By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2007 – Military Health System officials are working on several ways to improve health care delivery and management and save servicemembers money, the Defense Department's top doctor said here yesterday. One development that will facilitate health care administration is the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application, the electronic health records system recently deployed by the Defense Department. AHLTA provides a clinical data repository with information on all beneficiaries that will be accessible worldwide for military health care providers.
"We have now completed the implementation of AHLTA. It was a three-year project that was finished on time (in December 2006)," Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistant secretary of defense for health affairs and director of the Tricare Management Activity told reporters at the State of the Military Health System 2007 Annual Conference.
"We are now into the next stages of refinement of AHLTA that involves making it even faster and creating a local cache so there's always a redundant capability," he said.
Another part of the new MHS strategy is to replace the Veterans Affairs' outdated health record application with AHLTA and share beneficiary information between the two departments.
"VA uses the Vista system, which has been around for a few years, works well; good data shows it makes an impact on quality and care," Winkenwerder said. "However, the Vista system was built on an old platform and ... doesn't have the capability to move the information around the world like AHLTA."
Joining the VA's health record system with DoD's will ensure that "medical information can move seamlessly from the battlefield to any medical facility in the world," Winkenwerder said. He added that the arrangement will "set the standards for interoperability of information sharing."
Another military health project Winkenwerder discussed is the Center for the Intrepid, a $50 million Army national rehabilitation center that opened Jan. 29 at Fort Sam Houston.
"The casualties that we're caring for, have been caring for, and will care for tomorrow are a central part of our focus and part of our concerns right now," he said. "And the (Center for the Intrepid) is the most impressive center for rehabilitation I've ever seen for someone who's had a severe injury."
Winkenwerder said the Military Health System is aggressively searching for ways to reduce health care costs to servicemembers and that efforts have been successful in a number of areas.
"In the area of pharmacy, we have very effectively implemented the Tricare Formulary, ... where we have placed certain drugs within a class into a preferred coverage status," he said. "The non-preferred status is where the individual would have to pay $22 for a co-payment, vs. $15."
Though the differential does not initially seem significant, preferred status has an influence on consumers that affects the pharmaceutical industry, Winkenwerder said.
"It is enough of a differential that it does have some impact on people's buying decisions, and therefore it attracts the notice of the pharmaceutical companies who are, in turn, more willing to negotiate to lower their price," he said.
"So the net effect of having this tiered pharmaceutical benefit has been that we've been able to go through roughly half of the drug classes and make decisions to move things into one of these classes," he said. "It's been a very good process ... that has saved around $500 million in the last two years."
Beneficiaries are encouraged to use the mail-order prescription service as another way to reduce costs, Winkenwerder said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and active, former and retired police and military personnel who have become authors by writing books.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Air Force Requests Proposals for Next Tanker Aircraft
By Staff Sgt. C. Todd Lopez, USAF
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2007 – Air Force leaders officially released a "request for proposals" yesterday for a replacement tanker aircraft. The RFP is the official invitation to manufacturers to begin making offers to build a replacement for the Air Force's aging fleet of "Eisenhower-era" KC-135 Stratotankers, said Sue Payton, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition.
Tanker aircraft operate as "flying gas stations," refueling other aircraft in the air.
"This is a major milestone in fair, open and transparent dialogue that we have been involved in since the request for information was sent out in April of 2006," Payton said. "We are confident it will allow us to fulfill the Air Force's No. 1 acquisition priority."
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley set replacing the KC-135 as the service's top acquisition priority late in 2006. Other priorities include a new combat rescue helicopter, space-based early warning and communications satellites, the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, and the next-generation long-range strike bomber.
Payton said she expects to have a tanker contract in place before the end of the year and that competition for the contract will be fair for all involved.
"The RFP has laid the groundwork for a fair and open competition that will ensure a thorough evaluation of any proposal we receive," she said. "We remain committed to a full and open competition. The KC-X is our No. 1 acquisition priority for the Air Force, and we will continue to conduct this competition in a very deliberate and open manner."
Payton said she expects the Air Force could see the first operational fleet of new tankers by 2013.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and active, former and retired police and military personnel who have become authors by writing books.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2007 – Air Force leaders officially released a "request for proposals" yesterday for a replacement tanker aircraft. The RFP is the official invitation to manufacturers to begin making offers to build a replacement for the Air Force's aging fleet of "Eisenhower-era" KC-135 Stratotankers, said Sue Payton, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition.
