Kathleen H. Hicks Deputy Secretary of Defense | Official Website
The Department of Defense (DoD) has launched a one-year pilot program to offer no-cost supplemental health support services to its civilian employees stationed in Japan. This initiative follows a yearlong effort to address concerns about access to medical care for these employees.
"The Department recognizes the significant contributions of our DoD civilian workforce around the world," stated Ashish Vazirani, who is performing the duties of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. "In keeping with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's commitment to taking care of all our people, we owe it to our civilians to facilitate access to health care no matter where they are."
The program, named Pilot Health Insurance Enhancement for DoD Civilian Employees in Japan, aims to assist eligible employees with navigating healthcare services and managing upfront costs associated with Japan's healthcare system. To qualify, employees must be enrolled in a participating health plan through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program during the Federal Benefits Open Season from November 11 through December 9.
Services under this pilot will commence on January 1, 2025. Participants will have access to a 24/7 call center staffed by bilingual representatives who will help identify needs, schedule appointments, and provide payment guarantees. However, dependents are not eligible for this pilot that runs until September 29, 2025.
Eligible participants include employees working in various military departments and defense agencies such as the Department of the Air Force, Army, Navy, and others listed in the announcement.
"We are excited to offer this program," said Seileen Mullen, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. "This is a no-cost supplemental service, and we encourage civilian employees in Japan to use it."
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs will oversee this pilot program. A $4.2 million contract has been awarded to International SOS Government Services Inc., which also manages the TRICARE Overseas Program. The funding comes from military departments and defense agencies employing civilians in Japan.
Active-duty service members and TRICARE Prime beneficiaries have prioritized access based on federal law and DoD policy. Meanwhile, DoD civilians not covered by TRICARE may use military health facilities if space permits.
Agreements with FEHB insurance carriers will establish direct billing arrangements for coverage provided under this pilot. Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) employees enrolled in an Aetna International plan are also eligible.
Further details about this pilot program will be announced before Federal Benefits Open Season begins and posted on relevant websites under their "Getting Care" sections.
