Department of War extends health care supplement pilot for civilian employees in Japan

The Department of War today announced the extension of the Pilot Health Insurance Enhancement for DOW Civilian Employees in Japan, reaffirming the department's commitment to improving access to medical care for its overseas workforce, and adding interpreter support.

Launched on Jan. 1, 2025, the pilot program was designed to provide no-cost supplemental health support services to approximately 11,000 eligible DOW civilian employees. The program addresses longstanding challenges in navigating Japan's health care system and managing upfront medical costs.

The extension is for a period of performance from Sept. 30, 2025, through Sept. 29, 2026.

"The Department recognizes the vital contributions of our civilian workforce abroad," said Anthony J. Tata, the undersecretary of war for personnel and readiness. "Extending this pilot ensures continued support for our employees and reflects the Department's unwavering commitment to taking care of our people who are supporting crucial military missions in Japan."

The pilot program offers access to a bilingual call center that assists participants with appointment scheduling, medical provider coordination, and upfront payment guarantees. Eligibility requires enrollment in a participating Federal Employees Health Benefits plan, with non-appropriated fund employees qualifying through Aetna International coverage.

A recent evaluation determined the pilot program addressed many concerns and barriers to care, including issues related to billing. In the first eight months of the pilot, over 829 people contacted the call center for assistance, and DOW civilians avoided upfront, out-of-pocket costs for medical care while their claims were processed.

Beneficiaries noted the pilot's positive impacts. "The International SOS program was a life-changing moment for me as the employee. I'm able to now get health care," said one employee. Another commented that, "This [the pilot program] has made getting seen with health care in a foreign country easy and seamless."

The new interpreter support came about as a result of direct feedback from participants. Interpreter services will now be included, subject to their availability, in the next period of performance. The second year of the pilot will continue to monitor participant feedback and utilization rates to determine if the contract will expand to include dependents of DOW civilians.

The extension will continue to be administered by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Health Affairs, in partnership with International SOS Government Services Inc., the support contractor for the TRICARE Overseas Program. The $4.2 million contract extension is funded by participating military departments and defense agencies.

Susan Orsega, deputy assistant secretary of war for health services policy and oversight, emphasized the program's impact: "This supplemental service has already improved the patient experience for our civilians in Japan by helping over 829 individuals navigate their medical care. We're pleased to continue offering this vital support."

Further details, including updated enrollment information and program enhancements, will be released ahead of the upcoming Federal Benefits Open Season, which starts Nov. 11, 2025.