREE TRUSTED HIS EX WIFE WITH HIS 50% OF HIS RETIRED PAY AND SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO MAIL HIS SHARE MONTHLY. . . AFTER NOT RECEIVING HIS PAY FOR A COUPLE OF MONTH HE STARTING TO COMPLAIN TO THE POST OFFICE ABOUT LOST CHECKS FROM HIS EX WIFE. . . LATER, HE FOUND OUT THAT EX WIFE WAS USING THE MONEY INSTEAD OF SENDING TO HIM. . . LOT OF REASONS FOR NOT RECEIVING MAIL. . .

ILLEGAL USE OF AFRTS IN OUR AREA: HAD SEVERAL REPORTS OF BARS USING AFRTS TO PROMOTE THEIR BUSINESS AFRTS IS ONLY AUTHORIZED TO MILITARY PERSONNEL/RETIREES FOR HOME USE AND CANNOT TRANSFERRED TO UNAUTHORIZED PEOPLE/BUSINESS NEED YOUR HELP IN LOCATING BARS AND OTHER NON AUTHORIZED PEOPLE THAT HAVE OBTAINED AFRTS ACCESS ILLEGALLY... UPON RECEIPT, WE WILL REPORT TO AFRTS AND HAVE THEIR SERVICE DISCONTINUED... IF WE DO NOT TAKE ACTION NOW, ALL COULD LOOSE THIS VERY VALUABLE SERVICE...

PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC ACT 9439: THIS ACT PROHIBITS THE DETENTION OF PATIENTS IN HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CLINICS ON GROUNDS OF NONPAYMENT OF HOSPITAL BILLS OR MEDICAL EXPENSES… “IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR ANY HOSPITAL OR MEDICAL CLINIC IN THE COUNTRY TO DETAIN OR TO OTHERWISE CAUSE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, THE DETENSION OF PATIENTS WHO HAVE FULLY OR PARTIALLY RECOVERED OR HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY ATTENDED TO OR WHO MAY HAVE DIED, FOR REASONS OF NONPAYMENT IN PART OR IN FULL, OF HOSPITAL BILLS OR MEDICAL EXPENSES.” HOSPITALS CANNOT HOLD DEATH CERTIFICATES, REMAINS OR PREVENT THE PATIENT FROM LEAVING THE HOSPITAL UNLESS IN A PRIVATE ROOM…

IRS TAX FORMS AND ASSISTANCE: CAN DOWNLOAD YOR 2012 TAX FORM AND REVIEW INSTRUCTIONS ON WEB www.irs.gov/form1040a or 1040 whichever is applicable. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE INTERNET SERVICES, YOU CAN XEROX COPIED AT OUR OFFICE. THERE WILL ALSO BE CPA LOCATED IN OUR FPO AGAIN THIS YEAR IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE… ELECTRONIC FILLING IS THE EASIEST AND SIMPLY WAY TO FILE… REF www.irs.gov/efile

HOW TO OBTAIN AUTOMATIC RAO UPDATES: When we have changes that affect the American Community we provide this information to the services organizations and hope all will filter down at the earliest possible date; However, we know this does not always work at the speed desired… We need your e-mail address for our data base to make the system work… If interested in receiving updates immediately, please provide us your e-mail address and request the service, can enroll/disenroll at anytime via e-mail: rao_cabr@mozcom.com… SIGN UP NOW FOR YOUR AUTOMATIC UPDATES...

RETIREE ID CARDS: WE GET MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT RENEWAL OF ID CARDS AT AGE 65. RETIREE ID CARDS DO NOT EXPIRE AS THEY ARE INDEFINITE. THE CONFUSION RESULTS FROM THE INFORMATION ON THE BACK OF THE CARD WHICH CONCERNS HEALTH BENEFITS ELIGIBILITY ONLY AND WILL HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE ON HIS/HER 65TH BIRTHDAY. THIS DATE INDICATES THE RETIREE IS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR TRICARE AS FIRST PAYER. WHEN THE MEMBER SIGNS UP FOR PART B, AS REQUIRED TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR TRICARE FOR LIFE (SECOND PAYER TO MEDICARE), THAT FACT WILL BE RECORDED IN DEERS AUTOMATICALLY WHEN CROSS-REFERENCING BETWEEN MEDICARE AND DEERS OCCURS. THEREFORE THE ID CARD DOES NOT HAVE TO BE RENEWED BECAUSE OF THIS DATE. HOWEVER, IT MAY BE IF THE MEMBER DESIRES. SPOUSES AND SURVIVORS MUST RENEW THEIR ID CARD AT AGE 65TH WHEN EVIDENCE OF PART B MUST BE PRESENTED IN ORDER FOR THE DEERS TO REFLECT ELIGIBILITY FOR TFL. SOURCE: HAFB

