UPDATE: The DoD is continuing to push for their proposal for using the National Health Expenditure index to drive future TRICARE premium adjustments. Read: Proposal Would Save $3.2 Billion in Health Care Costs.
According to Stars and Stripes, the House of Representatives 2012 Defense Budget proposal includes provisions that would protect military retirees from the Department of Defense’s plan to increase TRICARE premiums and fees for another year.
DoD has pushed for TRICARE fee increases for years, pointing out that health care costs could hurt the overall defense budget. But each year Congress grants military retirees a one-year reprieve – essentially kicking the can down the road.
Given the need to somehow cover for rapidly increasing cost of TRICARE, some veteran’s groups are now advocating the concept of moderate increases tied to the annual cost-of-living-allowance (COLA) rate. Where do you stand on this issue?
Read the full article about the House’s Proposed 2012 Budget.
We have all read about free medical care. However, if my memory serves me right that case went to court and the verdict was that anyone who enlisted prior to 1956 was entitled to free medical care. AF retired, enlisted first in 1950 and was on a delay enroute from Basic Training when the Korean War broke ouit.
I still have several Propaganda sheets that came with my pay checks from the 1960–70 era telling me I was paid at a lesser rate because of my FREE medical care for life.
It is amazing that so many people can be fooled by so few people. It seems like anyone would know that a scam is being played on the preople and most of them don't even know it With three wars going on at the same time and thousands of jobe have been shipped over seas, there is only one way to get rid of the debt and that is to raise the taxes on everybody. What makes people think they can have good schools, policeman, armies all over the world without paying for it. We have allowed the media and a few politicians to make fools of us by appealing to ouir greed and selfishness.
I don't agree with you Joseph. I live in California the land of illegal and free from getting birth control pills, pregnant; abortions; free childcare healthcare food and housing and now they voted free education for the illegal alien and not the citizen. Everyman that has retired from the military deserves the same as a house of Representative, senator,or president and his den of thieves. Military should be sacred cows especially those wounded in the line of duty. Gvt. workers at every level and the privatization of the army needs to be put into check…
More than 60 yearsago I, like probably thousands like you, volunteered to serve to assure that our freedoms, way of life, just love of country remained just that way. We fought against a Communist way of life. Now we see within our own Government, a rapidly advancement in spending that directs us into a Socialist/Communist form of life style. The only way that we can prevent "bankruptcy" and 3rd World/Communist status, is to cut spendng. Because of the current enconomy situation, all of us, regardless, will have to surrender some of their Government promised financial entitlements, for a few years. For the few years of life that I have left, I personnaly and for my children, grandchildren, choose freedom over 3rd World catastrophic life style condttons for any truly freedom loving American..
You can read what you want, myself and hundreds of thousand others lived it. We were promised free medical at 20 years of service as an entitlement of service to our country, just like our retirement pay. I was drafted at 19 years of age in 1969. After Nam I reenlisted and went on to complete 24 years of serviceas a enlisted and Warrant Officer. The Retirement entitlements throughout that peroid was FREE MEDICAL FOR LIFE.
Well George, my father was enlisted prior to 1956 and retired E-9 USAF. He and my mother (also enlisted prior to 1956, but forced out with pregnancy) did not recieve FREE medical care for life. Since retirement, my husband (Ret. O-5 USMC) has never received FREE medical benefits. Like millions of others, they were promised when they enlisted or joined the officer ranks that one of their biggest benefits in serving their nation would be FREE medical care and FREE prescriptions for LIFE. Our CONgress thinks nothing of chipping away at that PROMISED benefit. Do the House and Senate members pay for their medical benefits? If so, would someone plese raise their rates? And, if their benefits are FREE, then let us insist they start paying, so we can BALANCE the BUDGET!
The poll does not give a reasonable option. The DoD proposed increase is not moderate, however, increasing premiums could help balance the budget. The NHE index would increase my premium by about one month's premium extra each year. Since the increase will be compound interest based, premuims will double in about 8 years, double again in 5 years, double again in 2.4 years. With no COLA incrase in the annuitization, the premium in 15 years will be higher than most private insurance rates, and in 20 years will cost over $8000/year, and in 30 years will exceed the retirment income benefit.
I will take the hit as soon as Congress gets on the same program of health care that we have. There are a lot of places to balance the budjet, such as cutting off aid to countries that hate us. Also cutting the aid to illegals in this country. Let's do away with the EPA and get rid of some of the Zhars in the administration. Let's get the government workers (?) salaries and perks in line. Should I go on? I for one was promised that I would have lifetime dental and health if I stayed until retirement. Where did it go?
Thank you Don for being the mathmatician because I was trying to compute how many years it would take for the retirement pay to completely disappear and then require us to pay additional for medical/dental. It would be bad enough to tie it to COLA because half the time congress just skips the military retirees. We were good enough to be targets in SE Asia but we lost that one so we don't deserve to have retirement. Maybe someday we will have a group of government representatives to shoot down their automatic raises.
Yes we were good enough to act as targets for the north commie SOB, but WE did not lose the war, Congress and our government lost the war. You can't win a war with your arms tied behind your back and blindfolded. But congress gets the raise and we get the Purple Shaft with the Barbed Wire Cluster!
The old Blue Jackets Manual states the free health care for life. Gov't books don't lie or do they. My collection goes back to 1944 and it is there in black and white.
The Brits were called Willie during WWII as yanks were GI Joe. During the war it was Wilie did this and Willie did that. Now in Britain the joke is Who's Willie!
Don, you are an idiot, I served over 20 years and by damn if I will pay more.
Don has it right. Compound interest is a quiet killer. That goes for all govt. pensions and Social Security. Good place to look to slow down future national debt without everyone having to take an immediate and drastic hit.
I'll be glad to "take a hit" as soon as congress does away with all their "perks."
I think most of us have the same idea Bob, It seem as though Congress the President and everyone in Washington is willing to ballance the budget with the middle class and I don't see ANYONE in Washington taking any hits on their perks. If anyone says anything about those Fat Cats their comback is that their perks are a very small part of the problem.
But how many working class people can hold a job for a couple years and get a retiremnt like those in office? And how many remember how the Vietnam war was paid for by LBJ and his people (money in our social securiy funds, now it is going broke) Is that how we lost most of our benifits?
You are right, but if those perks are such a small part of the problem, they shouldn't miss them should they? Down with the congressional perks!!!
Dito Bob, I can not believe that congress wants to hurt the military anymore than they have. I am ashamed of almost all of our members of congress. No COLA increased for three years, no SOC. SECURITY increase for three years, now this. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO VOTE FOR A BILL THAT WOULD LIMIT THE NUMBER OF YEARS CONGRESS COULD REMAIN IN OFFICE. WHEY SHOULD IT NOT BE THE SAME FOR THEM, AS IT IS FOR OUR COMMANDER IN CHIEF. Perhaps take some of the senority strength from them, and things will improve.
Bob you hit the nail square on the head. They get "free" medical care and a nice retirement after 4 years.
I agree. Congress has the best Medical plan going and they look at raising our Medical cost, with no retirement raise. Time for Congress to start taking the hit!
AMEN!
