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Beef for breakfast: 3 Savory recipes for protein-packed mornings

Beef Breakfast Burritos, Beef & Veggie Quiche, Beef & Spinach Breakfast Sandwich. Recipes on page 4

From left: An artist paints a new mural in the ViBe Creative District. Visitors enjoy the Boardwalk Art Show along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. (CREDIT: VISIT (CREDIT: VISIT VIRGINIA BEACH)

Autumn’s Open-Air Gallery: Experience Virginia Beach’s vibrant fall arts scene Press Release

As autumn takes root and ‘golden hour’ mimics museum lighting, Outdoor Arts Season moves to center stage in Virginia Beach. Though the city’s arts scene is a year-round show of visual, performing and musical engagements, autumn is when the Oceanfront and the ViBe Creative District’s cultural appeal really ﬂourish, with twohallmarkandabrandnewevent celebrating public art and master craftsmanship across mediums. The 9th Annual Mural Festival brings working artists into the ViBe CreativeDistrict from October 2-11, where they paint 10 new murals

directly on local business exteriors over the course of 10 days, making the neighborhood itself a constantly evolving art installation. Walk the district to meet the artists while they work and experience the new designs as they come to life. Overlapping with the Mural Festival’s ﬁnal coats of paint, the BoardwalkArtShow celebrates its 70th year October 9-11, produced by the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). More than 160 juried artists will set up along 10 oceanfront blocks for one of the longest-running art shows on the East Coast. Sip on craft beer and enjoy live art at the Liquid Art Beer Garden, hosted by regional brewer

Commonwealth Brewing Co., or stop by the Virginia MOCA Art Park for family-friendly activities, including live artist demonstrations, on-stage performances, and face painting. family-friendly activities, including live artist demonstrations, on-stage performances, and face painting. The arts season closes with a new immersive outdoor experience at Mount Trashmore Park. From October 17 through December 16, Sanctuary, created by Australian art collective Skunk Control, transforms the southeast corner of the parkintoalivinglandscape.Wander among towering ﬂowers, birds that sing and move, and more than 1,300

butterﬂies, all of which shift with the light and time of day. Join the opening celebration on October 17 from 4 to 8 p.m., timed so guests can experience the installation in daylight and stay as it illuminates after dark. The exhibit and opening celebration are free and open to the public. Beyond these events, the arts scene in Virginia Beach is active year-round: Virginia MOCA’s new home on the Batten University campus offers free rotating exhibitions, and a stroll around the ViBe Creative District is always bound to inspire, with more than 500 public art installations and local artisans often spotted working in their

studios. The Mural Festival and Boardwalk Art Show also coincide with the free Second Saturday Walking Mural Tour or monthly Guided Bike Tour, both of which usher visitors through the district to explore one mile of art compliments of the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission. Stay at one of the waterfront hotels to be in the heart of the arts action; the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront and the Historic Cavalier Hotel put the oceanfront events within easy walking distance, and the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center anchors the city’s lively downtown just minutes from Mount Trashmore.

Virginia Veterans Beneﬁts & Resource Fair coming to Chesapeake Conference Center

All Military Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, Guard & Reserve, & Family members encouraged to learn about & apply for beneﬁts earned from their service Press Release

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) is hosting a Veteran Benefits and Resource Fair, Friday, October 23, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, Virginia. All veterans, active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, and their families are invited and encouraged to attend. VDVS team members will be on hand to meet one-on-one with participants to help them learn about and apply for the many federal and state benefits they earned from their military service. More than 50 resource providers will be at the Chesapeake Veterans Benefits and Resource Fair to connect participants with valuable services and opportunities, including more than 20 employers actively seeking to hire for positions across a diverse range of industries and career fields. Topics to be covered include U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Claims, Healthcare Enrollment, Education and Housing Benefits, Survivor and Dependent Benefits, Employment Assistance, Coordinated Veteran and Family Support Programs, and more. The mission of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services is to serve those who served. This is an opportunity for veterans of any era, active-duty service members, Guard & Reserve members, and

