Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 7/31/2009

Question
QUESTION: Is it true that if you have cancer--even a curable one--the Coast Guard will discharge you?  Is it true that Tri-Care does not cover cancer treatment?

ANSWER: Anne,
To say yes or no would not be fair, because each military member is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  Yes, it's true that they will medically discharge you if you have certain types of cancer, but they will medically do all they can for you first.

Tricare does not generally cover cancer treatments, however they have just begun covering TRICARE beneficiaries that participate in National Cancer Institute (NCI) cancer prevention and treatment clinical trials.   An interagency agreement between the DoD and the NCI provides TRICARE beneficiaries more options for cancer care and including greater access to the latest advances in cancer prevention and treatment through clinical trials.

During participation in cancer clinical trials, you'll receive treatment at one the Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs), that participate in NCI-sponsored studies.  

A preauthorization from a regional TRICARE contractor is required.  Costs for screening tests to determine clinical trial eligibility, and the associated costs of participation in cancer clinical trials are covered for TRICARE beneficiaries.

For more information about cancer clinical trials, TRICARE beneficiaries should speak with their oncologist.  To learn more about DoD/NCI clinical trials agreement, go to: www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/NCI/TRICARE.

For information on TRICARE cancer clinical trials benefit and authorization, contact the TRICARE office for your region and ask for the "Cancer Clinical Trials Coordinator".

I wish you all the best.
Colonel H


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

QUESTION: Colonel Howell, You mention certain types of cancer.  Can you be more specific?  Am I correct to assume that a type of cancer that has a 95%+ cure rate, where results are fast,  and that does not incapacitate a person will not be cause for a medical discharge?  Thank you, again. Anne

Answer
Anne,
What I'm referring to is for example:  a Capt who works for me was diagnosed with Leukemia and was quickly discharged.  A female Chief who works for me had breast cancer.  They performed a mastectomy and she's still serving.  I can't give you a list of what's OK and what's not.  I would think something with a high chance of cure would simply be cured.
Colonel H