Posted on 06/15/2018 4:49:50 PM PDT by Jet Jaguar
When it was announced that changes would be coming to TRICARE for those joining the military after Jan 1, 2018 it was also communicated that those who joined prior to that date would be exempt from new additional costs like annual enrollment. That exemption may prove to be short lived.
There are significant additional changes proposed for the medical insurance program that will adversely effect military retirees under the age of 65. If an upcoming Senate vote approves the changes, those retirees would see the initiation of that annual enrollment fee ($450 for an individual, $900 for a family) and a significant increase in co-pays/deductibles.
According to AMVETS Executive Director Joe Chenelly this will lead to an increase of up to around $2,000 a year for retirees, who are often on a fixed income. With it looking more and more like the Senate will approve the changes, the VSO's are voicing their displeasure.
"They say that this creates a more level ground for the civilian side which we just think is ridiculous," Chenelly said during an appearance on the Morning Briefing radio show. "This is a benefit that we were promised... it's something that can't go forward, but right now is looking very much like it will. We'll be fighting it."
The VFW agrees, having released an action alert to their membership once they learned of the proposed hike in fees for retirees. According to VFW Legislative Director Carlos Fuentes, it's believed that around 12,000 VFW members have contacted their Senator so far to voice their displeasure with the bill. The organization itself is also very vocal about their stance.
"The VFW opposes this attempt to balance the budget on the backs of service members, veterans and their families," Fuentes said. "We opposed the TRICARE fee increases in last year’s NDAA and hope that the NDAA conference committee will once again defeat this proposal which would endanger the financial wellbeing of the brave men and women have worn our nation’s uniform."
Both organizations say the only way to stop these changes is a grass roots effort, which is why they say they will continue to implore their membership, and all veterans, to make their concerns known to their elected officials.
Ping
Billions for free health care for illegals...
There are no words to adequately describe how vile and loathsome theses creatures are.
Priorities, priorities, priorities.
I despise the illegal lovers in government.
Somebody has to pay for the welfare leeches.
In other words, Tricare will strive to suck just a tiny bit less than Obamacare.
Me, you, and all the other tax slaves.
Which bill or legislation? Who are the Senators pushing this?
But the recruiter said “healthcare for life”...
Dunno. The article was emailed to me. Hope to find stuff out from the discussion.
This country is in real trouble. How much can people take?
Dunno. The article was emailed to me. Hope to find stuff out from the discussion.
Yeah...and if I could find one each SFC John Turman, I would remove his sensitive parts for that very damned lie.
But since I was only 17 at the time (1969) and he was close to 40, I suspect he is dead, but that doesn't lessen my angst one bit when I hear this crap.
Computer issues. Sorry for the double post.
Live up to the deal you made with me!
If this gets to Trump’s desk, HE HAD BETTER VETO IT! Our Vets put their lives on the line for this country!!! They deserve the care they were promised! PERIOD!
At least they waited a decent amount of time after Memorial Day.
I enlisted in 1971. I found that my recruiter was straightforward with me....after he found out that my dad had just retired from the USAF.
I wonder if anyone ever took it to the SCOTUS?
I know they did over the pension and they ruled that the contract you signed at the time of your first enlistment was what counted. Any changed that were made after that were not applicable.
Be nice if we could continue with TriCare rather then going on Medicare at 65. Now that is a travesty.
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