their families to ensure they are taking advantage of the resources and beneﬁts currently available and get face-to-face assistance to apply for them. “No veteran should have to navigate a complex benefits system

alone. Behind every application is a lifetime of service, sacriﬁce, and commitment—and every veteran deserves someone who will take the time to listen, explain the process, and advocate on their behalf. This unique opportunity provides veter-

ans with individualized support, helping to remove the barriers that can too often stand between them and the beneﬁts they have earned,” said VDVS Commissioner John Maxwell. There is no charge to attend

the Chesapeake Veterans Benefits and Resource Fair and all services provided are also free. The Chesapeake Conference Center is located at 700 Conference Center Drive, Chesapeake, Va. 23320. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required as walk-ins are welcome. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov. About the Virginia Department of Veterans Services: The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) is a state government agency with more than 50 operating locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia. VDVS traces its history to 1928 and the establishment of the Virginia War Service Bureau to assist Virginia’s World War I veterans. Today, VDVS assists veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits and provides veterans and family members with linkages to services including behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, education and other programs. The agency operates four long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing care, memory care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans and provides an honored final resting place for veterans and their families at three state veterans cemeteries. It also operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.

Cost management for your healthy, happy furry friend

Page 9

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ﬂagshipnews.com | Section A | Thursday, October 8, 2026

COMMUNITY | SHARE YOUR NEWS, PHOTOS & EVENTS BY EMAILING US AT NEWS@FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM

Cost management for a healthy, happy furry friend: 4 Ways to save money while giving your pet excellent care By Feature Impact SOURCE: MEALS ON WHEELS

You’re not imagining it — like many goods and services, pet care costs have gone up. In fact, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance reported a 38% increase in pet services over the past ﬁve years with pet parents spending more than $4,200 a year on routine expenses for a cat or dog. Lots of factors are driving increased costs, from higher ingredient prices for pet food — like meat and grains — to veterinary drug shortages. Add in rising labor and transportation costs and those everyday expenses can start to take a bigger bite out of your budget. There are simple ways to keep costs in check, however, while still giving your furry friends the care they deserve:

1. Prioritize Preventive Care

Routine checkups, vaccinations and screenings can catch health issues early when they are easier and less expensive to treat. Most pets should see a veterinarian at least once a year, while puppies, kittens and senior pets may need more frequent visits. Preventive medications play an important role as well. Treating heartworm disease, for example, can cost thousands while monthly prevention costs $15-$30.

Q: What types of family housing are available? A: There are three types of housing available to families: Public/Private Venture (PPV) Housing is also referred to as privatized housing in the Navy. The Navy partnered with different private management companies to provide housing to Service Members. These companies are responsible for the construction, renovation, maintenance and day-to-day management of the housing. PPV housing may be located on or off government property and in most cases will be former military housing. Government Owned (also known as Military Housing or Navy Managed Housing is what was formerly called on-base housing. While only available in limited quantities CONUS, Government Owned Housing is still widely available OCONUS. Community Housing is any housing that a Service Member may choose that is not PPV or government operated. This is housing outside of the base that is privately owned and operated.

NAVY HOUSING CONTACTS:

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2. Focus on Daily Wellness

If you have any questions or concerns with privatized housing, government-owned housing or community housing you can email Navy Housing Headquarters: NavyHousingHQ@us.navy.mil or learn more online: ffr.cnic.navy.mil/Navy-Housing

Consistent exercise helps reduce the risk of chronic conditions and supports overall health. Most dogs beneﬁt from at least 30 minutes of daily activity while cats need regular play to stay active. Feeding appropriate portions can also help with weight maintenance. Portion sizes vary, but a good starting point is the feeding guidelines on your pet food label, adjusting as needed with your veterinarian’s input.

3. Find Support in Your Community

Many local humane societies and rescue groups offer resources that make pet care more accessible, including low-cost vaccinations, spay and neuter services and discounted supplies. For seniors, local Meals on Wheels providers can be important resources. With support from PetSmart Charities, many local providers offer free pet food and, in some cases, services like veterinary care and grooming. To date, 20 million pet meals have been delivered through this collaboration, helping keep pets healthy and in loving homes with older adults.