I would be happy to take a few hits, just as soon as Congress eliminates their right to full retirement pay after only one term and when their medical coverage is also based on their contributions.
AMEN brother AMEN
Bob, I agree. When the perk policies for the US Congress are adjusted down to the level of US Military retirees, then I am willing to take a hit as well.
I vote with you, Bob
Bob has a good point!
When politicians end the retirement after one term BullS*** and start paying the same for health care we do, I'll take a small raise in my Tri-Care. But since I didn't recieve a COLA raise this year and actually had more taken out, why am I suppose to fix the money shortage, I didn't spend it, no one ask me if it was OK!!!!
Right on Brother!!!!
That's what I say . . . when Congressmen do away with their "perks", then I'll be glad to "take a hit:" Try living on $1165 per month. That's what I do.
AMEN Bob!
I agree and Nancy Pelosi can foot her own $100,000 booze bill herself. Yes, our government approved that bill and it was for booze for parties with her family and comrades.
AMEN to that Bob! Congress thinks that they're immune to our laws. They act and go about business that is ABOVE the law and we let it happen!
I agree with Bob. After my husband served 23 years in the Marine Corps, retirement isn't easy. The cost of living raise has been held back for 3 years straight but the Federal goverment has increased the taxes on retirement pay and now wants to increase Tricare. My husband is 100% disabled and cannot work to supplement the income. God helps us if the goverment increases Tricare. We are barely living check to check.
He gave everything for this country and the country (Federal Goverment) wants even more.
Hasn't he applied to the VA? I too am retired (USN) and drawing 100% disability from the VA. The two combined along with S/S, after 65, are adequate for a modest standard of living. I strongly encourage your husband to join the DAV and authorize them to act on your behalf with the VA. DAV is great.
Best of luck – SCPO ret
It's one perk at a time. Chip, chip, chip away.
I know this is old hat, but when I enlisted in 72, I was told free medical. The current I don't mind paying a little more, but they need to set a rate and leave it at that. Increase the rate on the nest group of retires.
When I enlisted in 1982 I was also told free medical if I retired. It sure isnt free. The officer tring to raise the rates can afford it because they are over paid as members of the service and as retirees.
I agree with Bob. I really think though that we should be grandfathered in, those who were told that medical would be free. I think that if there is an increase in the rate that it should be decided fairly and used in enlistment presentations to attract new service members. Tell them before they enlist so that they can make an informed decision based on the truth. You should not be able to tell a person one thing to get them to enlist and then change it after they enlist. It can cause a real hardship on a person or family. We need to know what it will be before we enlist and stick to it so that we will know and can plan accordingly. We should not have to make this choice to pay more AFTER enlistment. All these NEW costs AFTER THE FACT is what drives the service member into distractions, depression and poverty at no fault of their own. And then we are expected to serve, and we do and we, for the most part, do a great job! We give our lives in many ways, wars, injuries, loss of limbs and eyesight and hearing, mental issues, divorces, one parent in the home, away from family and others which requires heavy medical care caused by duty after their enlistment. We keep our part, the government should keep its part. We should get what we are promised at the on-set. WE GIVE OUR LIVES TO TAKE CARE OF YOU SO DO YOUR PART AND GIVE US WHAT WE SIGNED UP FOR!!!
Absolutely!
I was an Air Force Recruiter in the early to mid eighties, and that
was one of the bigest selling points that we sold the recruits on.
"FREE MEDICAL CARE FOR LIFE"
This government can reduce the cost of caring for present and future Tricare recipients by getting all our troops out of these Middle Eastern countries we are supposedly protecting for our "national interests". No senseless wars yield no senseless war injuries. Our government can also make our wealthy polititians (How else could they get there?) pay for their health care through the same types of health care programs we have had to endure over the last few decades. Most haven't ever served in the military so how would they know what it's like to be subject to a bullet with the promise of good medical care after the fact. Maybe then we'd see some real health care reform.
History has proven, from helping Castro gain power in Cuba to helping Osama Bin Laden fight of the Russians in Afghanistan, that they will eventually turn against us when the time suits them, using money we gave them. Our government calls it fighting for our country when we are really fighting for theirs.
These Middle Easterners have made it plain that they don't want us there. They sneak into our units while we are trying to train them to defend themselves and then turn against us and cold bloodedly kill as many of our young troops as they can while doing so. Remeber the incident at Fort Hood? It's the blood of our toops that has fertilized the growth of these nations that the world now looks at as great tourist sights when 20 twenty years ago all they could offer was camel rides in the dessert.
Meanwhile our government gives tax shelters to American companies doing business there at the expense of jobs here. These companies should be heavily taxed to import their products here. Our government should also forbid travel, trade etc. with these countries and at the same time stop all foreign aid to them. Billions of dollars to pay for Egypt's army to protect their tyrant leader. Money talks and BS walks.
I proudly served 24 years during Viet Nam and the first gulf war. What's going on now is no different. Our troops can never be sure who the enemy is. They can be uniformed soldiers or plainclothes radicals. They can even be women or children all wired up to explode in a crowd of our troops while they're trying to generate good will by handing out chocolate or sharing their MREs'.
Our main "national interest" is oil and it's the oil companies lobbtying against the government to keep them from funding research for clean and efficient energy alternatives. Some of them would deny that, but their alternatives to reducing oil consumption still require oil. If we continue to develop nuclear, solar, wind and even tidal power, maybe all those countries will drown in the oil we no longer would need.
Polititians would dance around my comments and say it isnt that simple. Look how easy they got us into this mess in the beginning. Suspision of weapons of mass destruction. Thinking the Taliban would be easy to take out. If the military oficials were allowed to run the wars instead of the polititians it all would most likely have ben over long ago.
Do I sound PO'ed. You bet I am. I could go on about our immigration policies but that is another subject for a different forum.
I go with you CHIEF..I was Korea and Nam things have gotten worse all
the time and as you said children and women wired to blow you to kingdom come…But As You and I and many other veterans Know the Military will never run the WARS and the Politicians will ALWAYS RUN THINGS and then wonder why is the H— things go Wrong….. in a Conflict… We need more PATTONS Jr's, Bradelys, Pullers, and Howlin Mad SMITH'S in the MILITARY…
Folks in Congress and the Senate and the PRESIDENT of the US of A need to have SERVED in the Military, Course the would not make the MONEY that they now Make, and DRAW RETIREMENT AFTER TWO OR SIX YEARS RIGHT AFTER THEY HAVE LEFT..
I side with both of you about doing away with perks for congress. I believe we should pay them only for when they work. NOT pay them when they don't vote, or don't show up. Or go home to campaign for the next election. However, I want to correct a couple of misconceptions…Members of Congress are subject to the same retirement rules as employees of the Federal Government. They are tenured after 5 years, but must serve a minimum to collect retirement. I think they are overpaid, considering how much money we pay them and how much they still make for outside interests. Only the rich can campaign and get elected. I think if they are going to freeze retiree cola and federal cola then they shouldn't get one either. If they are going to make us pay more for our medical benefits they should too. I brought other health insurance long ago after retiring from the Navy, because Tricare was costing me too much money. I worked as a contractor and it was cheaper than my catastophic cap. Then they did away with using a Tricare supplement when your employer paid for it. I still brought other insurance. Everything has gone up but my pay. It is very hard to want to stay in and do your 20 and then get out and start over at the bottom of the pile.
