1  COVID-19, quarantine status unchanged.  Portions of Manila will remain under Modified Quarantine Status until 31 March 2021.  This still affects the VA RO and Clinic.

2.  The following are excerpts from the Federal Medical Program (FMP) Training conducted virtually.

    a.  Claims are processed on a first in – first out basis.

    b.  Unreadable claims are the biggest problem for FMP.  They can not process what can not be read.

    c.  Only drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be reimbursed. Philippine drugs not approved by the U.S. FDA will not be reimbursed.

    d.  FMP has a contract service for translating claims.  Expect delays if billing is not in English.

    e.  FMP can not prepay for medical services.

    f.  If using TRICARE and desire reimbursement from FMP for the portion not paid by TRICARE, you must provide all TRICARE documents when filing to FMP.  FMP pays 100% for service connected, TRICARE pays 75%.

3.  SRRV Card holders.  You do not have to leave the Philippines upon the expiration of your SRRV Card.  Your SRRV visa is indefinite and as long as you maintain all requirements it remains indefinite.  You can renew your SRRV card by contacting the SRRV office and following their instructions by submitting the request by LBC.  Only tourist are being required to depart upon the expiration of their 90 day limit.

4.  The U.S. Air Force will call its first U.K. based F-35 Lightning II Fighter squadron the Valkyries.  Search Valkyries for the reason.

5.  If you are diabetic and still pricking your fingers to test, check the DEXCOM G-6 diabetic monitor approved by MEDICARE.

6.  Don’t forget our General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, 2 March at 2 PM in A.L. Post 123.  First nominations for Chapter Officers for 2021-2022 will be the main item of business.

CONTINUE TO STAY SAFE AND MONITOR COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS IN YOUR AREA. JAMES (JIM) LARY
President