Trashing Tricare [Obama to cut healthcare for troops]

Washington Free Beacon ^ | FEBRUARY 27, 2012 | Bill Gertz

[RobinMasters]

The Obama administration’s proposed defense budget calls for military families and retirees to pay sharply more for their healthcare, while leaving unionized civilian defense workers’ benefits untouched. The proposal is causing a major rift within the Pentagon, according to U.S. officials. Several congressional aides suggested the move is designed to increase the enrollment in Obamacare’s state-run insurance exchanges.

The disparity in treatment between civilian and uniformed personnel is causing a backlash within the military that could undermine recruitment and retention.

The proposed increases in health care payments by service members, which must be approved by Congress, are part of the Pentagon’s $487 billion cut in spending. It seeks to save $1.8 billion from the Tricare medical system in the fiscal 2013 budget, and $12.9 billion by 2017.

Many in Congress are opposing the proposed changes, which would require the passage of new legislation before being put in place.

“We shouldn’t ask our military to pay our bills when we aren’t willing to impose a similar hardship on the rest of the population,” said Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and a Republican from California. “We can’t keep asking those who have given so much to give that much more.”

[RobinMasters]

[Cvengr]

What’s the co-pay for a Corpsman?

[mainevet]

That link doesn't work.

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[onedoug]

...islamist bastard....

[Mother Mary]

Should cut healthcare for all elected officials first.

[Drill Thrawl]

Who cares, it's the gubment unions that need protecting.

You left out the "e" in corpseman. /s must I?

[FewsOrange]

Outpatient $12 per visit
Inpatient $11 per day ($25 minimum charge)

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/LearnAboutPlansAndCosts/TRICAREPrime?

[Lmo56]

Cut my Mom's Tricare? After she has spent 85 years of her life in the military - first as a Navy brat, then as a Navy wife? Not on you friggin' life!

My Dad AND Grandpa [and Grandma] are all buried at Arlington. Let Obama go up to their graves to speak to them and explain that the United States CANNOT afford Tricare [at current rates] for military and their dependents, BUT CAN afford to keep the same rates for UNIONIZED workers ...

[mountainlion]

Where is the impeachment petition?

[mainevet]

Let’s not forget about all the good stuff illegals get.

[Drill Thrawl]

Where is the impeachment petition?

You can fill one out Nov. 6th but I wouldn't bother, the game is already rigged.

[Cvengr]

I first have to have you sign this waiver acknowledging you are ultimately responsible for all medical charges including any the Obamacare folks refuse to pay......just press here with your thumb,...oh wait, the server's down.....

[vpintheak]

This instead of entitlement reform. Bammy is saying, “UP YOURS!” to the Armed Forces.

[pabianice]

It really is truth or dare time for flag officers, isn’t it? The people who run the services can either choke-down Obama’s efforts to destroy the US military and punish its veterans, or they can cry foul and threaten to quit and mean it. Obama could not survive a resignation of the joint chiefs. Forget Panetta; he’s a career pol and loyal only to himself. Now Obama is apologizing to the murderous Afghani savages that are shooting our troops in the back of the head over perceived insults to a book. The Revolt of the Admirals happened over smaller issues.

[Tzfat]

What a jerk the thug in chief is

[Tzfat]

What a jerk the thug in chief is

[Tzfat]

What a jerk the thug in chief is

[Repeat Offender]

To caption your pic: Hmm, I’m not seeing treatment for “sucking chest wound.” Would you like an abortion, condoms, or a sex-change operation?

[tgusa]

And the REALLY AMAZING thing is all the hope’n’change bumper stickers I see here on base.

[CitizenM]

All part of the plan. Add more government jobs and programs. Build up the government payroll. Then, keep all government workers happy and they will keep voting for you. Let them sit in cozy offices in the winter, and air conditioned comfort in the summer. Let them do about half of what a worker in the commercial workforce does. Let them get away with coming in late, sleeping on the job, spending personal time on the phone, etc...and being generally lazy, with no chance of repremand or, horrors, being fired. They must all be treated with the utmost care and political correctness, and never be uncomfortable. And, above all, they must get every possible holiday off, several weeks vacation, and the most exclusive health care coverage in the country.

But, our military can train hard in unbearable weather conditions, carry hundreds of pounds of equipment, march and exercise day and night, get up early and always...always...be on time. They must be willing to work on holidays or whenever called to report. They must be ready to put their lives on the line for Americans and leave their loved ones, friends and families for extended periods of time. Their pay is always below the pay of counterparts in government offices. But, according to Obama's plan, now they are won't even receive health care coverage equal to that of some lowly clerk in a government office whose only job is to answer the phones.