ID CARD RENEWAL PROCEDURES: Military ID Cards/Deers Enrollment can be accomplished at the U.S. Embassy, Manila at NOX 1 Building, Window 24 ON THE 1ST AND 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH BY REGISTERING FOR AN APPOINTMENT ON WEB; http://appointments.cac.navy.mil/appointment/default.aspx / OR CALL (02) 301-2494/93 … AT PRESENT ALL THE APPOINTMENTS ARE FILLED UP AND ACCORDING TO JUSMAG THEY CANNOT PROVIDE ANY BETTER SERVICE… DOD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND TRYING TO FIX…Documentation required: effective 25 Sep 08, all personnel being issued identification cards, including dependents (age 18 and older), and retirees must present two forms of identification. At least one of the two ids must have a photograph and be from “Group A (below)”. The new requirement is being mandated by the DOD Defense Manpower Data Center. The computer software is sequence-based and requires two forms of ID to be scanned before it will proceed to the next sequence to issue a new card. Group A (picture ID) –Military dependent ID – Driver’s license or ID card issued by Federal, State or- - local government agencies or entities (including photo) – U.S. Passport- - U.S. Cost Guard, Merchant Mariner Card – school ID with photo –Sponsor DOD ID Card. Group B – Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization- - Foreign Passport- - voter registration card- - U.S. Social Security Card – Certification of Birth Abroad- - Original or Certified copy of a Birth Certificate- - Daycare or nursery school record- -clinic, doctor or hospital record- -school record or report card- - foreign national ID/w photo...

MAIL-IN SYSTEM FOR ARMY ID CARDS/DEERS ENROLLMENT: FOR RENEWAL, WE WILL REQUIRE A 8X10” PHOTO (HEAD AND SHOLDER WITH A LIGHT BACKGROUND), THE SPONSOR AND A XEROX COPY OF HIS/HER PASSPORT AND YOUR CURRENT MIL ID CARD… FOR INITIAL DEERS ENROLLMENT/MIL ID CARD, WE WILL REQUIRE; SPONSOR, DD FORM 214, MARRIAGE CONTRACT AND ANY TERMINATION OF MARRIAGE DOCUMENTS, 8X10” PHOTO (IF OVER 10 YEARS OF AGE) PASSPO RT OR GOV’T ID’S AND ADOPTION DOCUMENTS (WHEN APPL)… DD FORM 1172 AND PHOTO MUST BE NOTARIZED WHICH CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED ACROSS THE STREET FROM OUR OFFICE...

MEDICARE PART B INCREASES: THE GOOD WORD IS “PAINLESS”!!!! FOR MEDICARE PART B MEMBERS WHOM WERE PAYING $96.40 DURING 2011 THERE WILL ONLY BE A $3.50 INCREASE… NEW (2012) MEDICARE PART B COST IS $99.90 PER MONTH. FOR THOSE WHOM WERE PAYING $115.40 DURING 2011, YOUR BENEFITS CHECKS WILL ONLY INCREASE…. SEE ATCH FOR DETAILS…

REVIEWING DEERS ELIGIBILITY FOR YOU/FAMILY ON LINE: CAN REVIEW DEERS ELIGIBILITY FOR YOU/FAMILY BY REGISTERING ON WEB http://www.tricare-overseas.com/Beneficiaries.htm ... WHEN IN DOUBT ABOUT ELIGIBILITY OR WHEN REQUESTED BY YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER, THIS IS AN EXCELLENT MEANS OF CONFIRMING ELIGIBILITY STATUS… CAN ALSO CHECK YOUR TRICARE ELIGIBILITY BY REGISTERING ON WEB tricare4u.com …

LOCAL TRICARE CERTIFIED HOSPITALS/CLINICS:     TELEPHONE NOS.:       ADDRESS:
· ANGELES MEDICAL CENTER                                                                (045) 625-9387            640 RIZAL ST, LOURDES SUR A.C.
· ACCUMED MEDICAL DIANOSTIC CENTER, INC. (VA ALSO)                        (045) 887-1198                2442 STO ENTIERO ST. STO CRISTO A.C.
· AUF MEDICAL CENTER (InPatient only)                                             (045) 625-2999                  AUF MEDICAL CENTER MCARTHUR H-WAY A.C
· DEE HWA LIONG FOUNDATION MEDICAL CENTER                  (045) 322-9596; AMBULANCE (045) 322-777 SAPANG MAISAC, BRGY DUQUIT MABT,PAMP
· DIVINE SHEPHERD MEDICAL CENTER (VA, NOT TRICARE)                                   # 654 Malabanias Rd, PlaridelI, Angeles City
· GARCIA HOSPITAL                                                                          (045) 888-8992           648 RIZAL ST, ANGELES CITY
· MEDICAL CITY, ANGELES (FORMALLY MERCEDES MEDICAL CENTER) (045) 887-2885                STO ENTIERRO ST, ANGELES CITY
· MOUNT CARMEL MEDICAL CENTER                                         (045) 860-5977/1636/6505      BGRY. SAGUIN, CITY OF SN FRNANDO
· PERPETUAL HELP                                                                              (045) 888-1655                           92 STO. ENTIERRO ST, ANGELES CITY
· DEE HWA LIONG HENSON ST. ANNEX                                      (045) 323-4532
· MOTHER TERESA CALCUTTA MEDICAL CENTER                         (045) 636-3471/3472/3470 BRGY. MAIMPIS MCARTHUR H-WAY CITY OF SNFDO
· SACRED HEART MEDICAL CENTER                                               (045) 624-5606TO12            STO ROSARIO ST. BRGY STO. DOMINGO A.C
· ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA FOUNDATION (ALSO VA)                                                                  4163 Rizal Ext., Angeles City

NOTE: THEY DO NOT ACCEPT TRICARE PRIME AND NOT REQUIRED TO BILL TRICARE FOR YOU... BE SURE TO ASK HOSPITAL SELECTED IF THEY WILL BILL TRICARE... IF NOT, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY UP FRONT AND SUBMIT YOUR OWN CLAIM... WE CAN HELP YOU FILE YOUR CLAIM...