4. Plan Ahead for Unexpected Costs

Even with routine care, unexpected illnesses or injuries can happen — and costs can add up. The PetSmart Charities-Gallup State of Pet Care research revealed 52% of pet parents skipped or declined veterinary care services in 2025, with the majority citing cost as the key barrier. Pet insurance can help manage risk. Most policies reimburse a percentage of covered

veterinary costs after you meet a deductible, helping offset unexpected bills. Plans vary, but average monthly premiums are around $60 for dogs and $30 for cats. It’s also important to be open with your veterinarianaboutﬁnancialconcerns.Inmany cases, clinics may be able to offer payment plans, or look for low-cost-veterinary care resources in your area. PetSmart provides some options on their website: https:// petsmartcharities.org/our-stories/community-impact/low-cost-veterinary-care-resources. To ﬁnd a local provider and learn whether pet support is available in your area, visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org/lovepets.

she began receiving home-delivered meals through her local Meals on Wheels provider. That connection proved to be a lifeline. “When I was sick,” Lois said, “the Meals on Wheels volunteers ... were the only company I had.” That changed when a small white kitten with calico markings showed up at her front door. Today, that kitten — now named Grace — is rarely far from Lois’s side. Though Grace softens Lois’s loneliness, caring for a pet on a ﬁxed income isn’t always easy. For many seniors, it can mean making difficult choices, like stretching groceries or delaying medical care, just to afford pet food and supplies. Through support from her local provider, food is delivered for Grace as part Lois’s regular meal service, helping keep A Companion Through It All of them both healthy, happy and, most imporA devastating cancer diagnosis left Lois tantly, together. hospitalized for eight months. Afterward,

Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) programs and services are designed to help you make the most of your military experience, and they’re all available to you at no cost. FUNCTIONS AND/OR SERVICES FFSC PROVIDES: ClinicalCounseling – Individual, Couples and Child Counseling Personal Financial Management Information & Referral Family Employment Assistance Transition Assistance Family Advocacy Program Deployment and Mobilization Support Ombudsman Support Relocation Assistance Parenting Programs Stress and Anger Management Command Support Crisis Support Suicide Prevention SAPR Support CONTACT FFSC Little Creek/Fort Story: 757.462.7563 Newport News: 757.688.6289 Norfolk/Portsmouth: 757.444.2102 Northwest: 757.421.8770 Oceana/Dam Neck: 757.433.2912 Yorktown: 757.887.4606 Get more info online: www.navylifema.com

Listen to our top news stories for free. Start now at PlayOurNews.com Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA): Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett

Editorial Staff

Managing Editor | PO1 Cody D. Beam 757-322-2853 | cody.d.beam.mil@us.navy.mil Graphic Designer | Teresa Walter teresa.walter@virginiamedia.com

Contributing Staff

Elizabeth Reisen 757-322-2853 | news@ﬂagshipnews.com

Flagship, Inc.

Military General Manager | Ski Miller ski.miller@virginiamedia.com

Regional program manager for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA): Public Affairs Director | Beth Baker Public Affairs Deputy Director | Leon Moore The Flagship® is published by Flagship, LLC., a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense (DOD) or the United States Navy, under exclusive written contract with Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of the paper, including advertisements, are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Government, DOD, or the Department of the Navy (DON). The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DOD; DON; Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic or Flagship, LLC. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Department of Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. Stories may be submitted via email to news@flagshipnews.com. The Flagship® is published every Thursday by Flagship, LLC., whose offices are located at 804 Greenbrier Circle, Suite C, Chesapeake, VA 23320.