If you look at the history of our past presidents, the Civil War & WWII created an anomaly of have politicians with military service. Less than have of our presidents have served in the military – an even smaller number of vice presidents. Regan did not serve in the military along with Clinton, Bush 2 and Obama. Some will say Bush 2 served, but I don't call what he did military service, just avoiding the draft like so many other well connect young men did during Vietnam.
Correction to my above statement: If you look at the history of our past presidents, the Civil War & WWII created an anomaly of politicians with military service. Less than half of our presidents have served in the military – an even smaller number of vice presidents. Regan did not serve in the military along with Clinton, Bush 2 and Obama. Some will say Bush 2 served, but I don't call what he did military service, just avoiding the draft like so many other well connect young men did during Vietnam. Jimmy Carter the last president without WWII service (he did enter the Naval Academy in 1943) to have served in the military.
Read more: http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2011/05/hou…
MilitaryAdvantage.Military.com
Right on, Chief! We all NEED to start looking at what is being suggested and ask ourselves exactly what it is that we are protecting by taking the hit. If we do, you MUST conclude that we are being asked to give up the adequate health care that we have by paying ever increasing prices for lousy service, in order for corporations and wealthy people to continue getting even more! If you really ARE worried about the deficit, then you HAVE to ask for higher taxes on the wealthy, a complete halt to all foreign aid, a drastic reduction to the military forces (YES, to the standing forces), weapon acquisition programs, business tax credits and payments to those businesses! Yeah, I can already hear the nonsense that cutting defense spending programs on acquisition programs will cost thousands of jobs! Guess what, they already have – in the automobile, and other manufacturing sectors where the cost of doing business has been jacked up by our defense spending making our products less competitive in the world market. The technology goes to defense. The new plant and equipment goes to defense. We CANNOT afford the level of defense we have stubbornly kept going just to pay General Dynamics, Boeing, General Electric and other huge monopolized corporations swimming in cash. Lastly, we have to radically cut back on Homeland Security – or whatever it's called because all it is is a chance for politicians to steer far too much money to their friends and supporters while we receive very little real benefit and are made to feel like criminals just because we want to take a trip on a plane! This insanity will stop. The only question is just exactly how and when it will.
The last time we decided not to put up with this garbage was the Civil War. The Russians decided not to put up with this in October of 1917. The French decided another solution was needed in 1787 or so when they thought the guillotine needed a little more use! I certainly hope we don't get to that point, but, if people don't stand up to the greedy thieves and their pack of lies, it may just happen. So, while you profess that the deficit is such a big problem, realize the solution isn't abandoning the middle class and leaving people to fend for themselves while the wealthiest people keep gobbling up even more for themselves while telling us it's the best thing for us! Right!
Well said Chief
Chief,
You need to run for congress.
You're all over the place, this is an incoherent rant. Your views on national energy policy are not relevant to the discussion or even close.
The only issues of relevance are:
Should the health care benefits/Tricare premiums for future retired personnel be changed?
Should the health care benefits/Tricare premiums for already retired personnel be changed?
Should DODs language of "working age personnel" be changed to still working personnel? (I'm 62 which by current definition means anyone not old enough to draw full Soc Sec which for most is 66 or above, but have been retired due to illness for 10 years. I'm working age by their definition but not working which according to DODs complaint about working personnel not choosing to use their employers plan, thus making Tricare the sole payor. I'd much rather work if I could, retirement costs me big, I don't get the benefits of the still working salary as their concern implies.)
If you want to get results, be more concise, on point and communicate your well thought out argument to your elected representative in a letter that they see you took the time to hand write. It works much better, I do.
u are correct the retires will pay for everyone wounded or not
YOU GO MAN, I AM RIGHT BEHIND YOU – SHRINK THIS CORRUPT GOVERNMENT – IT'S ALL ABOUT OIL AND FILLINGTHEIR OWN POCKETS – LISTEN TO FOXNEWS.GLENBECK.COM – HE WILL GIVE YOU THE TRUTH ON ALL THESE CORRUPT PEOPLE RUNNING OUR COUNTRY BEHIND OUR CORRUPT GOVERNMENT FRONTS – ACTING AS GOVERNORS, SENATORS, ETC. ENOUGH ALREADY 30 years with the Marine Corps starting with Korea
Amen.
Amen Brother!
Amen, brother !!!! (SCPO, RET)
We need to drill in our own country for our oil, and they will drown in their oil.
If we drill here this will create jobs and if the politicans that think the American people are the stupid ones, but we know the politicans are the stupid ones thinking we the people are stupid.
Lets drill here and sit back and see how fast we win in this war on terror.
why dont you guys find out why tere are so many difrent standards for goverment employees starting with congress dod gs ect maybe if congress had to pay% o f teare pay thay would understan why we are fed up with being nicle and dimed to death fred us army ret
I was reading your post, and it sounded like you were reading my mind!! The Sh%t heads in Washington will never see the light at the end of the tunnel, Keep on giving illiegal immigrants all the same benifits as citizans, and well never get back on an even keel.
These people that make the decisions don't understand the sacrifices of the military and their families. We miss birthdays, our childs first steps, comforting them when they are sick, prom, graduations and the list goes on. All they have to do is call in and go home. They need to leave our benefits alone. Especially TRICARE. They just don't seem to care.
It's been like that since 1776. Let the military do the dirty work then forget about them like yesterdays news.
You are correct. Every election there are fewer prior military personnel getting into office. Once, when it was the right thing to do, or so said, we had a high percentage of prior military in office who understand what the military does and what we give up to defend our country. As it is, we have a lot less bennies now than retirees of the 60's through 90's. I retired in 2003 with 36 years, with less bennies that those earlier year retirees. COLA? Living in Montana, I still pay my deductables, and lots more that TRICARE doesn't cover because there are very few doctors who take TRICARE. But I guess that is the price I pay for living here.
I am in awe of how the government on all levels wastes much mpore that could spare the very people who have made so many sacrifices on all levels for this countr. Can they not leave the retired military the TriCare benefitrs that they were Promised, by the very political system that has apparently forgotton what all the military retirees have more than earned .They could work on cutting back in their own back yard first
How dare they even consider such a selfish move! Every retiree that has Tricare and served our Armed Forces should be totally irate at such a move. This shjould alsio be read to all of the poltical people in favor of toiucing military benefits.Please <Mr. Politician> ,use your head as to what you do. You have to begin to clean up your act.
D.Sparkman
It would seem many of those making comments didn’t actually read, or apparently did not understand the article. It is not the elected officials, President or Congress, trying to raise Tricare fees but the brass and bureaucrats at DoD. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you! From the aricle: “Accord¬ing to Stars and Stripes, the House of Rep¬re¬sen¬ta¬tives 2012 Defense Bud¬get pro¬posal includes pro¬vi¬sions that would pro¬tect mil¬i¬tary retirees from the Depart¬ment of Defense’s plan to increase TRICARE pre¬mi¬ums and fees for another year. DoD has pushed for TRICARE fee increases for years, pointing out that health care costs could hurt the over¬all defense bud¬get. But each year Con¬gress grants mil¬i¬tary retirees a one-year reprieve — essen¬tially kick¬ing the can down the road.”