TRICARE HAS BEEN MAKING CHANGES TO THEIR CERTIFIED PROVIDER WEB: www.tricare.mil/tma/pacific ..... BE SURE TO CHECK THE WEB BEFORE SELECTING A HOSPITAL/CLINIC/PHARMACY… IF NOT TRICARE CERTIFIED, YOUR CLAIM WILL BE RETURNED WITHOUT REIMBURSEMENT.

VA SERVICE CONNECTED MEDICAL CARE IN ANGELES CITY: IF YOU HAVE A VA SERVICE CONNECTED MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU CAN VISIT THE AUF MEDICAL CENTER OR SACRED HEART MEDICAL CENTER EMERGENCY ROOM FOR TREATMENT… REMIND THE HOSPITAL TO CONTACT THE VA CLINIC WITHIN 72 HOURS FOR APPROVAL… IF VA APPROVAL IS GRANTED THE HOSPITAL SERVICES WILL BE FREE, IF NOT, YOU MUST PAY PRIOR TO DISCHARGE… IF YOU DESIRE VA MEDICAL CARE THAT IS NOT CONSIDERED AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT THE VA CLINIC FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT 632 318 8387 OR 1-800-1888-8782 { PLDT LINE}… NOTE: IF YOUR VA CLAIM WAS DENIED AND YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR TRICARE OR OTHER INSURANCE, YOU CAN SUBMIT A CLAIM TO RECOVER YOUR HOSPITAL EXPENSES… WE CAN HELP WITH YOUR TRICARE CLAIM UPON REQUEST…

“VISA-MADE-EASY- SCHEMED WIDENED FOR FOREIGNERS”-BY JEROME ANING - THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION YESTERDAY SAID IT WOULD IMPLEMENT THE AGENCY’S VISA-IS-SUANCE-MADE-SIMPLE PROJECT IN ALL SUBPORTS AND FIELD OFFICES SO THAT FOREIGNERS WOULD BE NO LONGER HAVE TO GO TO MANILA OR OTHER REGIONAL CENTERS JUST TO APPLY FOR IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS. IMMIGRATION COMMISSIONER MARCELINO LIBANAN SAID HE HAS ORDERED THE AGENCY’S COMPUTER SECTION CHIEF, JOLLYBERT GALEON,TO PERSUE THE “FULL AND COMPLETE” IMPLEMENTATIONS OF THE VIMS SYSTEM IN THE 24 SUBPORTS AND IMMIGRATION OFFICES THAT HAVE YET TO ADOPT THE SCHEME. LIBANAN TOLD GALEON THAT THE FOREIGNERS IN THESE AREAS MUST LIKE WISE BENEFITS FROM THE VIMS LLIKE THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN METRO MANILA AND OTHER AREAS IN THE PROVINCES THAT ARE NOW BENIFITING FROM THE SCHEME. “FOREIGNERS LIVING IN THE PROVINCES SHOULD NOT COME TO OUR MAIN OFFICEIN INTRAMUROS,MANILA JUST TO HAVE THEIR IMMIGRATION STATUS UPDATED. THE SHOULD DO IT IN OUR SATELLITE,DISTRICT OFFICERS OR SUBPORTS NEAREST THEM,”LIBANAB SAID IN A STATEMENT.
FLAGSHIP PROJECT - CONSIDERED AS LIBANAN’S FLAGSHIP PROJECT AND LAUNCHED IN 2008,THE VIMS SIMPLIFIED THE PROCEDURES OF AND REDUCED BY AN AVERAGE OF 58 PERCENT THE DOCUMENTARY REQUIRMENTS FOR FILLING VISA APPLICATIONS THE VIMS INTEGRATES AND SPEEDS UP THE PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FOR THE ISSUANCE OF VISA EXTENSION,CANCELLATION OF ALIEN REGISTRY,RECOGNITION OF FILIPINO CITIZENS,AND OTHER SPECIAL PERMITS BEFORE THE COMISSIONER’S OFFICE AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATING UNITS. BUREAU SPOKEPERSON FLORO BALATO JR. SAID THE INCREASE IN THE AAGENCY REVENUE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE VIMS AS THE PROJECT GAINED CONFIDENCE OF FOREIGNERS IN THE COUNTRY. BALATO CITED RECORDS FROM THE BUREAU’S FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT DIVISION WHICH SHOWED THAT THE IMMIGRATION FEES BREACHED THE P2-BILLION MARK LAST YEAR DESPITE THE GOLBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS. “IN 2008,WHEN THE VIMS WAS IMPLEMENTED,THE BUREAU’S INCOME REACHED A RECORD HIGH OF P2.11 BILLION” BALATO SAID. HE STRESSED THAT THE PROJECT HELPED CUT THE RED TAPE AS IT USHEREDIN THE EXPEDITIOUS PROCESSING AND APPROVAL OF VISA APPLICATONS,INCLUDING THE UPDATING AND EXTENSION OF TOURIST VISAS “INCIDENCE OF PETTY GRAFT WAS ALSO REDUCED BECAUSE FOREIGNERS REAIZED IT IS NO LONGER NECESSARY TO ENGAGE THE SERVICE OF FIXERS WHO FACILITATE THEIR VISA APPLICATIONS FOR A FEE”THE SPOKEPERSON EXPLAINED. GALEON SAID THAT OF THE 53 IMMIGRATION SUBPORTS NATIONWIDE THAT HAVE BEEN TARGETED TO ADOPT VIMS,29 ARE AREADY IMPLEMENTING THE PROJECT. AMONG THE IMMIGRATION OFFICES OUTSIDE OF METRO MANILA THAT HAVE ADOPTED THE VIMS SYSTEM ARE THOSE IN CEBU, DAVAO, LAOAG, ZAMBOANGA, CAGAYAN DE ORO, ILIGAN, ANGELES, BAGUIO, DUMAGUETE, OLONGAPO, DAGUPAN, BATANGAS, LEGASPI, NAGA, CABANATUAN, APARRI, SANTIAGO IN ISABELA,CALAPAN IN ORIENTAL MINDORO AND GLAN IN SARANGANI. ALL IMMIGRATION AREA AND SATELLITEOFFICES IN METRO MANILA,INCLUDING THE EXTENSION OFFICES IN MAKATI AND PASAY,ARE ALSO IMPLEMENTING THE VIMS. SOURCE : PDI, JUNE 02 2010

