Immunizations against the H1N1 virus will soon be available. Tricare Prime, Standard and Extra beneficiaries can get their shots from network and nonnetwork providers without paying a deductible or making a co-payment.

A temporary waiver allows retired Tricare Prime enrollees to get the H1N1 immunization from nonnetwork providers without a referral or authorization, eliminating point-of-service charges. Prime enrollees will not be charged a co-payment or cost share.

Tricare for Life beneficiaries must follow Medicare rules regarding H1N1 vaccine. Medicare will pay for administering the H1N1 vaccine, but not the H1N1 vaccine itself if it is supplied to providers free of charge. Payment will be subject to normal billing and payment rules that apply to influenza vaccine.

The vaccine for the seasonal flu is not expected to protect against H1N1, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials. Therefore, immunization for the 2009 H1N1 strain is recommended. Both vaccines can be administered on the same day.

Health care officials recommend that everyone get the H1N1 vaccine. For certain groups, the vaccination is more critical. These include: pregnant women; people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months; health care and emergency medical services personnel; everyone between the ages of 6 months and 24 years; people ages 25 through 64 with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems; and older people with diabetes or cardiovascular disease,

Contractor sought for GI Bill work

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued a solicitation for temporary contractor support to assist in processing the increased volume of education claims received since implementing the new Post-9⁄11 GI Bill.

‘‘This contract will assist VA in delivering education benefits to our veterans as quickly as possible,” said Under Secretary for Benefits Patrick W. Dunne. ‘‘Veterans are depending on VA to provide the benefits they earned through their service to our nation.”

The Post-9⁄11 GI Bill, which went into effect on Aug. 1, has generated an unprecedented number of new applications. When combined with the standard high volume of school enrollment claims in August and September, the number of claims has exceeded anticipated levels.

The contractor will provide its own work site and personnel to perform claims processing tasks. Contract staff will validate enrollment information provided by schools and provide recommendations on claim status to VA personnel, who will finalize claims decisions and generate payments (if applicable).

Information about the Post-9⁄11 GI Bill, as well as other VA educational programs, is available at www.gibill.va.gov or by calling 888-442-4551.

VA appeals board expanded

Four new Veterans Law judges have been added to the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA), enabling the board to increase the number of cases being decided.

The BVA is an appeals body to which veterans, their dependents or their survivors can go to when not satisfied with decisions about claims for benefits administered by VA. The BVA reviews decisions on benefit claims made by local VA offices and issues decisions on appeals.

There are 60 Veterans Law judges on the board. These judges are attorneys experienced in veterans law and in reviewing benefit claims. They are the only ones who can issue BVA decisions. Staff attorneys, also trained in veterans law, review the facts of each appeal and assist the board members.

In fiscal year 2008, the board decided 43,757 appeals; 48,804 cases in FY2009. Most cases involve claims for disability compensation and pensions.

A VA pamphlet, ‘‘How Do I Appeal,” explains the steps involved in filing an appeal. For information about BVA or to download a copy of the pamphlet, visit www.va.gov⁄vbs⁄bva.