They are being told by the administration to make the cuts.
It still goes back to Congress to give the money needed to pay for the
insurance of the troops.
We give almost 24% of our budget to other countries, some 158 countries
receive aid from the United States. Most of the rrest have American Service Personnel there in their country to protect them. Many of the countries do not even like us. We even give aid to China, and buy all the junk they send to us. So. Why not do as Texas Congressman Fred Pose has proposed, and sut the door on all Foreign aid, and bring our troops home. We would then be able to give them what what they deserve.
Irregardless WHO says to do it, it is the CONGRESS that makes the final decision. Gates can say cut all the Admirals and Generals pay in half but it won't fly if congress says NO!
(SCPO, USN, RET)
Are military personel are living in poverty and DOD thinks they make to much money.
Let the military and its retirees alone and clean their own house before trying to manage someone elses house.
DOD has tomuch dead wood and to many people that don't know what they are talking about.
Hmmmm looks like someone does not know the chain of command…. The President and the house and senate decide what to cut or increase and the DOD depending on who is in charge if they have enough kahunas to do so should always FIGHT for what is right for the SERVICEMEN, Rerired Or Active. Obamacare is the culprit in this. That is what this is all about!!! If the Freaking 20 Million Illegals were not getting free hand outs across the board than we would NOT have a Problem! If the beaurocrats in DC could STOP Spending Our Money on the DNA of a dang catfish Or some stupid RAT's extinction in San Francisco, OR doing research on WHY PIGS STINK which was all in the OBAMA BailOUT BS then AMERICA could BE AMERICA AGAIN.
Yes, the DOD is beaucracy friendly and when congress says jump they say how high! How the hell do Colonels get promoted and how do Generals get promoted, by the bullshit Congress and the dumbass President.
Permanent untouchable structure needs to be built in for the Military. Medical, retirement, better hospitals and staff. They need to be seperated from the rest of the defense budget, just like medicare and social securities should have never been touched for any reason. Defense budget should stand alone. Yes it matters who is in Congress and the Senate and the President. He has appointed many men that are unqualified to lead they can only count and their pile is higher than the soldiers. Permanent Structure even during govt. shut down. That was a ploy anyway. A threat from President and Senate in reality not true. Notice the notice went out before the President even signed? it is not the Congress but the Senate and the president playing these games.
Brought to you by the same people who want to repeal DADT
I totally agree. Our military used the promise of free life health care to recruit and retain us. Now it not only has successfully evaded keeping its own promise, it is using half truths and lies to covince Congress that its rate increase requests are modest. I agreee that we must raise our voices above those in DOD to remind our representatives that DOD promised us free health care. However, in order avoid being ignored as unreasonable, I suggest we we support fee increases tied to our benefit raises.
John Collins
Not sure what created the strange glitches in my original post, so here it is again.
It would seem many of those making comments didn’t actually read, or apparently did not understand the article. It is not the elected officials, President or Congress, trying to raise TRICARE fees but the brass and bureaucrats at DoD. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you! From the article: “According to Stars and Stripes, the House of Representatives 2012 Defense Budget proposal includes provisions that would protect military retirees from the Department of Defense’s plan to increase TRICARE premiums and fees for another year. DoD has pushed TRICARE fee increases for years….”
We need to push Congress to make the reprieve permanent.
Those bastards.
You are on the mark DoD should and grant a permanent reprieve ASAP.
Think -Just use your head. PLEASE!
That is never a truer statement. As wars have come and gone, the vets during the conflict are praised and loved, but as the wars wrap up they forget the sacafice made by those men and women. If the (the DOD brass and bean counters) get their way our entire retirement checks will almost cover our health care. It is just wrong. Congress needs to pass a law that prevents any furture tampering with tri-care. I don't know about most of you but I have'nt received a cost of living raise in a couple of years and the cost of living has gone up ….
Gates you suck!!!! And all the brass sitting next to you. Are you all holding hands under the table now since you can kiss and tell? You (Gates) have been on a mission with your buddies next to you and still trying to make us retirees pay more. First let me know something who's brain storm was it to raise the fees? (E-1 thru E-6). (E-7 thru E-9) and (W-1 thru 0-10) Can you see between the lines? No wonder your 0-10's holding their hands under the table can care less of their retirees! You suggested fee's be increased accordingly i.e. (E-1 thru E-6). (E-7 thru E-9) and (W-1 thru 0-10) the last time I seen my pay check it sure was not the same as a 0-10 (but I didn't hold hands under the table either!) I really don't understand people like you! (getting up in the morning and looking at yourself in the mirror or better that that look at a service member or retired individual and have no shame!)
You should clean your mirror! (A**.H***.)
If Gates thinks this is such a good plan, He should put himself in the retiree's shoes and see if he wants his Tricare fees increased. No, It would be different, he would be fighting to prevent it. Gates is a MORON
PUPPET just like all his BRASS buddies sitting next to him. They should all be put out and put some vets in their places. WE NEED SOMEONE WHO CARES FOR THE VETS. IT WOULD'T BOTHER GATES AND HIS CRONIES IF SOME OF US VETS DIES OUT. IT WOULD MEAN ONLY LESS MONEY FOR THEM TO SPEND FOR OUR HEALTH CARE.
I also belieive that Gates sucks, he is just another two bit politican about one year ago a Marine absorbed the blast of a grenade saving his buddies,Gates and his boys stated that the Marine was dyeing from a head wound and did not sacrifice himself. Sgt Peralta"s mother refused the Navy Cross even though sworn statements with endorsements up through the SECNAV nominated him for the MOH
HOW DOES GATES GET THE JOB HE HAS WITH THE ATTITUDE HE HAS TOWARD THE MILITARY? HOW CAN HE BE SO INSENSITIVE ABOUT THE MARINE WHO GAVE HIS LIFE IN COMBAT? THIS GUY HAS NO COMPASSION FOR NO ONE. HE DOESN'T DESERVE ANY POSITION WHERE HE MAKES ANY DECISIONS ABOUT THE MILITARY, VETS, RETIRED OR ACTIVE.
Prime enrollment fees (now $230/$460) would be raised for retired officers to $400/$800 (individual/family) next October, to $600/$1200 a year later and to $750/$1500 by October 2008, the start of fiscal 2009. Enlisted retirees under 65 would see Prime enrollment fees climb to $300/$600 next October, to $375/$750 a year later and to $450/$900 in October 2008.
What's next after this wouid ever get approved? (I'm sure it will be a lot more)
Where do these bogus figures come from? I've had them forwarded via e-mail also. It's 2011 already (just check the calendar) so posting what might have happened (but didn't ) in 2008 and 2009 makes zero sense.
These are the proposed increases that DOD is still trying to push through. Can you afford this? I dread when they start with Tricare standard folks. I quit using the Military Hospital because I wasn't satisfied with my care or the care that my dependents received. I now see the same doctor all the time and my care is much more consistent. I always used the ER at the base but have come to the conclusion that their new policy is make you comfortable, send you home and tell you to see your doctor. I get much more polite care at an ER in town. At the base I am just a number.