VA MOVE TO SEAFRONT: THE VA REGIONAL OFFICE AND CLINIC HAS MOVED TO THEIR NEW BUILDING AT THE SEAFRONT COMPOUND 1501 ROXAS BOULEVARD, PASAY CITY... FOR CONTACT DATA AND HOW TO GET THERE, SEE ATCH...

VOTING OFFICER SERVICE: I AM THE U.S. EMBASSY VOTING OFFICER FOR THIS REGION AND AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR VOTING QUESTIONS. . . WE HAVE OUR VOTING ASSISSTANCE GUIDE AND FEDERAL POST CARD APPLICATION (FPCA) FORMS AT OUR MAIN FPO NEXT TO MY OFFICE. . . IF NOT ALREADY REGISTERED WITH ONE OF THE STATES, SHOULD MAIL YOUR FPCA NOT LATER THAN AUG 15, 2012 TO ENSURE YOU WILL GET YOUR STATE BALLOT BEFORE THE NOV 2012 ELECTION. . . ALL AMERICAN CITIZENS ARE AUTHORIZED TO USE THE U.S. EMBASSY FPO TO VOTE BY MAIL. . .

TRICARE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT FOR THE PHILIPPINES: TRICARE PLANS TO CONDUCT A THREE YEAR TEST PROGRAM IN THE PHILIPPINES TO SEE IF THEY CAN IMPROVE THE WAY MEDICAL SERVICES IS PROVIDED AT AN ACCEPTABLE COST. . . IN A NUT SHELL, WE WOULD PAY OUR COST SHARE TO THE PROVIDER AND THEY WOULD BILL AT LOCAL RATES. . ONLY SELECTED PROVIDERS THAT WILL STRICTLY COMPLY WILL BILLING PROCEDURES WILL BE ACCEPTED OR KEPT IN THE TEST PROGRAM. . . AFTER TEST IS COMPLETED (3 YEARS), AND ALL GOES WELL THE PROGRAM WILL BE CONTINUED OR IMPROVED. . . THIS PROGRAM WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE AROUND MAY 2012 IF ALL GOES ACCORDING TO PLAN. . . THE TEST REQUIRES TRICARE TO ADVISE TRICARE MEMBERS 60 DAYS ORIOR TO EFFECTIVE DATE. . . WILL KEEP YOU ADVISED OF UPDATES. . .

TRICARE FRAUD: I RECEIVE A LOT OF FEEDBACK FROM TRICARE PROVIDERS AND OUR RETIREE COMMUNITY CONCERING TRICARE FRAUD…APPEARS THAT SEVERAL OF OUR RETIREE/FAMILY MEMBERS ARE ASKING PHYSICIANS TO SUBMIT FAKE CLAIMS AND SPLIT THE AMOUNT RECEIVED FROM TRICARE. ALSO SOME PHYSICIANS AND THEIR COHORTS ARE TRYING TO RECRUIT RETIREES/DEPENDENTS/WIDOWS TO FILE FAKE CLAIMS AND DO THE SAME THING… THIS CAN GET YOU IN SERIOUS TROUBLE WITH U.S. LAW ENFORCEMENT AND JEOPARDIZE OUR TRICARE BENEFITS IN THE PHILIPPINES… WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN SINGLED OUT BY TRICARE DUE TO PAST FRAUD AND IF THINGS GET MORE CORRUPT, OUR BENEFITS COULD BE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE.. IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE THAT IS SUBMITTING FAKE TRICARE CLAIMS, PLEASE PROVIDE ME AN E-MAIL AT rao_cabr@mozcom.com AND I WILL FORWARD ALL THE VALID COMPLAINTS TO THE DOD IG FOR ACTION...