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ﬂagshipnews.com | Section A | Thursday, October 8, 2026

FOOD

Beef for breakfast: 3 Savory recipes for protein-packed mornings By Feature Impact SOURCE: BEEF LOVING TEXANS

People often think of beef as a dinner staple, but it deserves a spot at the breakfast table, too. Endlessly versatile and packed with protein, beef can turn everything from breakfast burritos to sandwiches into hearty, satisfying fuel for the day. Breakfast is important even though mornings are busy, according to a study published in “Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine,” which found children who eat breakfast tend to have higher math scores, fewer absences and better on-time attendance at school. That’s why Beef Loving Texans is inviting families to join its free 30-Day Breakfast Challenge. You’ll receive breakfast inspiration, nutrition and meal prep tips and encouragement to help your household start the day right. If you need something you can grab on the way out the door, Beef Breakfast Burritos combine sauteed ground beef, peppers and onions with scrambled eggs and ﬂavorful sauces, all wrapped inside a warm tortilla. For a make-ahead breakfast or brunch, whip up a Beef and Veggie Quiche, folding beef and vegetables into a savory mixture of eggs, cheese and cream before baking it in a ﬂaky, buttery crust. Or give leftover steak a second life with a Beef and Spinach Breakfast Sandwich, a portable take on the classic cowboy-style steak and eggs that combines leftover beef with spinach, cheese and eggs. Whether you’re feeding growing kids before school or trying to instill healthier habits for yourself, the challenge helps to make consistent, protein-rich breakfasts feel realistic, even on your busiest mornings. Discover more recipes and join the 30-Day Breakfast Challenge at BeefLovingTexans.com/BreakfastChallenge. com.

Beef Breakfast Burritos Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 12 ounces ground beef (93% lean or leaner) 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 teaspoons ground ancho chili powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 4 eggs, beaten 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro nonstick cooking spray 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) 1/3 cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican cheese blend or shredded cheddar cheese 4 medium spinach or plain flour tortillas (10-inch diameter), warmed salsa (optional) Lime-Cilantro Cream: 1/2 cup reduced-fat dairy sour cream 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro To make lime-cilantro cream: In small bowl, combine sour cream, lime juice and cilantro. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. To make burritos: Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef, bell pepper, onion, chili powder and cumin; cook 8-10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160 F, breaking into small crumbles and stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings, as necessary. Remove beef mixture from skillet; keep warm. In medium bowl, combine eggs, water and cilantro. Spray same skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Pour into skillet; cook over medium heat 2-3 minutes, or until scrambled, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, if desired. Stir in beef mixture and cheese; cook 1 minute or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Spoon beef mixture evenly in row across center of each tortilla, leaving 1-inch border on right and left sides. Fold right and left sides of tortilla over filling. Fold bottom edge up over filling and roll up; cut diagonally in half. Serve with lime-cilantro cream and salsa, if desired. Cooking Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness. Substitution: 1 cup egg substitute may be used in place of beaten eggs and water.

Beef & Veggie Quiche Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans Cook time: 59 minutes Servings: 8 Nonstick cooking spray 1 refrigerated pie crust (1/2 of 14.1-ounce package) 1/2 pound ground beef (80% lean or leaner) 1 tablespoon beef sausage seasoning mix 1 cup fresh baby spinach 1/4 cup cut fresh asparagus 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper 6 eggs 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Unfold pie crust on ﬂat surface, pressing out fold lines with ﬁngers. Place crust in pie plate, crimping edge as desired; set aside. Heat large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add groundbeefandseasoningmix;cook4-5minutes,breaking into small crumbles, stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings, as necessary. Add spinach, asparagus, onion and bell pepper to skillet; cook 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Cool slightly. In large mixing bowl, whisk eggs and cream. Gently stir in beef mixture. Pour into prepared pie crust; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until egg mixture is set and just beginning to brown. Cool 5-10 minutes; cut into wedges.

Beef & Spinach Breakfast Sandwich Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 4 eggs or 1 cup egg substitute 1/2 cup chopped fresh baby spinach 1/2 cup diced tomatoes nonstick cooking spray salt (optional) pepper (optional)

4 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese 12 ounces leftover cooked beef (such as steak, prime rib roast, pot roast or deli roast beef ), thinly sliced 4 whole-wheat round, thin sandwich breads, split and toasted In medium bowl, combine eggs, spinach and tomatoes. Spray large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray;

heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add egg mixture; cook 2-4 minutes, or until eggs are almost set, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired. Divide egg mixture into four separate portions in pan. Evenly top with cheese and beef. Remove from heat and cover. Let stand 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Place one egg portion on each bread bottom. Close sandwiches with bread tops; serve immediately.

