New Benefits Kick In for Reservists

Drilling reservists now can enroll in the new Tricare Standard for Selected Reserve health plan. They pay 28 percent of the premiums and the federal government picks up the rest. In addition, reservists without dependents who were mobilized for 139 or more days in support of a contingency operation may receive a second housing allowance in lieu of per diem if they are ordered to serve at a location too far from home to commute. This allowance is retroactive to Oct. 1, 2006, although payment is up to service secretaries and does not automatically apply to everyone who is eligible. Members of the Selected Reserve who think they may be eligible for a second basic allowance for housing payment must check with their particular service for the current policy.