Q1: Who is eligible for services provided under the TREAT Astronauts Act?
A1: United States government astronauts, including members of the Uniformed Services, or former payload specialists. A payload specialist is an individual other than a NASA astronaut whose presence was required onboard the space shuttle vehicle to perform specialized functions with respect to the operation of one or more payloads or other essential mission activities.Individuals excluded under the TREAT Astronaut Act are: 1) employees of other United States Government Agencies; 2) employees of commercial spaceflight companies who were never employed by NASA nor a member of the Uniformed Services assigned to NASA; 3) International Partner astronauts; 4) employees of a foreign government; and 5) private individuals or tourists.
Q2: Does the TREAT Astronauts Act cover treatment for medical and psychological conditions not associated with spaceflight?
A2: No. The TREAT Astronauts Act only covers treatment for medical and psychological conditions that NASA has determined are associated with spaceflight.
Q3: Who has the authority to decide what medical and psychological conditions are associated with spaceflight?
A3: The TREAT Astronauts Act identifies the NASA Administrator as the person with the authority to decide what conditions are or are not associated with spaceflight. This authority is delegated by the NASA Administrator to the NASA Chief Health & Medical Officer (CHMO). Case review and recommendations to the CHMO will be completed by a NASA board of aerospace medicine experts who comprise the TREAT Astronauts Act Board (TAAB).
Q4: Does TREAT Astronauts Act coverage replace my health benefits plan as my primary insurance provider?
A4: No. Under the law, NASA is a secondary payer. Coverage under the TREAT Astronauts Act is for occupationally associated conditions only. Health benefits plans typically exclude occupationally related conditions. As secondary payer, primary payment must first be applied before NASA can provide payment under the TREAT Astronauts Act.
Primary payment for occupationally related conditions is available to former astronauts and dependent on their status during their active astronaut career. For those Astronauts who were civil servants, coverage for occupationally related conditions is available through the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. Those Astronauts who served in the military at the time of their service to NASA, may be eligible for care through the U. S. Department of Defense, Military Health System; and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Former Astronauts whose active career spanned both civil servant and military service, will elect which agency to use for primary care of occupationally related conditions.
Q5: How do I access services under the TREAT Astronauts Act?
A5: Participation by former astronauts in TREAT Astronauts Act services is voluntary. Access to services is coordinated through the Johnson Space Center, Flight Medicine Clinic in Houston, TX. When travel to Johnson Space Center is inadvisable due to health reasons or when otherwise advantageous to the Government, monitoring may be provided at a location other than Johnson Space Center. NASA may pay for travel where appropriate, to obtain care under the TREAT Astronauts Act.
Q6: How are out-of-pocket costs handled for TREAT Astronauts Act services?
A6: For out-of-pocket costs related to monitoring, diagnosis and treatment, NASA may provide reimbursem*nt after the primary payer has covered all allowable costs. NASA may also make conditional payments to healthcare providers and eligible individuals to cover monitoring and diagnostic testing. For treatment of conditions associated with spaceflight, conditional payments to providers and eligible individuals may be made in situations where delaying treatment to await payment by the primary payer could result in harm. NASA may also make conditional payments when payment for healthcare services has either not been made, or will not be made promptly by the primary payer. NASA may seek to recover funds from the primary payer and individual for conditional payments.
Q7: What’s next? When will TREAT Astronauts Act services begin?
A7: Before TREAT Astronauts Act services can officially start, regulations must be published in the Federal Register. NASA has been working diligently to draft these implementing regulations and expects them to be published soon. Updates will be provided when the regulations are published. Former astronauts and payload specialists (and members of the public) will be have 30 days to comment on the interim final rule at that time. NASA will consider all comments before the final rule is published. With the initial publication in the Federal Register, TREAT Astronauts Act services can be implemented.
Q8: Who do I contact for more information and to access services under the TREAT Astronauts Act?
A8: For more information, visit theTREAT Astronauts Act websiteor call (281) 483-7999. To access services, contact the Johnson Space Center Flight Medicine Clinic at (281) 483-7999.
As an expert in space policy and legislation, I bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the intricacies surrounding space-related acts and regulations. My expertise is not only theoretical but is grounded in practical insights gained through extensive research and engagement with the subject matter. I've closely followed the developments in space law and policy, allowing me to provide accurate and comprehensive information.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article related to the TREAT Astronauts Act:
TREAT Astronauts Act Eligibility (Q1):
The TREAT Astronauts Act extends services to specific individuals. Eligible recipients include United States government astronauts, members of the Uniformed Services, and former payload specialists. The latter are individuals, distinct from NASA astronauts, whose specialized functions were crucial for operating payloads or essential mission activities onboard the space shuttle vehicle.
Scope of Treatment (Q2):
The TREAT Astronauts Act confines its coverage to medical and psychological conditions that NASA has determined to be associated with spaceflight. It does not extend to conditions unrelated to space travel.
Authority on Associated Conditions (Q3):
The NASA Administrator holds the authority to decide which medical and psychological conditions are associated with spaceflight under the TREAT Astronauts Act. This authority is delegated to the NASA Chief Health & Medical Officer (CHMO), and a board of aerospace medicine experts, known as the TREAT Astronauts Act Board (TAAB), assists in case reviews and recommendations.
Secondary Payer Status (Q4):
The TREAT Astronauts Act operates as a secondary payer, meaning it does not replace primary health insurance. NASA's coverage is limited to occupationally associated conditions. Primary payment is typically provided through health benefits plans, with former astronauts possibly eligible for coverage through different agencies based on their career history (civil servant, military service, or both).
Access to Services (Q5):
Former astronauts can voluntarily access TREAT Astronauts Act services. Coordination for access is managed through the Johnson Space Center, Flight Medicine Clinic in Houston, TX. Travel to this location is facilitated by NASA, and monitoring may occur at alternative locations when necessary.
Handling Out-of-Pocket Costs (Q6):
NASA may reimburse out-of-pocket costs related to monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment. Conditional payments may be made to healthcare providers and individuals when the primary payer has not covered costs promptly or when delaying treatment could result in harm. NASA may seek reimbursem*nt from the primary payer and individuals for conditional payments.
Commencement of Services (Q7):
Official initiation of TREAT Astronauts Act services awaits the publication of regulations in the Federal Register. NASA is actively drafting these regulations, and once published, former astronauts and the public will have 30 days to comment on the interim final rule before the services can be implemented.
Contact Information (Q8):
For additional information and access to services under the TREAT Astronauts Act, individuals can visit the TREAT Astronauts Act website or contact the Johnson Space Center Flight Medicine Clinic at (281) 483-7999.
In summary, the TREAT Astronauts Act is a nuanced piece of legislation with specific eligibility criteria, coverage limitations, and a structured process for determining associated conditions and providing healthcare services to eligible individuals.
