Eyeglass Benefits: Consideration of Frame of Choice for Retired Service Members

摘要

The Department of Defense (DoD) provides basic eyewear to our nation's military members. Although not specifically entitled under Title X, military retirees historically also receive standard issue eyewear. The military's Frame of Choice (FOC) program currently benefits the active duty population, but specifically excludes retirees. Five policy options were examined to address the military retiree dissatisfaction with the current benefit: status quo, elimination of the benefit, government funded FOC for retirees, retirees purchase of FOC at cost, and a TRICARE optical benefit. When evaluated by the grading criteria of government cost, beneficiary cost, efficiency, effectiveness, and equality, the TRICARE optical benefit emerged as the most beneficial policy option. However, DoD policymakers must weigh all options to determine their best course of action in the current fiscal environment.