Page 17 - Mariner Winter 2023 Volume 65 Issue 3 Jan

TIPS & CLIPS

Tips and Clips

Don’t forget to keep your DEERS information
up-to date. It could mean the difference between

getting your medication or getting hassles.

Keeping Your DEERS Info Current

This is the time to make Whether you plan to enroll in a new health plan or stay
Joanne Elliott, YNC changes to your TRICARE in your same plan, showing up as TRICARE-eligible in
National President health care coverage for the DEERS is necessary. It’s your responsibility to maintain
upcoming year. But is your information still current in your information in DEERS. Here are a few more reasons
the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System why keeping DEERS updated is so important.
(DEERS)? If you’re unsure, now is a good time to check.

1. Updating DEERS ensures you can use TRICARE.

You need to register in or update DEERS to get your family status, service status, TRICARE enrollment infor-
TRICARE benefit. DEERS is a database of information mation, and contact information. Up-to-date DEERS
for uniformed services members (sponsors) and their fam- records are vital to accessing your TRICARE benefit.
ily members, among others. Your DEERS record has your

2. Errors in DEERS can cause delays with claims, referrals, and prescriptions.
It’s important to check DEERS to make sure it reflects will ensure your health care claims are processed accu-
your correct address, contact information, and family rately. It will also prevent disruptions with receiving
details. Errors in your record can delay access to your authorization letters for referrals and delivery of prescrip-
health care. Keeping your DEERS information current tion drugs through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery.

3. Without current DEERS information, you could miss important information
and enrollment deadlines.
Don’t want to miss out on important information that you and your family to make eligible enrollment changes.
can affect your health care benefits? Keep your record in If you don’t update your or your family member’s infor-
DEERS current. One important enrollment deadline you mation in DEERS, you may miss enrollment deadlines.
don’t want to miss comes after a Qualifying Life Event Once your change shows in DEERS, you can make
(QLE). QLEs are significant life events such as moving, changes to your TRICARE coverage.
childbirth, or retirement. QLE opens a 90-day period for

NERA Scholarship Donations Needed

NERA is proud to offer students scholarships and we
need your funding help. All donations go directly to

the scholarships and students in need. Check out
nera.org/donations to donate online or for more information.

The Naval Enlisted Reserve Association 17