Affordability and subjective reasons for satisfaction with military heath care are two different things. In answer to your question, yes, I can afford it, even though we're now covered by Tricare for Life. Here's a link to a CBO study where the figures above (and an explanation for them) can be found: http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/102xx/doc10261/MainTex…
I'm not sure why people pay for their tricare health care each month by using prime rather than standard. Standard has a yearly deductible of $300 per year for family and cost share of 25% not to exceed a catastrophic cap of $3000. So take that current $460 a month premium and multiply it by 12 and you're paying $5520 a year for just the insurance premium which exceeds what Tricare standard will cost you. Since I'm not close enough to use a military facility and since I'm not big on the level of care you get there, I prefer using my local providers anyway. Just something for the Prime enrollees to consider.
I saw the figures for the initial increase and knew that incremental increases would follow, but, had no idea that they would be so astronomical. I am a widow of a retired 0-5 and this is the only insurance I have. I could not get other insurance because of my medical history. If these increases are put in action I'll be destitute. Most of my husband's smart investments for me were lost in the crash of 2008.
We get our retired pay so it can go to the Tri-care benefit!
I agree with the Seabee Chief PKG in his remarks about the funding of the hostile countries that will eventually turn against us. I have often said that any foreign aid that is given these kinds of people should be tempered with "what are you going to do for us in return" and if the answer is not profitable, national security be damned, then cut them off and start charging them for what we would be doing. I further think that if our wonderful congressmen would reduce staff by 50%, limit the number of people the president and first lady have working to minimum then everyone going on social security and medicare as the rest of us, billions & billions could be saved. Also any staff over the one or two required should come out of their pockets and this applies to all the people working for the government. I fully believe that a committee of folks like us should be setting the parameters for congressional pay and benefits, but you and I know that will never happen. Then on to the illegal immigrants, they should be deported as soon as possible, bring the troops home and establish closed boarders, executing all who try to cross into the US, would decrease the financial load on legitimate citizens. Any company that farms out work to a foreign country that could be done in the US should be charged an 80% tariff on the difference in cost between US manufacture/assembly and the declared cost from the foreign country. This would help or mostly pay for all the high unemployment.
Good ideas, but wrong solutions in terms of degree.
Yes, there should be a group of ordinary citizens established to oversee pay and benefits of the Congress, the President and the Supreme Court! Don't forget those guys. It should be the case that people do actually give up something to serve in the important offices of the legislature, the highest court in the land and the presidency. Point of fact, they already do! We don't need to curtail tremendous amounts of their budgets, staffs and other perks. What we need to curtail is their power and influence!
The Supreme Court should only be able to make a ruling on a case in which a six to three majority on the proposed ruling can be obtained. Having a one vote majority on issues as far reaching as the cases the court hears is very dangerous and we have already seen the consequences of that!
Allowing a senator from some puny state to hold up court appointments and a variety of other important business of the government just to get his way is completely insane!
Allowing the president, who is sworn to enforce the laws, to ignore the Environmental laws or the labor laws or any other law that they don't feel like enforcing should propel them out of office.
The quickest and surest way to do that is to forbid corporations and unions from participating in politics and government, to publicly fund all federal elections,and to eliminate party affiliation as a force in the legislature! Yes, it's CRAZY and it would be most difficult to accomplish, but we HAVE to do it!
I agree and we should stop importing things from China. We owe them enough money, we shouldn't be helping their economy by purchasing 90% of their goods. It is turning out that most of their exports are below U.S. standards and the companies that bring them in make the profit and laugh because they are not being penalized for their failures or falsifications.
only problem with that is they would call in the loans to us and then we would really be in trouble. they call the shots right now because of the amount we owe them in loans.
Take some funds from the congress and go back a few years to get as much as you need. They have not earned the wages they get. Let them live like some of us here in the real world.
starting with pelosi, reid, frank, and obama. i think we should put a halt on all of their pay until they get the budget balanced and stop spending more than the govt brings in.
VA pension recipients and DOD retirees dont get a COLA raise and neither do Social Security recipients but this year's income tax withholding did increase for retirees( at least for my husband). Gas is almost $4.00/gal and now you want to double our tricare fees. Now tack that onto the ever increasing cost of food because of transportation, fuel and taxes, then add any real estate taxes and most of us retirees will be out on the street because we can no longer afford car insurance, utilities and property let alone health insurance. So congress gets richer on their pay hikes and the middle class get squeezed into the poverty class and poverty class folks get homeless. It doesn't seem like a fair exchange for suppporting your defense troops for 20 or more years even if you were able to save a little nest egg when you could.
I say lets regulate oil and imports again. bring dollars back home to the US and stop giving away wheat and corn that other countries cannot pay back. What is the US going to reposess if they cannot repay their loans and bills?
yea my taxes went up too but my pay sure didn't go up.
My thoughts are exactly like SeeBee Chief KGB. Wake UP!!!
When I joined, and 24 years later when retiring, I was guaranteed lifetime medical care at not cost to me. Now that promise has been broken, as have others over the years. It seems to the only way to retain a benefit is to become a trans-generational welfare recepient and not have earned it. Only then you are safe from the budget axe. I do not mind making the extra sacrifice by paying a little more, but I'd like to see those who perpetually contribute nothing be required to sacrifice as well.
My feelings exactly. After 20 years free medical is what was promised but the DoD did not feel obligated to honor that. Their feelings seem to be "We've what we can from you now go suck an egg"
When I enlisted in 1960 they told me about "all the benefits'. Now (and for a lot of past years), they have been taking back those benefits we all were guaranteed. Isn't it time to put the politicians on the same retirement the rest of the country must live with? Enough already!!
Unlike US financial instruments and the promise that the government will pay the promises made to veterans fall in a shameful category. Obviously the COLA increase would be less of a burden that the other scale. For veterans who can handle the COLA increase they will most likely be called upon to make that sacrifice. How can we give millions per year to Planned Parenthood to abort with a focus on ethinic minorities and offer sevrice that may aid prostitution and human trafficing. Our national priorities are so far off the mark it is like there are no left and right limits on the range. Get ready for friendly fire.
When join in 1969 I was guaranteed lifetime medical care for lifeat no cost if I made a career rof the Navy and every time I reenlisted I was told the same. As CPO I told others the same think as I was told so they would reenlist.. The way to get medicalcare is to go on walfare and not serve you country. I Serve in Viet Nam and was willing to gave my life my country and look what they want to do fo me, nothing. I wasted 20 years of my life. Tricare now what to send everyone to civilian doctors so that means we not only pay a 465 dollars a year but more to see a doctor and get treatment when we live less then 10 miles from the Air Force Hospital.
It's the same at Robins AFB Clinic. Just try getting an appointment…..they have a doctor shortage (they axed all their contract physicians and that created a shortage). When I had pneumonia in February and tried getting an appointment at the clinic, the call taker at the appointment center blatently told me to "go to a med-stop down town as no appontments were available". My so called "assigned physician" has changed three times in three years. It's rediculous to have an assigned physician when you can't get an appointment to see them………..Tri-Care is a complete joke. My wife is on Tricare for life and Medicare. She gets bettere treatment than I do with no runaround. I can't wait to turn 65 later this year, screw Tricare Prime.
