The Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service
(PHS) is an all officer
organization comprised
entirely of health professionals. It is one of the seven Uniformed Services of
the United States. Others are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard,
and the commissioned corps of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In the event of a national emergency as declared by the President, the commissioned corps may be designated as a military service. While in this status, an officer is subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
As one of the seven Uniformed Services, the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service is granted benefits from several sources including:
 | The Department of Defense |
 | The Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Federal Statutes |
Many of the benefits for which a U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) officer is eligible are subject to the possession and presentation of a Uniformed Services identification (ID) card. This is true in obtaining medical care, and in gaining access to commissaries, base and post exchanges, and other military facilities when not in uniform.
The benefits listed below are provided to PHS commissioned officers, often on a space available basis, as a reciprocal privilege. These are NOT rights or entitlements! The use and operation of these facilities are regulated by the Department of Defense with local control. Therefore, while usage is generally the same for all stations, the local commander may limit or restrict access as he/she deems necessary.
Among the benefits available to PHS commissioned officers, and their eligible dependents, are the following:
Base/Post Exchanges Credit Unions Commissaries Officers'Clubs Recreation Facilities AMC Flights Temporary Lodging Special Services
Generally, active duty for 24 months in the PHS qualifies an officer for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education and housing benefits.
Education Programs: The VA offers three programs of educational assistance, depending upon the date the officer originally entered extended active duty for purposes other than training. Officers on duty on or before December 31, 1976, are covered under the GI Bill. Officers called to duty on or after July 1, 1985, are covered under the New GI Bill. Those in between are covered by the Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP).
Housing Loans: Loans for the purchase of a home for residence are available to PHS officers who have been on duty for more than 90 days. The VA guarantees part of the loan. At times the VA interest rates may be lower than otherwise available. No down payment is required. Local realtors or the nearest VA facility can provide more information.
Insurance Programs: The most familiar insurance program is the Servicemen's Government Life Insurance (SGLI). This insures active-duty officers for a maximum of $200,000. The fee is deducted from an officer's monthly pay. Upon separation or retirement, SGLI may be converted to Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI). Conversion must occur within 120 days, and coverage is a maximum of $200,000.
Medical Disability Benefits: After separation or retirement from active duty, an officer may seek to establish "service connection" with the VA for medical conditions incurred or aggravated while a active duty. Service connected conditions may entitle the officer to medical care and/or disability compensation from VA.
Death Benefits: The death benefits for commissioned officers include personal assistance for the family from Division of Commissioned Personnel. The person responsible for this activity is the Survivor Assistance Officer (SAO). The SAO helps the officer's family with arrangements, counsels the family and tries to ease any administrative burden.
THE SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' CIVIL RELIEF ACT
Since April 22, 1976, PHS has been covered by the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief (SSCR) Act. The SSCR Act provides protection to members of the Uniformed Services. Provisions do not apply to dependents or non-official activities conducted in the State of assignment (e.g., outside employment). Some of the more important protections are outlined below:
Domicile Establishment: Domicile is the place regarded as the officer's permanent home. Under the SSCR Act, PHS officers do not lose their domicile by taking up temporary residence elsewhere as a result of compliance with official Personnel Orders. A State (other than a home State) or locality cannot tax a commissioned officer's income merely because the officer resides and/or performs duty in that State. Income other than the officer's PHS pay and allowances may be subject to income tax in the State where assigned. Also, income sources from the officer's dependents are not covered by the SSCR Act. Legal domicile is determined by the officer and the State tax authorities concerned. Relevant factors include voter registration, auto title, auto registration, driver's license, and payment of State income tax.
Automobile Licenses, Fees, or Excises: PHS officers are not subject to auto licensure and related fees or excises of the State assigned, provided that these have been paid to the State of domicile. Although some States also apply the exemption to motor vehicle operator licenses, these licenses are not exempted under the SSCR Act.
Call to Active Duty Lease Protection: Leases covering dwelling and/or professional space rental may be terminated by the lessee by notice on call to duty by PHS. This authority does not apply for transfers after entry on duty. Obtain the "transfer under Uniformed Service orders" provision in any lease agreement.
OFFICER AND DEPENDENTS HEALTH CARE BENEFITS
U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) officers are entitled to health care from any Uniformed Services Medical Treatment Facility (USMTF). Presentation of the Uniformed Services Active Duty Identification (ID) Card allows the officer access to these services. Health care services may be supplemented by other resources in accordance with Uniformed Service policies and procedures.
Usual Sources of Care by Duty Station: Officers whose residence and/or duty station lies within the catchment area of a USMTF must use that facility as their source of primary medical and dental care. If stationed at an Indian Health Service (IHS) facility which provides health care services to officers, that facility may serve as the source of primary care. Routine medical and dental care up to $1,000 per fiscal year from civilian providers requires no prior approval for officers stationed outside a catchment of a USMTF or Medical Affairs Branch (MAB) contractor.
Supplementary Sources of Care: In some areas, specialty and inpatient care in USMTF, and IHS facilities or with MAB contractors is limited. In more remote areas, these sources of care are often unavailable. In all these cases, care may be supplemented through civilian providers and Department of Veterans Affairs facilities only with prior approval from MAB.
Third Party Liability: If an officer is injured as a result of action involving a third party, a report must be filed by the officer to protect the Government's interest and permit recovery of any costs due the Government.
Health Care for Junior COSTEP Participants: Policies and procedures pertaining to medical services for Junior COSTEP officers are different from other active-duty officers of the PHS. Additionally, dental care for Junior COSTEP participants is limited to acute care episodes. Only emergency dental care will be authorized from civilian sources. All other dental care must be obtained from a USMTF on a space-available basis. Medical and surgical care for conditions existing prior to the Junior COSTEP's commissioning is restricted to services necessary to maintain fitness for duty; elective procedures are not covered.
Care for Dependents: Dependents are entitled to health care from a USMTF on a space-available basis. Most outpatient routine care may be obtained from a civilian provider and reimbursed by the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services ( TRICARE/CHAMPUS). TRICARE is the name for the Department of Defense triple option health care program. Dependents dental care can be provided by voluntary enrollment in the TRICARE Active Duty Family Member Dental Plan. The present contractor for the dental plan is United Concordia Companies, Inc.
last updated 5/27/98