UNITED STATES REPATRIATION: IF YOU ARE AN AMERICAN CITIZEN AND STRANDED HERE WITHOUT OPTIONS, AMERICAN CITIZENS SERVICES (ACS) AT THE U.S. EMBASSY, MANILA MAY BE ABLE TO HELP…THE U.S. GOV’T WILL ALSO PROVIDE LIMITED SUPPORT WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES IF NEEDED… ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: * A U.S. CITIZEN, * DESTITUTE AND WOULD EXPERIENCE HARDSHIP IF NOT RETURNED TO THE U.S., * WITHOUT RELATIVES OR FRIENDS IN THE U.S. OR ABROAD WHO WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE, * INVOLVED IN, OR THE CAUSE OF A SITUATION WHICH MAY DAMAGE THE PRESTIGE OF THE U.S. GOV’T OR OTHER COMPELLING REASONS AS DETERMINED BY THE DEPT OF STATE… IF YOU QUALIFY FOR THE ABOVE OR WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS YOUR PROBLEM WITH ME, I AM AVAILABLE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS…

U.S. MILITARY RECRUITMENT: TESTING IS ON THE 2^ND & 4^TH SAT OF EACH MONTH (EXCEPT HOLIDAYS) AT 0945HRS AT OUR RAO OFFICE FOR ALL BRANCHES OF SERVICE… MUST HAVE U.S. PASSPORT/CURRENT GREEN CARD, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) AND SCHOOL RECORDS… MUST BE AT LEAST A HIGH SCHOOL GRAD... THE USAF REQUIRED 15 COLLEGE CREDITS… AGE REQUIREMENTS: MUST BE AT LEAST 17 YEARS OF AGE AND CANNOT BE OVER 27 FOR USAF AND USMC… ARMY WILL ACCEPT UP TO AGE 34…

U.S. ARMY RECRUITER: THE U.S. ARMY RECRUITER WAS HERE A FEW MONTHS AGO AND PLAN TO RETURN WHEN WE HAVE SUFFICIENT QUALIFIED APPLICANTS... AGE 17-34, HIGH SCHOOL GRAD OR HIGHER, GOOD HEALTH, NO CRIMINAL RECORD AND BE A U. S. CITIZEN/CURRENT GREEN CARD HOLDER... PLEASE SIGN UP FOR “RAO UPDATES” AT E-MAIL ADDRESS rao_cabr@mozcom.com FOR THE LATEST INFO ON THEIR NEXT VISIT…

U.S. NAVY RECRUITER VISIT: THE NAVY PLANS A RECRUITING VISIT DURING APRIL 2012; HOWEVER, WE DO NOT HAVE AN EXACT DATE YET. . . WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED. . . MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN/CURRENT GREEN CARD HOLDER WITH SSN… AGE REQUIREMENT: 17-34 YEARS OF AGE AND AT LEAST A HIGH SCHOOL GRAD WITHOUT PHYSICAL DEFECTS… WE TEST FOR ALL BRANCHES OF SERVICE ON THE 2^ND AND 4^TH SAT OF EACH MONTH … SUGGESTS YOU STUDY WWW.MARCH2SUCCESS.COM TO IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF PASSING THE SCREENING TEST…

U.S. EMBASSY OUTREACH AT ANGELES CITY: OUR NEXT U.S. EMBASSY OUTREACH WILL BE ON FEB 16, 2012 AT THE LEWIS GRAND HOTEL, MALABANAS ANGELES CITY BETWEEN 0800-1100 HRS. . . IN THE MEANTIME, IF YOU REQUIRE EMBASSY SERVICES, CHECK WEB http//manila.usembassy.gov AND CLICK U.S. CITIZEN SERVICES. . . OUR LAST OUTREACH (SEPT. 13, 2011) WAS ALMOST TOO SUCCESSFUL. . THE EMBASSY EXTENDED THE TIME BY ONE & A HALF HOURS; HOWEVER, THEY HAD TO BE BACK AT THE EMBASSY BY 1500 HRS & COULD NOT ACCOMMODATE ALL CUSTOMERS… BELIEVE THERE WERE CLOSE TO 500 PEOPLE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE OUTREACH . . . VERY IMPORTANT TO SIGN-UP FOR RAO UPDATES AT E-MAIL ADDRESS rao_cabr@#mozcom.com SO WE CAN KEEP YOU INFORMED… SIGN-IN PROCEDURES: MUST SIGN-IN USING U.S. EMBASSY SIGN-IN FORMS... CANNOT USE BLANK SHEET OF PAPER TO SIGN IN... THERE ARE SEVERAL STAFF AGENCIES THAT COME ON EACH OUTREACH AND EACH ONE MUST HAVE THEIR OWN SIGN-IN SHEET SO THEY CAN CALL YOUR NAME IN SEQUENCE... WE NORMALLY START THE SIGN-IN PROCESS AT LEAST 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO STARTING THE OUTREACH… DO NOT ENTER THE FUNCTION ROOM UNTIL YOU HAVE SIGNED IN ON THE OFFICIAL SIGN-IN SHEET... ALL PAYMENTS ARE IN PESOS AND YOU SHOULD HAVE THE CORRECT CHANGE… PASSPORT FORMS SHOULD BE FILLED OUT ON-LINE AND DOWNLOADED AT U.S. EMBASSY WEB http//manila.usembassy.gov IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A COMPUTER, YOU CAN MAKE COPIES OF THE APPLICATION AT OUR OFFICE… PASSPORT PHOTO REQUIREMENT: 2 PIECES 2 X 2 COLORS WITH LIGHT BACKGROUND... MONEY CHANGERS & PHOTO SERVICES MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE AND YOU SHOULD PLAN AHEAD… COST OF SERVICES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