What a load of crap, we have not seen Cola increases for 2 years, Inflation is up (regardless of what they say) and our pay remains the same. Now they think it is justified to charge us more for the benefit we sacraficed for 20 years for. I cannot speak for anyone else, but I am not getting rich off of retirement, and I am just glad to have Tricare, so please don't screw with it. We earned it, Now quit spending money on abortion clinics (killing babies), Cowboy poetry (Harry Reids favorite charity), Aid to Pakistan (the very same country who harbored Bin Laden and other terrosits for 5 years), and the list could go on and on… Take care of the military and find cuts elsewhere…
and if it's anything like carter we won't until just before the 2012 elections. remember carter refused to grant any pay raises then decided to give a 15% in the months before the vote – thankfully people weren't stupid enough to re-elect him. we can hope the same this time that the stupid people forget to vote or get some smarts.
I totally agree, lets stop supporting the free loaders and worry about the people who earned and deserve it.
CHIEF,
JUST GOT ON TO THIS LINK…YOUR COMMENTS ARE RIGHT ON,
I HAVE MEDICARE AND TRICARE, THEY OFFER DELTA DENTAL, BUT
AT MY AGE WHEN I GO TO THE DENTIST IT ENDS UP COSTING A
LOT….THEY REALLY DON'T APPEAR TO COVER ANYTHING EXCEPT
BASIS CLEANING AND EXAMS, POSSIBLE FILLING….OH WELL, DON'T
KNOW WHAT TO SAY..NO COLA, NO SOCIAL SECURITY RAISES. I
GUESS WERE JUST OLD AND THEY DON'T CARE…TAKE CARE..IKE
Trust the govt to take all they can, including the DOD. Promises mean nothing. First to go was dental care, remember that one? Then come
Medicare, which retires pay for, then tricare <free for Life>, now trying to adjust that to save money. Don't allow any cuts, get the money from
non-deserving entities,including foreign governments.
One world govt?? Everything should be restored. My husband served 38 years from Nam till now and retired. Everything promised during all the years was to gain a vote. None of the soldiers overseas ballots even counted. Hmmmm I guess I know why. Restore the Soldier to his full combat gear including his health!
They pass legislation to protect the rich from having to pay their fair share of taxes, thereby adding about $840 billion to the deficit, and now they target the military retiree/veteran?? Give me a break. If the rich don't pay their fair share of the taxes, then that means we screw over the children, the poor, the old and the sick…and the military veteran/retiree. America proclaims how it supports the troops, but the support is hollow and hypocritical at best. Supporting our troops means more than wavi9ng flags.
so just exactly are the "rich"??? oh you mean the ones HIRING???? get a grip, most of the "rich" are those making $250K or are the mom&pop employers. ask joe the plumber about being "rich". i guess you bought into the lie that the "rich" don't pay taxes – they do – well unless they're democrats. then they "forget".
Only Republican'ts know all the loopholes to write off every dime they paid into taxes. I just made some Republican'ts friends who showed me how to Inc myself, write off all of my driving to and from work, write purchase clothes for my job, and most importantly how to turn my property into a farm so all you tax payers can get me a $100,000 tax credit. All you need is one alpaca. Thanks Republican'ts.
When 47% of Americans, at lastest count, do not pay any Federal Income tax the Tri-Care issue isn't in the "class warfare" you are subscribing to my friend. Your comments are but a "red Herring" to the real argument of lost promises by our so called elected representatives to those who faithfully served their country and fellow citizens.
There are paid bloggers on every site. This is probably one. I agree the American soldier should be the best paid taken care of animal around. He has paid in blood. They should have the same benefits as congress senate and President. Permanent structure for Veterans past and present!
What follows are my thoughts that I've sent to our FRA Leadership team and my congressional team as well:
Good morning FRA Leadership –
I'm writing today in response to the recent media coverage regarding increases in TriCare premiums. I wish to make a few comments that I'm hopeful you may consider as the debate rages on.
First off, I'm a retired Senior Chief having served for just over 21 years. When I retired, I entered the civilian workforce holding a number of senior level Human Resources Management positions within a number of public and private industries. I also had the opportunity to pursue a bachelor's degree and master's degree in the field and I maintained professional certification throughout my human resources career. I am now fully retired.
I tell you this brief background because I believe it lends credence to my suggestions. Over the course of my second career, I had many opportunities to review, purchase, and implement health insurance plans with varied cost/co-pay structures. I had the responsibility to walk the tightrope between my corporate responsibility to ensure the most cost effective plans that met our business needs and my other responsibility to our employees to ensure the plan selected met their needs and the needs of their family.
Second, I recognize that rising healthcare costs are the major factor when any organization (and this includes the Federal government) decides to provide access to health insurance. I also realize that the TriCare premiums have not kept pace with either the cost of living or the escalating cost of healthcare. And since there has not been an increase in premiums since the mid-90's the cost of providing coverage has become very skewed and out of pace with the true cost to provide this benefit. I also recognize that there are very vocal groups and individuals who want to "leave things the way they are". However, I believe these groups are coming from a selfish perspective and not really choosing to look at the issue from an unbiased perspective. The bottom-line, something has to be done and the hard part, what is that "something".
What follows are two suggestions that I feel could be implemented that would meet the needs at all participatory levels of TriCare.
a. First and foremost, an automatic premium escalator must be implemented if we are to have any hope of premiums maintaining any sort of equilibrium with the cost to provide the benefit. The exact mechanism would need to be worked out, but a simple suggestion might be to tie all future increases in premium to the CPI similar to that used to calculate other program (such as Social Security Retirement, Navy Retainer Pay, etc.) increases. While this method will never be able to fully keep pace with the increases in healthcare costs, it is at least a start in the right direction.
b. Second, I believe that premiums should be tied to a participant's rate or rank and length of service. Again, a very common practice in the corporate world of benefits, the higher your annual salary the higher your healthcare premiums. Here again, I think a simple idea that would serve both the Plan and participants fairly. As an example, a retired O-4 would have a higher premium than say an E-8 (such as myself) who in turn would have a higher premium than an E-6. A modifier to this type of structure would be length of service. For example, a retired O-4 with 28 years of service would have a lower premium than an O-4 who retires with 22 years of service. This could be offered as a benefit for those serving for a longer period of time. I'm sure the first argument to this suggestion is that it is "means testing" to determine premium and, yes, it is in a way. Those that can pay more, should pay more even though it is for the same level of service from the healthcare plan. Again, I'll say this is a very common practice in the business world, senior managers pay more for the same health insurance coverage as a front-line customer service employee. It's a matter of fairness.
i agree with your "B" and have suggested idea like this, however, in the lazy world it is easier to punish all (charge all more) vs do it on a ladder level.
One SCPO to another in case you forgot we were already promised this benefit for serving 20. Now u are saying a person that serves longer could be offered a BENEFIT of a lower premium if they serve longer. 20 yrs down the road who's going to insure that it doesn't change again.
I say you tell new people entering the service and put in writing that a person DOESN'T get medical health benefits no matter they serve 20.
