This was a disincentive for civilian physicians, Larkin said. Often, each of the different labs would bill separately and expect to apply the beneficiary's co-payment to its bill. In the past, enrollees had to fill out forms to continue in the Prime program. Now, you will be automatically continued unless you do something. This applies primarily to active duty family members, who aren't charged enrollment fees.
Retirees have to pay for their renewal.
I think this demonstrates that we listen to provider concerns and try to address them. Retirees in Prime also get the periodic benefit but receive no optometry benefits under Standard or Extra. We just want to make our program easier to use, and less complicated for the civilians out there who are trying to work with us. And, she noted, the National Mail Order Pharmacy makes it easier for beneficiaries worldwide to get their prescriptions filled. Inclusion on the sheet underscores the importance of an initiative or problem, she said.