Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: My mother recently passed away, so now (other than an estranged sister), there aren't any family members we have that could help my Dad.  He's currently on a partial disability status for his back, but that's going away soon for repair surgery he had.  I would like to move my father in with me in Germany, and make him my dependent so that he would have access to on base medical care, as well as a home to live in.  I and my father are both worried about him being laid off, so moving him over to Germany (both emotionally and financially) is our best choice.

What must I do to make my father my dependent and get him command sponsored?  I know he'll have to go through medical screening, but my guess that the process of making him my dependent, as opposed to making a spouse or child a dependent, will be a difficult process.  Are there any steps I can take that will start making my father my dependent, besides moving him to Germany?

ANSWER: Thomas,
What Service are you in?
Colonel H

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QUESTION: I'm an E-5 in the USAF, stationed at Spangdahlem AB

ANSWER: Thomas,
Making your father your dependant doesn't necessarily mean he'll get the same medical care as you and your wife.  He can have a home with you and it means he can get on and off base and fill his prescriptions at the base clinic, but he won't be eligible for Tricare.  Dependant parents have some special rules different from dependent spouses and children. Dependent parents overseas include another set of problems.  Also, if he happens to be on Social Security and moves overseas those payments will stop.  Same with most company's retirement plans.  There is currently nothing in the works to change situations like his, it's controlled by Congress.  Your first step should be to go to your MPF and find out what he's entitled to, both overseas and stateside.  How do you plan to get him an I.D. card?  Both you and he have to be present to do that.  You may end up having to get a Humanitarian Assignment to a stateside base near him and move him in with you.
Good luck,
Colonel H

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The basic gist of what we're planning on doing is simply moving him over to Germany with me while I'm stationed there.  I was going to do this for my mother, as she was fully disabled, but now that she's passed, both my father and I would like to share a home, anywhere that I happen to be stationed.  We both knew that I could get him an ID card and make him my dependent, but I suspected that he would have to be living with me to start the process.  As it stands, we can move him and his property to Germany fairly easily.  

My primary concern was getting him a job (so he'd have something to do, he'd go batty like me), and getting him insurance.  I didn't know that he wouldn't be eligible for Tricare.  But, he's close to retirement, and old enough for AARP, and he said he would be willing to get it if I could help pay.  Can you tell me why he won't be eligible for Tricare, and whether or not AARP would cover him while living with me overseas?  I thought that because Germany is state-run healthcare, it might be easier.  Also, can you tell me whether or not I should stick with a military mover, or go with another contractor?  I thought I might stick with a military mover as they would know the procedures for getting through customs and such, but there's lots of companies out there, so I don't know if I should price hunt or not.

Answer
Thomas,
You really need to go to you Military Personnel Flight (MPF) and ask them these same questions.  All I can give you is a general idea based upon past experiences with other similar cases.  They should be able to give you the exact answer for your specific case.  Visit them NOW before he becomes too old or incapacitated.

As for movers, you're correct, not all moving companies deal with military overseas moves.  Your Joint Transportation Management Office (TMO) should be able to provide you with a list of movers who specialize in overseas moving.  They probably can also (unofficially) recommend one they have had success with.

Best of luck,
Colonel H