Recruiters should never tell a person that they will and have the recruit sign a paper that he's be told so.
Yep, you've been brain washed. Using the words "Human Resources" tells it all. That was the first step in de-humanizing your employees and treating them like any other expendable piece of equipment. Thank You!!!!
One big thing wrong with this Cheif. High year tenure as you know puts some out sooner. I have always seen this as an unfair practice. Now you are saying that person should pay more, even though he was willing to serve longer, but was not permitted to. And I am sure your are aware that he may have been just as good a service person as that other person who may have passed him by.
I served 10 years in the 60s got out as an E6. I went back in the reserves in 87 as as E4, and retired in 2001. I was never able to make E7 in the reserves because of to many know-it-alls. My time was up, (I turned 60), serving the last year without pay, because of high year tenure.
Now If someone can tell me this is fair, I will go with this proposal.
Let all elected officals start paying more and the veteran, retirees and military won't have to worry about tricare premiums.
Sorry Senior Chief, you are thinking like someone with money. I'm a retired Warrant who was also a Senior Chief. I am 70% disabled, Unable to find work, going to college on my GI Bill, have two kids finishing HS, and now a promise of free medical care is turning into an increasae in Tricare premiums. What you must not have been taught in the Chief's Mess was the priviledges and benefits must be used or else they get eliminated. Stop thinking as the obviously wealthy HR guy you obviously are (Gunny is right by the way) and start thinking like a combat vet that relies on his benefits every single day. Do you work closely with DoD?
The sliding scale idea has some merrit. My problem would be how much I would have to pay because I was forced to retire early or not get to re-enlist (THANK YOU MR. CLINTON). Even though I am partly disabled, I still have to work as hard as anyone else in this world just to survive.
When I enlisted I was told free dental & medical for life. This was earned by serving. But having to pay, OK, make it real. Politicians get to retire after serving just one (1) term in office. Why should I be paying for that if I also am expected to spend more on my health care? Overhaul Congress and lets make it even for everybody! If that sounds like I am lazy or greedy…so be it. I earned my retirement, what politician has actually earned his?
I am a retired AF 0-4 with a Masters Degree in Personnel Management. After retirement I have worked in international business and public education. I've never seen any business that had insurance premiums based on years of service or where you were located on the management/employee food chain. What mattered was if you were single/married or had children. Where have you worked? As for your last statement-"its a matter of fairness" –business isn't fair!!
My husband was told "free medical for life for both he and his family" when he fully retired after 20 years of service. How can one take that back? Aren't promises/obligations meant to be honored? Shame on the gov't to even reconsider such a thing.
Now, if they want new retirees to begin paying for healthcare, then they should disclose that future retirees will be responsible for some specific percentage of their insurance, that way, when fees increase, their percentage increases as well.
But you should not reneg on something already inacted, just change the future starting with now!
I thank you sould get off your ego trip and join those of us that wasn't so lucky .
Get real!
You sound like one of my friends that went to Canada. heck you guys even got forgiven. LOL
Did you get it in writing? Navy recruits joined to "see the word "but most only see the bowels of a ship….nothing is guaranteed. Most people heard what they wanted to hear – it was really "health care for life" not "free."
david were u in the military? or a disgruntled VA employee?
it is only a "guarantee" if it's in the contract. now you know why it will NEVER be put into the enlistment contract.
That's because it was a lie.
As an enlistee I was "promised" that if I hung in there and retired from the Navy, I'd have "free medical care for [me] and [my] dependents for the rest of my life." Then, as a recruiter, recruiting instructor and recruiting supervisor, I told countless others of that benefit –and to tell those they recruit of that benefit as well. Now, thanks to our Congress and our senior leadership, I have become a liar!
After the Cold War ended, The So-Called "Peace Dividend" was upon us. A Peace Dividend that is until the World Trades Center was attacked. Then we entered Wars that have lasted Longer then WWII and the Deployment Tempos were increased to unheard of levels. The Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRACS) started closing bases and along with those bases went Military Hospitals reducing access for Military Retirees. That was the Beginning of the End for No Cost Health Care at Military Medical Facilities for Life in exchange for 20 or more years of Honorable Service.
We have an All Volunteer Military. We do not get 401ks, Stock Options or Profit Sharing and most of us were not Born with a Silver Spoon in our Mouths.
We need to decide if we want an All Volunteer Military or just go back to a Draft.
What is left of our Most Valuable Benefit, No Cost Health Care for Life at Military Medical Facilities in exchange for 20 or More years of Honorable Service is in the process of being diminished even further.
Every time Medical Care is Contracted out to Civilians, the Costs go up. If we really want to save money, we should reopen all the Military Hospitals that were closed after the BRACS. The Military did it Cheaper and we Trained our own people in the Process.
Our Benefits have been under assault ever since the End of the Cold War. We now live in the Most Powerful and Wealthiest Nation Mankind has ever Known because of the Efforts of our Proud Men and Women in uniform. I find it a Hard pill to Swallow that we have to face this threat at Every Election.
It is up to every Man, Women and Spouse in the All Volunteer Military to write your Senators and Congressman a Respectful letter or email to let them know how you feel. If you let them diminish your Benefits any Further, they will gladly do so.
We have already lost our Promise of No-Cost Health-care for Life, Now they want to pick over the Remains of its carcass…
I agree with you a hundred percent Doc. Most of the promises that wewre given is now up for change or to even be dropped.
I totally agree with you about the hospital closures, etc. They need to dismantle Tricare and go back to the original military medical system with our own hospitals and clinics and doctors, etc. Someone decided to civilianize the military medical system and invented Tricare and it started going down hill from there. The powers that be should have changed the civilian medical system to make it more like the military.
Get rid of Tricare!!!
Any person serving in the military and putting their lives in the governments hands should not have to pay anything on their healthcare and only a fraction for their dependents.Retirees included
When the DOD started going down this path to get the retiree out of the base medical facilities it saved them money. Now the retiree is finding they have been shafted by the DOD and all of these costs will be passed onto them in the end. By having the cost tied to Cola the increases can be sustainable but by tying the cost increase to healthcare costs we will be paying out the ….. As a 26 year veteran I feel let down by the promises my government made to me in 1976. There was a verbal contract everyone understood when they entered the military except for the Congressional reps who have found a way to stab us in the back. Ever wonder why congress has such low polls? Also you can't make the argument all the veterans returning home from the war will be affected as they will move to VA facilities and not Tricare. Tricare only affects retirees and the government didn't forecast the rapid rise in healthcare costs. The government has also done NOTHING to curve healthcare costs either. If they had the Tricare cost would not be an issue. Don't fix the symptoms by going along with healthcare increases…fix the damn problem with healthcare costs.
I suggest Congress take a look at the waste in Federal spending. The entire system appears to be out of control. The “perks” allowed our elected officials is beyond any prudent business model. You need to take a “hard” look at the dollars that are flowing to the countries around the world. Why must you always look internally when you try to cut back rather than looking externally. You are spending countless dollars in the Middle East with very little return on your investment. Too, you need to look at he “give away” programs here at home. You congress men and women should be ashame for your approval of wasted dolloar so you can get re-elected. There are some elected officials that are truely concerned about the country, but most are mostlyl concerned aqbout getting re-electedl. Also, Social
Security woud not been in financial distress if the
Government had not pulled money out of the program and left its “IOUs”. I really get P—-d when I read and hear about Social security being broke. Our curren administration is pathetic. I’m out of space, but not comments.