COST OF SERVICE ARE:                                                                 PESO EQUIVALENT TO:
PASSPORT RENEWAL ADULT - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -           $110.00
*PASSPORT RENEWAL CHILD - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -                      $105.00
1ST PASSPORT RENEWAL AFTER AGE 16 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -                     $135.00
LOST OR STOLEN PASSPORT - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -                     $135.00
AFFADAVIT/NOTARY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -                      $50.00
cONSULAR REPORT OF BIRTH ABROAD WITH PASSPORT (OVER AGE 16 BUT UNDER AGE 18) - -    $235.00
CONSULAR REPORT OF BIRTH ABROAD WITH PASSPORT - - - - -                    $205.00
CONSULAR REPORT OF BIRTH ABROAD (ONLY) - - - - - - - - - - - - -                     $100.00
ADDITIONAL PASSPORT VISA PAGES- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -                  $82.00
TALK TOJIM BOYD - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -                   FREE

*If under age 16, a birth certificate will be required, both parents and child must be present... If divorced and you have custody of the child, documentation to substantiate will be required... If one parent is deceased, a death certificate will be required... If one parent cannot be available for other reasons a statement of concent (notarized) will be required... TIMES AND LOCATION OF THE OUTREACH IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE: THEREFORE YOU SHOULD SIGN UP FOR RAO E-MAIL UPDATES/REVIEW OUR WEB REGULARLY/READ ORGANIZATION BULLETING BOARDS FOR THE LATEST UPDATES…
NOTE: EFFECTIVE JULY 13, 2010 - CONSULAR SERVICE FEES WIL INCREASE APPROXIMATELY 35%.....

TAX INFORMATION; IF YOUR DEPENDENT CHILDREN ARE ATTENDING A V.A “ACCREDITED” COLLEGE, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR TAX CREDITS, REDUCING YOUR TAXES OR MAY RECEIVE A REFUNDABLE CREDIT ALLOWING YOU TO RECEIVE A REFUND LARGER THAN THE AMOUNT OF F.I.T.W. . . . THOSE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THESE CREDITS MAY QUALIFY FOR TUITION AND FEES ADJUSTMENT TO YOUR CROSS INCOME. . . IF YOUR DEPENDENTS ARE RECEIVING “CHAPTER 35” EDUCATION BENEFITS, YOU PROBABLY WILL NOT QUALIFY FOR THE EDUCATION CREDITS. SEE YOUR TAX CONSULTANTS, OR REVIEW IRS PUBLICATIONS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. SOURCE: JERRY BRISTLE, TAX CONSULTANT

CLEVELAND (AFRNS)- Defense Finance and Accounting Service officials report that survivors can now use a “fast form” to report the passing of a retiree on the Internet rather than waiting on the phone.

The DFAS Form 9221 for notification of death can be processed quicker than faxed or mailed forms, said officials, and they save paper and postage costs. Officials warn that if a survivor doesn’t receive confirmation of receipt from DFAS within 48 hours of submitting the form, they should call 800-321-1080.

The form can be completed and submitted online from the privacy of a customer’s home, or with the help of a casualty assistance representative. Submitting the form initiates all of the same actions a DFAS customer care center representative would:

The notification-of-death form is only for reporting the death of a military retiree. Annuitant deaths must still be reported to one of the DFAS customer care representatives at 800-321-1080.

To access the notification of death fast form, click on the link at http://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/forms.html. For more retiree news and information, please visit www.retirees.af.mil.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
DFAS (NEWS RELEASE)
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
8899 East 56^TH Street
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46249

CLEVELAND (SEPTEMBER 2, 2011)- PAYDAYS FOR MILITARY RETIREES AND THOSE WHO RECEIVE PORTIONS OF RETIRED PAY ARE CHANGING FOR SEPTEMBER AND DECEMBER, AS THE DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE CHANGES ITS PAY SCHEDULE TO COMPLY WITH THE 2011 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHOTIZATION ACT.

