Because many spouses and survivors of retirees did not acquire sufficient work credits under Social Security on their own, they become entitled to Medicare on the work record of their retiree spouse. Accordingly, their health insurance number or Medicare number is the Social Security Number (SSN) of the retiree followed by a ‘‘D.”

Because a retiree also is the sponsor for a spouse⁄survivor listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), the spouse is recorded under the member’s SSN. When Medicare pays a claim and forwards it to Tricare for Life, the Medicare number and the sponsor’s number match so processing is not a problem.

However, many spouses qualify for Medicare on their own work record so the Medicare card reflects his⁄her SSN followed by an ‘‘A” which does not match the sponsor’s SSN in DEERS when Tricare tries to process the claim.

To avoid delays and erroneously denied claims, the Wisconsin Physicians Services (WPS) recommends a spouse or survivor with a Medicare number different from the retiree sponsor call WPS, 866 773-0404, so that records can be updated.

Right forms ensure right deposits

Retirees and annuitants who want to change banking institutions for direct-deposit purposes need to ensure that the correct forms are sent to the correct place.

Retired members need to ensure that a new Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form (SF199A) is sent to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). This form can be obtained at any financial institution. After completing this form, the financial institution should verify the information. Mail the form to: Defense Finance and Accounting Service, U.S. Military Retirement Pay, P.O. Box 7130, London KY 40742-7130; or fax it to 800-469-6559 or 216-522-5955.

The Fast Start Direct Deposit Form (FMS 2231) normally is used for federal civilian employees; however, annuitants also must use this Department of Treasury form to change electronic deposits to their savings or checking accounts.

The form is available at www.fms. treas.gov⁄eft⁄2231.pdf. It should be submitted to Defense Accounting and Finance Service, U.S. Military Annuitant Pay, P.O. Box 7131, London KY 40742-7131 or by fax to 800-982-8459 or 216-522-5955.

For more information, call DFAS, 800- 321-1080.

VA Web site adds grave locator

The Department of Veterans Affairs has made it easier to locate gravesites of more than 6.7 million veterans through the use of hand-held devices with Internet capability. The Web site – http:⁄⁄m.va.gov⁄gravelocator – is enhanced for browsing on ‘‘smart phone” devices.

Since 2004, a gravesite locator — http:⁄⁄gravelocator.cem.va.gov — has helped pinpoint cemetery locations. The new Web site provides the grave location and offers a link to a map and driving directions to the cemetery.

More than 6.7 million burial records are augmented by approximately 1,000 new records each day. Records, since 1999, include VA national cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery.

Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children may be buried in a VA national cemetery. Other VA burial benefits available for eligible veterans include a burial flag, a presidential memorial certificate and a government headstone or marker. Families of eligible decedents may order a memorial headstone or marker when remains are not available for interment.

In the midst of the largest expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 130 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 Soldiers’ lots and monument sites.

More than 3 million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA national cemeteries on more than 18,000 acres of land.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained at www.cem.va.gov or by calling 800-827-1000.