ﬂagshipnews.com | Section A | Thursday, October 8, 2026

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Navy Federal is federally insured by NCUA. 1Navy Federal Credit Union was included in 9 Best VA loan Lenders in March 2024 by money.com (www.money.com/best-va-loans). 2100% financing subject to all VA rules, guidelines, and additional program requirements. All loans subject to approval. VA loans may include a funding fee, which may be financed up to the maximum allowed loan amount. Navy Federal has no affiliation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any other government agency. ³The program is only available for individual home purchases/sales in the contiguous US, Alaska, and Hawaii, excluding Iowa and all employer-sponsored relocations. You are not required to receive financing through Navy Federal Credit Union in order to receive the benefits of this program. The cash back is only available with the purchase or sale of your home through the use of a program-referred and -approved real estate agent, and is offered in most states, with the exception of Iowa, Alaska, and Oklahoma, and is not available in certain transactions with restricted agent commissions (including many new constructions, For Sale by Owner, or For Sale by iBuyer transactions). Your assigned agent can help you identify any transactions where the cash back would not be available. The amount of your cash back depends on the value of the property you are buying or selling. Obtaining the full $9,000 cash back requires transacting in a property valued at $3 million or greater. To calculate your potential cash-back amount, please visit the RealtyPlus website: https://navyfederalrealtyplus.com/. The cash-back offer is limited to one cash back per property with no limit on the number of times you may use the program. In some states, a gift card or commission credit at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back. In Kansas and Tennessee, a Mastercard® MAX gift card will be issued with preloaded points that are ready for spending at specified retail establishments after closing. State regulations in Kansas limit the dollar amounts and the type of incentive. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing in lieu of cash back. Please check with the program coordinator for details. All real estate commissions are negotiable. Contact RealtyPlus for terms and conditions. Seller listing fees apply. This program is offered, in part, by Anywhere Leads Inc., which may receive a co-operative brokerage fee as a result of a referral to any affiliated real estate companies, including Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, Coldwell Banker®, Century 21®, ERA® Real Estate, and Corcoran. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. This is an advertisement and not a solicitation for agent representation if your property is currently listed with an agent. Anywhere Leads Inc., 175 Park Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940. Licensed broker in the state of Texas. Broker license #9009191. 4Message and data rates may apply. Visit navyfederal.org for more information. © 2026 Navy Federal NFCU 10299 (3-26)

ﬂagshipnews.com | Section A | Thursday, October 8, 2026

HEALTH

Customer service resources to help you with your TRICARE beneﬁt By TRICARE Communications

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Have you ever had a question about your TRICARE benefit that left you confused or frustrated? There are resources that can help you with your questions or concerns. “Every patient’s journey is unique, and our team is here to listen, support, and guide you—no matter where you are or your circumstance,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Gabrielle Crane, chief of the Patient Experience Branch at the Defense Health Agency. “Connecting with us means you are never alone in your care.” If you need healthcare guidance outside of business hours, you can call the Global Nurse Advice Line. This service lets you connect with a registered nurse by phone, chat, or video. It’s available 24/7 and free for TRICARE beneficiaries to use. Registered nurses are available to answer your questions, assess your symptoms, and give you advice. To get help with your benefit, start by contacting the right resource. You can resolve many TRICARE concerns by contacting your regional contractor or the DMDC/DEERS Support Office first. Questions about TRICARE eligibility or updates to a military service record: Contact your Service Personnel Component or the DMDC/DEERS Support Office (800-538-9552). Questions about enrollment, claims, provider networks, or referrals: Contact your regional contractor first. Do you disagree with a claim decision? You can file an appeal with the regional contractor. Do you have a complaint about the kind of care you received? You can file a grievance with the regional contractor. Additionally, military hospitals and clinics have staff who can help. These staff can assist you after you work with the regional contractor or DMDC. Each hospital has a customer service team that includes three roles: Patient advocates Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinators Debt Collection Assistance Officers You don’t have to be a patient at a military hospital or clinic to get help from BCACs or from DCAOs. Contact the customer service team closest to where you live. The DHA created these customer service roles to help you wherever you are. Keep reading to learn when to contact a customer service representative and how to find one.