Tanker aircraft operate as "flying gas stations," refueling other aircraft in the air.
"This is a major milestone in fair, open and transparent dialogue that we have been involved in since the request for information was sent out in April of 2006," Payton said. "We are confident it will allow us to fulfill the Air Force's No. 1 acquisition priority."
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley set replacing the KC-135 as the service's top acquisition priority late in 2006. Other priorities include a new combat rescue helicopter, space-based early warning and communications satellites, the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, and the next-generation long-range strike bomber.
Payton said she expects to have a tanker contract in place before the end of the year and that competition for the contract will be fair for all involved.
"The RFP has laid the groundwork for a fair and open competition that will ensure a thorough evaluation of any proposal we receive," she said. "We remain committed to a full and open competition. The KC-X is our No. 1 acquisition priority for the Air Force, and we will continue to conduct this competition in a very deliberate and open manner."
Payton said she expects the Air Force could see the first operational fleet of new tankers by 2013.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and active, former and retired police and military personnel who have become authors by writing books.
Fort Dix Hosts Servicemembers' Financial Planning Seminar
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2007 – More than 400 servicemembers learned how they can eliminate their debts and achieve financial security at a free Defense Department-sponsored seminar held here today. The Defense Department has initiated a program called "Military Saves" to change the culture within the military so that servicemembers better manage their money, Brenda McDaniel, DoD project officer for financial management seminars, said at the day-long event at the Timmermann Conference Center.
Military readiness is greatly enhanced if servicemembers aren't distracted by financial problems, McDaniel explained. DoD is kicking off the new, ongoing program during "Military Saves Week," observed Feb. 25-March 4.
The Fort Dix event featured a seminar by financial management expert Kelvin Boston, host of the PBS television series, "Moneywise." Boston provided credit management and savings tips, as well as investment advice.
Boston said anyone concerned with achieving financial security should save something from each paycheck, eschew hefty credit card bills and avoid costly unnecessary purchases.
"You should save your credit for big-ticket items," Boston said, such as when purchasing a car or a home.
It was Boston's second such seminar conducted for the military out of a series of five planned at different installations. In September, Boston conducted his first seminar for servicemembers and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
"Money Wise in the Military" and 'Military Saves' are vital parts of DoD's overall financial readiness campaign, McDaniel pointed out.
"Military Saves" is a component of "America Saves," a nationwide campaign in which nonprofit, corporate and government groups assist individuals and families save and build wealth.
"Military Saves" campaign director Sarah Shirley met with soldiers, sailors and airmen and provided planning worksheets for savings and debt-reduction. "Military Saves" is co-sponsored by the Consumer Federation of America, she explained, noting the initiative partners with about 30 other consumer-assistance organizations.
"Military Saves" recommends that servicemembers save between $500 and $1,000 monthly in an emergency savings account and pay off their credit card and other debt, Shirley said.
"We can change our environment so that it becomes totally cool to have money in the bank," Shirley declared.
The event also featured consumer information booths and additional seminars about credit reports, fraudulent and predatory lending practices, bankruptcy, personal financial planning, savings accounts, investments, home ownership and other topics.
Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Denise James, 35, said she plans to buy a home in the future. Boston's presentation was very informative, James noted.
"It encouraged me to save more money than I am presently," she said. "Your credit (rating) is very important, so you have to stay on top of your spending."
Navy Seaman Craig Charbonneau, 21, from the Naval Air and Engineering Station at Lakehurst, N.J., also appreciated the seminar.
"It motivated me to save some money," Charbonneau said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and active, former and retired police and military personnel who have become authors by writing books.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2007 – More than 400 servicemembers learned how they can eliminate their debts and achieve financial security at a free Defense Department-sponsored seminar held here today. The Defense Department has initiated a program called "Military Saves" to change the culture within the military so that servicemembers better manage their money, Brenda McDaniel, DoD project officer for financial management seminars, said at the day-long event at the Timmermann Conference Center.
Military readiness is greatly enhanced if servicemembers aren't distracted by financial problems, McDaniel explained. DoD is kicking off the new, ongoing program during "Military Saves Week," observed Feb. 25-March 4.
