TRICARE covers additional cervical cancer screening test. The TRICARE Management Activity announced recently that it has added coverage for an enhanced cervical cancer screening test that helps detect the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV).The HPV DNA test is done to find a high-risk HPV infection that can cause cervical cancer. To perform the HPV test, cells are collected from the cervix at the same time as a Pap smear is performed.More than 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, and 4,000 women die from this disease. Once the leading cause of death among women, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the number of cervical cancer deaths have decreased dramatically as a result of regular cervical cancer screening.The HPV DNA test is covered as a cervical cancer screening under TRICARE’s clinical preventive services when performed in conjunction with a Pap smear for women aged 30 and older.Coverage is based on national guidelines for the use of HPV DNA testing and is retroactive to Sept. 7, 2010.Preauthorization for HPV testing is not required, and beneficiaries have no copayments or cost-shares for routine cervical cancer screening under TRICARE. In addition, TRICARE covers the CDC recommended vaccine series to prevent HPV infection in girls.The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls 11 or 12 years of age, but doctors may start the series in girls as young as 9 years old, and can give catch-up vaccinations through 26 years of age for those who have not completed the vaccine series.TRICARE also covers screening for breast, colorectal and prostate cancer without cost shares or copays.For more information, visit www.tricare.mil/preventiveservices.VA accepting applications for the Caregiver Benefits Program. Members of Congress applauded the recent announcement by the Department of Veterans of Affairs (VA) that they are accepting and processing applications for the critical caregiver benefits program. The program provided under the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 is designed to provide much-needed and long-awaited financial and health care support to family members caring for severely wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.Additional services for primary Family Caregivers of eligible post-9/11 veterans and service members include a stipend, mental health services, and access to health care insurance, if they are not already entitled to care or services under a health care plan.Comprehensive caregiver training and medical support are other key components of this program. The program builds on the foundation of caregiver support now provided by the VA and reflects what families and clinicians have long known; that family caregivers in a home environment can enhance the health and well-being of veterans under VA care.Caregivers for veterans of all eras are eligible for respite care, education and training, how to best meet the veteran’s care needs, and the importance of self-care when in a care giving role.VA programs for veterans and their family caregivers include:In-Home and community based care which includes skilled home health care, homemaker home health aide services, community adult day health care and Home Based Primary Care.Respite care which is designed to relieve the family caregiver from the constant challenge of caring for a chronically ill or disabled veteran at home, respite services can include in-home care, a short stay in one of VA’s community living centers or an environment designed for adult day health care.Caregiver education and training programs currently provided by the VA offer multiple training opportunities which include pre-discharge care instruction and specialized caregiver programs in multiple severe traumas such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders, and Blind Rehabilitation. VA has a family caregiver assistance healthy living center on My HealtheVet, www.myhealth.va.gov, as well as caregiver information on the VA’s main Web page health site.Family caregiver support groups are offered in a face to face setting or on the telephone, provide emotional and peer support, and information. Family caregiver services include family counseling, spiritual and pastoral care, family leisure and recreational activities and temporary lodging in Fisher Houses.Other services provided by the VA include durable medical equipment and prosthetic and sensory aides, financial assistance with home modification to improve access and mobility, and transportation assistance for some veterans to and from medical appointments.A Family Caregiver program application (VA CG 10-10) can be downloaded at at www.caregiver.va.gov. The application enables the veteran to designate a primary family caregiver and secondary caregiver if needed. Support coordinators are stationed at every VA medical center and via phone at 1-(877)-222 VETS (8387).