THE 2011 NDAA REQUIRES MILITARY RETIREE PAY TO BE PROCESSED ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH. WHEN THAT DAY FALLS ON A WEEKEND OR NATIONAL HOLIDAY, THE PAY DATE IS MOVED TO THE PREVIOUS BUSINESS DAY.

THIS YEAR PAYMENTS NORMALLY SCHEDULED FOR OCT. 3, 2011 WILL BE ISSUED ON SEPT. 30, 2011 AND PAYMENTS NORMALLY SCHEDULED FOR JAN. 3, 2012, WILL BE ISSUED ON DEC.30, 2011. FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2011, THIS MEANS MILITARY RETIREES WILL RECEIVE 13 RATHER THAN THE NORMAL 12 PAYMENTS.

THE 13^TH PAYDAY ON DECEMBER 30 FALLS WITHIN THE 2011 TAX YEAR, WHICH COULD AFFECT THE TAX LIABILITY OF SOME RETIREES AND THOSE WHO RECEIVE PORTIONS OF THEIR RETIRED PAY. CUSTOMERS SHOULD SPEAK WITH A TAX ADVISOR, THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE OR THEIR STATE TAX AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE IF THEIR TAX WITHHOLDING WILL SATISFY FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAXES WHEN THEY FILE RETURNS NEXT YEAR. DFAS CANNOT PROVIDE TAX ADVICE.

THIS CHANGE AFFECTS REGULAR RETIRED PAY, CONCURRENT RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY PAY AND COMBAT RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION. THE NEW RULE ALSO APPLIES TO RETIREE ALLOTMENTS, GARNISHMENTS AND COURT-ORDERED FORMER SPOUSE AND CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS. IT DOES NOT AFFECT ANNUITY PAYMENTS.

IF RETIREES NEED TO MAKE CHANGES TO THEIR FEDERAL OT STATE TAX WITHHOLDING, THE QUICKEST AND MOST SECURE WAY TO DO SO IS THROUGH myPAY. AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, myPAY ENABLES ELIGIBLE USERS AROUND THE WORLD TO MAKE ROUTINE CHANGES TO THEIR PAY INFORMATION, INCLUDING TAX WITHHOLDING, THAT BECOME EFFECTIVE WITHIN DAYS.

CUSTOMERS WHO CANNOT ACCESS myPAY CAN CHANGE FEDERAL WITHHOLDING AMOUNTS BY COMPLETING A NEW IRS FORM W-4 OR W-4P, OR CHANGE STATE WITHHOLDING AMOUNTS USING A DD 2866. THESE FORMS CAN BE FOUND ON THE DFAS WEBSITE (www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/forms.html) AND SHOULD BE MAILED OR FAXED TO THE BELOW ADDRESS ONCE COMPLETED:

             DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE
             U.S. MILITARY RETIRED PAY
             P.O. BOX 7130
             LONDON, KY 40742-7130
             FAX: 800-469-6559

IT MAY TAKE UP TO 30 DAYS FOR CHANGES TO BE MADE WHEN MAILING IN A PAPER FORM.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

2. In conformity with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9485 (Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007) declaring that the State shall take appropriate measures to promote transparency in each agency with regard to the manner of transacting with the public, which shall encompass a program for the adoption of simplified procedures that will reduce red tape and for the expedite transactions in government, the following streamlined documentary requirements for the renewal of Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-CARD, including those of native born aliens, shall be followed:

a. Duly accomplished Application Form signed by applicant or either parent in the case of a minor;

c. Original passport with photocopies of bio-page and latest arrival stamps; and

d. Proof of payment of the required fees to be indicated in the application form and/or in the Order of Approval.

3. Should there be any doubt or suspicion as to the (i) authenticity/genuineness of the ACR I-CARD or (ii) true identity of the ACR I-CARD holder, the responsible officer shall prepare the necessary recommendation and refer the same to the Chief of Intelligence Division for appropriate action.

4. All other circulars, memoranda, rules, regulations and other issuances inconsistent herewith are hereby revoked.

The Chiefs of the Alien Registration Division (ARD), Public Information Assistance Counter (PIAC) and all concerned shall ensure strict compliance of this memorandum.

Understand the cost is $20.00 and should wear long pants when visiting Philippine Immigrations . . . Policy is subject to change without notice.. .

The standard Medicare Part B monthly will be $99.90 in 2012, a $15.50 decrease over the 2011 premium of $115.40. However, most Medicare beneficiaries were held harmless in 2011 and paid $96.40 per month. The 2012 premium represents a $3.50 increase for them.

In 2012, Social Security monthly payments to enrollees will increase by 3.6 %. The dollar increase in benefit checks is expected to be large enough on average to cover the increase in the Part B premium of $3.50 that most beneficiaries will experience. For those who were paying the standard premium of $115.40, their benefits checks will only increase.

