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a family plan. These fees were mandated by law in the 180 days from Jan. 1, 2021 and will consider a further
FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act and the extension if deemed appropriate. As we understand it,
Defense Health Agency (DHA) obtained an extension members will still have to pay the fees starting from Jan. 1,
until Jan. 2021 for implementation. NERA and our part- but won't have to wait until the open season to re-enroll.
ner organizations of The Military Coalition (TMC) advo-
cated for an extension of time for affected members to set NERA opposed these fees, together with our partners
up payments of the fees required. of The Military Coalition, when enacted and contrib-
uted in getting the fees substantially lowered from
Through these efforts DHA has granted an extension of what was originally proposed.

Public Law 116-176 - Vet Center Eligibility Expansion Act enacted 10/20/20

This law amended title 38, United States Code and n Will be entitled to receive readjustment and mental
changed the Department of Veterans Affairs regulations health counseling at a Veterans Affairs Vet Center.
as follows:
n Any individual who is a veteran or member of the This law also requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Armed Forces, including a member of a reserve to submit to the Committees on Veterans Affairs of the
component of the Armed Forces, who served-- Senate and House a plan to provide Vet Center services
(1) on active service in response to a national to veterans living in geographic areas where no Vet Center
emergency or major disaster declared by the is located.
President; or
(2) in the National Guard of a State under orders of NERA continues to follow and advocate on many more
the chief executive of that State in response to a legislative and policy issues concerning compensation,
disaster or civil disorder in that State benefits and the well-being of our members. If you
(3) any individual who participated in a drug interdic- have specific questions, please email me at [email protected]
tion operation as a member of the Coast Guard, or send postal mail to my attention at NERA National
regardless of the location of that operation. Headquarters.

NERA continues to follow and advocate on many more legislative and policy issues concerning
compensation, benefits and well-being of our members. If you have specific questions please
email me at [email protected] or send postal mail to my attention at NERA national headquarters.

Join NERA and Advance Your Career

Join or renew online at nera.org

The Naval Enlisted Reserve Association 11