The Fort Dix event featured a seminar by financial management expert Kelvin Boston, host of the PBS television series, "Moneywise." Boston provided credit management and savings tips, as well as investment advice.
Boston said anyone concerned with achieving financial security should save something from each paycheck, eschew hefty credit card bills and avoid costly unnecessary purchases.
"You should save your credit for big-ticket items," Boston said, such as when purchasing a car or a home.
It was Boston's second such seminar conducted for the military out of a series of five planned at different installations. In September, Boston conducted his first seminar for servicemembers and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
"Money Wise in the Military" and 'Military Saves' are vital parts of DoD's overall financial readiness campaign, McDaniel pointed out.
"Military Saves" is a component of "America Saves," a nationwide campaign in which nonprofit, corporate and government groups assist individuals and families save and build wealth.
"Military Saves" campaign director Sarah Shirley met with soldiers, sailors and airmen and provided planning worksheets for savings and debt-reduction. "Military Saves" is co-sponsored by the Consumer Federation of America, she explained, noting the initiative partners with about 30 other consumer-assistance organizations.
"Military Saves" recommends that servicemembers save between $500 and $1,000 monthly in an emergency savings account and pay off their credit card and other debt, Shirley said.
"We can change our environment so that it becomes totally cool to have money in the bank," Shirley declared.
The event also featured consumer information booths and additional seminars about credit reports, fraudulent and predatory lending practices, bankruptcy, personal financial planning, savings accounts, investments, home ownership and other topics.
Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Denise James, 35, said she plans to buy a home in the future. Boston's presentation was very informative, James noted.
"It encouraged me to save more money than I am presently," she said. "Your credit (rating) is very important, so you have to stay on top of your spending."
Navy Seaman Craig Charbonneau, 21, from the Naval Air and Engineering Station at Lakehurst, N.J., also appreciated the seminar.
"It motivated me to save some money," Charbonneau said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and active, former and retired police and military personnel who have become authors by writing books.
NORAD Fighters to Patrol Super Bowl XLI
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2007 – The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region is stepping up its air patrols in the Miami-Dade area to increase security during Super Bowl XLI activities. Spectators will see the Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, fly over Dolphin Stadium Feb. 4 during pregame events and other Air Force fighter jets in the local area during the game.
The patrols are a smart, efficient way to protect American lives and resources in the region, said Maj. Gen. Henry C. Morrow, the commander of both 1st Air Force and Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region.
"NORAD protects a variety of national assets across the nation on any given day," Morrow said. "In this instance we are increasing our sorties in the Miami-Dade area as part of our continuing resolve to protect our homeland and citizens during these major events."
In preparation for Super Bowl XLI, NORAD fighters will make low approaches at several local airports Feb. 2, including Boca Raton, Pompano Beach Airpark, Fort Lauderdale Executive, Opa Locka, and Kendall-Tamiami Executive.
Air patrols are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure public safety while demonstrating NORAD's rapid response capability. NORAD has conducted air patrols throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle -- the command's response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The flights will have minimal impact on aircraft in the area and are not in response to any specific threat.
"We want citizens to know that we remain dedicated to protecting their freedoms as we project our determination to preserve peace and our way of life," Morrow said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Jan. 31, 2007 – The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region is stepping up its air patrols in the Miami-Dade area to increase security during Super Bowl XLI activities. Spectators will see the Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, fly over Dolphin Stadium Feb. 4 during pregame events and other Air Force fighter jets in the local area during the game.
The patrols are a smart, efficient way to protect American lives and resources in the region, said Maj. Gen. Henry C. Morrow, the commander of both 1st Air Force and Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region.
"NORAD protects a variety of national assets across the nation on any given day," Morrow said. "In this instance we are increasing our sorties in the Miami-Dade area as part of our continuing resolve to protect our homeland and citizens during these major events."
In preparation for Super Bowl XLI, NORAD fighters will make low approaches at several local airports Feb. 2, including Boca Raton, Pompano Beach Airpark, Fort Lauderdale Executive, Opa Locka, and Kendall-Tamiami Executive.
Air patrols are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure public safety while demonstrating NORAD's rapid response capability. NORAD has conducted air patrols throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle -- the command's response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The flights will have minimal impact on aircraft in the area and are not in response to any specific threat.
"We want citizens to know that we remain dedicated to protecting their freedoms as we project our determination to preserve peace and our way of life," Morrow said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
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