Q: May I be reimbursed for the cost of obtaining a COVID-19 test for my dependent that is required for official travel?
A: Maybe, but only if the test is mandated by law for official travel to or from an OCONUS destination and is not available through a Federal dispensary. You may only be reimbursed for the cost of the COVID-19 test and not for the cost of the office visit. If a free test is available through a federal dispensary, medical treatment facility, or the cost is covered by insurance, then no reimbursement for a test is authorized. You may not be reimbursed for the cost of the COVID-19 test when performing “transportation only” funded leave travel, such as emergency leave and Funded Environmental and Morale Leave.
Q: Can I be reimbursed for the cost of obtaining a COVID-19 test that is required for my official travel to or from an OCONUS destination?
A: You may only be reimbursed for the cost of the COVID-19 test and not for the cost of the office visit. If a free test is available through a federal dispensary or medical treatment facility, or the cost is covered by insurance, then no test reimbursement is authorized. You may not be reimbursed for the cost of the COVID-19 test when performing “transportation only”-funded leave travel, such as emergency leave and Funded Environment Morale Leave.
Q: Are all air passengers arriving to the U.S. from a foreign country required to get tested for COVID-19?
A:, The CDC amended its October 25, 2021 order requiring all air passengers arriving to the U.S. from a foreign country to show negative COVID-19 viral test results taken no more than one day before their flight departs or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days before boarding the flight. Air passengers will also be required to confirm that the information they present is true in the form of an attestation.
Q: I received the first of the COVID vaccinations can I PCS and receive the other vaccine at my new PDS?
A: No. Both doses of the COVID vaccine must done at the same location/facility.
Q: What kind of help is available for members and families delayed during PCS?
A: The answer depends on the member’s situation. Seek assistance of your P&A but in summary:
For service members: If a service member is ordered to isolate or quarantine after detaching or signing out of the unit, then per diem may be authorized for the Service member at the location specified in the orders. If the service member is ordered to travel to an alternate location, then per diem may be authorized. If a Service member is ordered to isolate or quarantine after arrival at the new PDS and before TLE begins, then the member may be authorized per diem. Per Diem authorizations are in accordance with JTR, Chapter 5, Part A. If lodging in kind or meals in kind are provided, then per diem is not payable.
For dependents: If the service member’s dependents are ordered to isolate or quarantine after detaching or signing out of unit, then per diem may be authorized at the location specified on the orders. If the dependents are required to travel to an alternate location to await transportation, then standard PCS allowances are authorized. If the dependents are ordered to isolate or quarantine after arrival at the new PDS and before TLE begins, then the dependents may be authorized per diem. Per Diem authorizations are in accordance with JTR, Chapter 5, Part A. If lodging in-kind or meals in-kind are provided, then per diem is not payable. If dependents do not remain in place awaiting transportation, then per diem is not authorized.
Q: Does the Float Plan need to be completed prior to receiving PCS Orders?
A: PCS Float Plans for PCS 2022 is optional for any member that conducted a PCS move before. For new Coast Guard Member’s PCS’ing for the first time, the PCS Float Plan is mandatory. The only authorized Float Plan can always be found on the Coast Guard’s Coronavirus website; signature authority is delegated to E7 or above.
Q: Who is authorized to sign for command approval of the Float Plan?
A: Commands are authorized to delegate approving authority E7 or above. The Float Plan was created to ensure the safe transfer of member in the heightened-risk environment. Leaders at all levels should be engaged with their transferring members to ensure they identify the best solutions for each member’s specific scenario and individual needs.
Q: Will the Coast Guard begin requiring Float Plans every year from now on?
A: The Float Plan was designed to meet the specific and unique challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the ongoing state of the pandemic, the use of Float Plan is available for all, is optional for any member that has conducted a PCS move before. For new Coast Guard Member’s PCS’ing for the first time, the PCS Float Plan is mandatory.
Q: What actions should be taken if a member or dependents exhibit flu-like symptoms while en route?
A: Members and dependents can contact the Tricare (MHS) Nurse Advice Line: 1-800-874-2273, option 1, or contact their healthcare provider to check symptoms. For general information, you can follow the CDC guidelines listed here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html. Members should then immediately contact their unit POCs to update them on their status and to coordinate next steps.
Q: Why is there a requirement to ensure a specific communication plan during travel? Is this necessary?
A: Just as ops and position checks are critical to identifying the location and welfare of a search and rescue crew, regular check-ins will ensure positive contact between units and members. Missed communication can serve as early warning signs that something may be wrong. Additionally, regular check-ins will ensure the PCS’ing member is alerted if conditions change along the way or at the new unit.
Q: Can I book both hotels and short-term rentals (e.g., AirBnB or VRBO) during my PCS travel this year?
A: If family-type government quarters are not occupied IAW the JTR, 050601, table 5-16, then reimbursement for commercial or private lodging, a furnished or unfurnished apartment, house, mobile home, or recreational vehicle is authorized.