As required in the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, beginning in 2007 the Part B premium a beneficiary pays each month is based on his or her annual income. Specially, if a beneficiary’s “modified adjusted gross income” is greater than the legislated threshold amounts ($85,000 in 2012 for a beneficiary filing an individual income tax return or married and filing a separate return, and $170,000 for a beneficiary filing a joint tax return) the beneficiary is responsible for a larger portion of the estimated total cost of Part B benefit coverage.

In addition to the standard Part B premium, affected beneficiaries must pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount. These income-related amounts were phased-in over three years, beginning in 2007. About 4% of current Part B enrollees are expected to be subject to these higher premium amounts.

For additional details, see our FAQ titled: “2012 Part B premium Amounts for Persons with Higher Income Levels”.
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RETIREE AND ANNUITANT PAY: RETIREMENT PAY
2011 TAX TABLE CHANGES

WE'VE RECEIVED A LOT OF INQUIRIES FROM RETIREES ABOUT RECENT CHANGES TO THE TAX LAW. SOME OF YOU HAVE EVEN ASKED IF WE'RE USING THE RIGHT TAX TABLES. THE ANSWER IS YES. WE IMPLEMENTED THE NEW IRS TAX TABLES, WHICH INCLUDE A HIGHER FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHOLDING HERE'S AN EXPLANATION OF THE CHANGES AFFECTING YOU, AND SOME INFORMATION ON WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR WITHHOLDING.

EXPIRATION OF MAKING WORK PAY TAX CREDIT

THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009 CONTAINED THE MAKING WORK PAY TAX CREDIT. FOR MILITARY RETIREES, THE IMPACT OF THE CREDIT TEMPORARILY BOOSTED PAYCHECKS IN 2009 AND 2010 BY REDUCING THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHOLDING RATES AND ALSO THE AMOUNT OF TAXES REFUNDED AT THE END OF THE YEAR. THE PROGRAM WAS DESIGNATED TO ACT AS A SPECIAL STIMULUS PAYMENT TO HELP KICK START THE ECONOMY OUT OF RECESSION BY PUTTING SOME EXTRA MONEY IN CITIZENS' HANDS RIGHT AWAY. THE CREDIT EXPIRED DEC 31, 2010 AND TAX TABLES REVERTED BACK TO PREVIOUS LEVELS.

LOWER THRESHOLD FOR TAX WITHHOLDING

IF YOU DID NOT HAVE ANY FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHELD FROM YOUR PAY LAST YEAR, BUT ARE NOW SHOWING WITHHOLDING FOR 2011, IT IS BECAUSE FEDERAL TAX LEGISLATION ENACTED IN DECEMBER LOWERED THE WITHHOLDING THRESHOLD FOR TAX YEAR 2011. THIS MEANS THAT YOU NOW BECOME SUBJECT TO FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING AT A LOWER INCOME LEVEL THAN IN PREVIOUS YEARS.

SOCIAL SECURITY WITHHOLDING

SOME OF YOU WERE SURPRISED BY THE INCREASE IN YOUR WITHHOLDINGS BECAUSE YOU HEARD NEWS REPORTS THAT WORKERS WOULD PAY LOWER TAXES IN 2011. THOSE REPORTS REFERRED TO A 2 PERCENT REDUCTION IN AMERICAN WORKER'S SOCIAL SECURITY WITHHOLDING. BECAUSE WE DON'T WITHHOLD SOCIAL SECURITY FROM YOUR MILITARY RETIREMENT PAYMENTS, THAT CHANGE DOESN'T IMPACT MILITARY RETIREES OR ANNUITANTS.

THE EFFECTS

OVERALL, THE NEW TAX TABLE AFFECTED MORE THAN 1.56 MILLION MILITARY RETIREES AND IN MOST CASES CAUSED A DECREASE IN NET PAY. YOU WILL SEE THESE CHANGES REFLECTED IN YOUR MARCH 1 PAYMENT. THESE NET PAY DECREASES HAVE ALREADY BEEN POSTED ON MYPAY AND NEW RETIREE ACCOUNT STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN MAILED OUT.

THE IRS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CHANGES TO THESE FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING TABLES, BASED ON LAWS ENACTED BY THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS. ON AVERAGE, FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHELD FROM RETIREES' PAY HAS INCREASED BETWEEN $30 AND $40 PER MONTH. SEEING LESS MONEY IN YOUR PAY IS NEVER FUN, BUT THERE ARE THINGS YOU CAN DO CHANGE THE AMOUNT OF PAY YOU RECEIVE. AFTER CONSULTING A TAX EXPERT OR THE IRS, YOU MAY WANT TO CHANGE YOUR WITHOLDING.

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR WITHHOLDING

IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING, YOU CAN DO SO USING MYPAY OR BY COMPLETING AN IRS FORM W-4 AND FAXING OR MALING IT TO DFAS:

DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE
U.S. MILITARY RETIREMENT PAY
P.O. BOX 7130
LONDON, KY 40742-7130
FAX: 800-469-6559

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT CHANGING YOUR WITHHOLDING DOES NOT CHANGE YOUR TAX LIABILITY AND YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY ANY REMAINING AMOUNT OWED WHEN YOU FILE YOUR RETURN NEXT APRIL.

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