Healthcare can be complex, but you shouldn’t feel like you’re facing it alone. Every military hospital and clinic has a patient advocate, and many also have patient advocates at the unit or section level who help with speciﬁc areas of care. (Pictured: Madigan’s Patient Experience team. (PHOTO COURTESY OF MADIGAN PXO TEAM)

Reporting Tool across all military hospitals and clinics. This system helps patient advocates track and work through all patient concerns. This system provides leadership Patient advocates at every level with critical transparency. It Healthcare can be complex, but you helps them identify trends and make datashouldn’t feel like you’re facing it alone. Every driven improvements to the overall patient military hospital and clinic has a patient experience. advocate, and many also have patient advocates at the unit or section level who help Beneficiary Counseling with specific areas of care. Whether you’re and Assistance an active duty service member, retiree, or Coordinators family member, a patient advocate is available to address your concerns. They’re trusted BCACs help you understand how your resources who can help you with your care, TRICARE plan works. They can answer understand your rights, and improve your TRICARE-related questions and work with experience. the regional contractors to make sure your Patient advocates listen carefully, investi- care follows TRICARE policy. gate, and work with staff to resolve concerns BCACs can address TRICARE-related fairly and quickly. They act as mediators to questions including: help build understanding between you and Eligibility your care team. Patient advocates explain Enrollment policies and your rights in plain language. Referrals and pre-authorizations Their role is to make sure you feel support Claims and respect. Covered services If you’d like to compliment a staff member, Getting healthcare services outside the your patient advocate will make sure to give military hospital or clinic your appreciation to the right leaders. Patient ABCACcanhelpyouunderstandmessages advocates also find trends in patient feedback youseeinyourDefenseEnrollmentEligibility and promote improvements. Reporting System record. They can also guide DHA uses a Patient Advocate Assistance you on how to follow up with your sponsor’s

Service Personnel Component. BCACs don’t resource to help you in your healthcare determine or fix TRICARE eligibility—but journey. Whether you need answers about they can help you understand the process. TRICARE benefits, guidance on a claim, or advocacy for your overall healthcare expeDebt Collection rience, the customer service community is Assistance Officers here for you. DCAOs help resolve debt collections due Patient advocates champion your voice, to late or unpaid TRICARE claims. The debt ensuring that your concerns are heard, and must be in collections or listed on your credit your rights are protected. BCACs simplify report before a DCAO can work with you. TRICARE, translating complex policies into A DCAO isn’t a legal representative. But clear guidance so you can access your benethey can ask the collection agency to hold on fits with confidence. DCAOs protect your their efforts so the government can research financial peace of mind, helping when billthe debt and find out who is responsible for ing disputes or collections overwhelm you. paying the bill. Knowing there are people to help when you have concerns with your healthcare is How to find help important. The next time you have questions Each military hospital or clinic has contact your regional contractor can’t answer, contact information for the patient advocate, BCAC, a member of the customer service team at and DCAO. If you want to visit in person, your closest military hospital or clinic. you can ask the hospital staff for their office location. You can also find contact informa- Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent tion for all three roles using the Customer to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions Service Community Directory. Or, check out to get benefit updates, news, and more. the Customer Service page on your military hospital or clinic’s website.

Three roles, one mission Patient advocates, BCACs, and DCAOs each bring unique experience to a shared mission. Together, they form a unified

ﬂagshipnews.com | Section A | Thursday, October 8, 2026

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ﬂagshipnews.com | Section A | Thursday, October 8, 2026

Crossword

JOURNALISTIC SET

Sudoku

ANIMALS FOUND IN THE SAHARA

CryptoQuip

Baker who was compelled to precisely time to the second anything she cooked: Betty Clocker.

DESSERT

LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD & SUDOKU ANSWERS:

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ﬂagshipnews.com | Section A | Thursday, October 8, 2026