I suggest Congress take a look at the waste in Federal spending. The entire system appears to be out of control. The “perks” allowed our elected officials is beyond any prudent business model. You need to take a “hard” look at the dollars that are flowing to the countries around the world. Why must you always look internally when you try to cut back rather than looking externally. You are spending countless dollars in the Middle East with very little return on your investment. Too, you need to look at he “give away” programs here at home. You congress men and women should be ashame for your approval of wasted dolloar so you can get re-elected. There are some elected officials that are truely concerned about the country, but most are mostlyl concerned aqbout getting re-electedl. Also, Social
Security woud not been in financial distress if the
Government had not pulled money out of the program and left its “IOUs”. I really get P—-d when I read and hear about Social security being broke. Our curren administration is pathetic. I’m out of space, but not comments.
When my butt was being shot at in VN ('66 and '70) I was told make it to 20 and retire–The benefits are great. My Bronze w/2 OCL (FMS) are greatly appreciated, but I need money to pay my bills. Let Congress give a little money and blood this time. Free medical care and 50% was in my bargain, I KEPT MINE.
PS: My TriCare for Life is not FREE!
With all the "Excessive" expenditures this government has created, saving 3.2 Billion Dollars can come from other places rather that DOD. How about some of the money we send to foreign countries that hate us. How about dropping the ideas of High Speed Rail Systems … this government can't run Amtrak or the USPS correctly. They think they can operate a high speed rail ?! How about letting oil companies drill in the US? This would create more jobs, more income, thus, more income taxes. The DOD should NOT have the power to dictate the rates of Tricare!! Frenchy … Retired USAF
I'll be happy to accept a big increase-right after Congress renounces their retirement plan and goes with what everybody else has, social security and they give up full retirement after one term and lastly they take the same health care benefit program everyone else has to have-Medicare.
We live in the Wealthiest Most Powerful Nation Mankind has ever Known!
Tax Rates on the Wealthy during WWII was 91% and we funded WWII with War Bonds.
Tax Rates on the Wealthy today are 14%. We are in Wars that are lasting Longer then WWII. Todays Wars are being funded off the Books and are being funded by Borrowing From Red China!
Do the Math and draw your own conclusions!!!
I've got no problem with an increase matched to our COLA, but no COLA, no Tricare premium raise. As far as NavyVet21 goes with his "business scaling premium plan", I don't know what businesses you have been working in, but the handful that I've been in you pay based on your family status, not how much you're making.
What gets my goat is that it is targeted to middle aged retirees. So now there is active, military retired and military working retired. Just when did we get a new class of military retirees. Why do the rules always seem to change after you have already served your time. How could they not expect us to use TRICARE after we have earned it. Also, considering all the money they spend in govt (trillions), this seems like a drop in the bucket that they just want to rest on our backs and say they did something about it. How about cutting out all of the assistants to the assistants to the deputy assistant of the assistant to the DOD.
I agree the poll is pretty lousy. Most of us don't mind making a sacrifice we know good and well is appropriate. That being said, when is the rest of government going to get responsible and take their share of the bitter pill? I remember full well when past budgets had to be cut that the military was always the first and easiest place to go after. Plenty of civilian agencies that can be downsized, benefits cut, etc. As Rahm Emanual would say, "Never let a crises go to waste". Ya gotta make a crises first, then convince the citizens you can lead them out of it.
We, the Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces deserve medical care next to none. We have made sacrifices and endeared hardship while serving our Great Country. While our elected leaders reap a handsome salary and lucrative medical and other benefits and sit in a posh office dictating what we should pay. How much are they paying for there medical insurance and superior medical care? I hate to sound selfish, but our sacrifices were EARNED in the military and we and our families should be entitled to superior care at a reasonable cost if not FREE!
I fought against the very inception of Tri-Care under the Clinton-Gore administration as I recognized it as a departure from the moral contract for free healthcare for retirees. Once this was “contracted out” the expense to DOD and the vets took off like it was tied to a rocket, as I warned VP Gore during a discussion opportunity. It did exactly as I stated it would.
Now, the DOD, wants to pass the expenses off to us retired vets, and that is where we vets must draw the line. We made the sacrifices when DOD had not anticipated the expense, now they want us to take the hit again…for them! Well, BS people, we served, we earned, they need to meet their obligation. I found out this year 2010, 37 years after being in Thailand, I was exposed to Agent Orange. The DAF declassified that document that long after thousands of us were exposed…now they want me to go to the DVA and do the bureaucratic hoop dance to be declared eligible.
As far as the veterans groups, I assume the VFW, AL, etc. embrace the pass through as indicated in the article. Well, they don’t speak for me, period, they embraced Tricare, now they embrace premium increase pass through, these folks don’t speak for me in any capacity. The DOD does not want to tie increases to COLA’s as they have a huge role in determining if there is to be a COLA during any budget year…like the past three where there have been no COLAs for retirees. Since they fight COLA’s, don’t want to pay for the play that has been committed to, why not find some other “aggressive” vehicle to determine how much they screw us for, which is at over twice the rate of any given COLA for the same period.
Make the message simple, DOD and Congress, keep your hands off of our earned benefit, shut up and pay up!
USAF, SMSGT, Retired
I do not see anywhere a revamping of the VA. Folks that served one term and never left the United States appear to have more benefits than I as a retiree. The first thing that has to be looked at are those with disabilities on the VA rolls. There are many on the VA rolls that deserve the benefit, but I would bet that after a close examination one could pare these rolls by some 40-50%. That would be a substantial savings.
YOU’D BETTER ALSO CONSIDER THOSE WHO WERE INJURED IN THE WAR(S) WHO USE MEDICARE AND TRICARE TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR INJURIES—LIKE AGENT ORANGE WHICH IS A KILLER AND HAS ALREADY KILLED THOUSANDS OF OUR TROOPS FROM THE VIETNAM ERA AND AFFECTED THEIR CHILDREN!
ITS JUST RECENTLY THAT THE GOVERNMENT FINALLY RECOGNIZED THAT THEY WERE KILLING THEIR OWN PEOPLE AND ADDMITTED IT!
I think first Washington should look very hard at eliminating the dollars sent to countries such as Pakistan and many others who want to kill Americans before they even give a thought of increasing anything on our military or retirees, then second but certainly not least whatever you as THE PEOPLES REPRESENTATIVES, vote for in Washington will also apply to you the policy makers. About time you to get a taste of your own policies and laws.
This is a logical business decision. Increase MUST be tied to the same figure that pay is attached. POINT: If pay increase is ZERO than increase is ZERO. That forces serious political decision and no more actions to cover up misspent monies.
I'm sorry – as far as I know – we've NEVER had "free" healthcare. My husband works for a living on the flightline, men and women suffer, are injured, and die every day for this "healthcare" – and the ones who "survive" and "retire" had to pay in 20+years for this "healthcare". Now which part is "free"? Oh, the part where they get to lord it over us. :(
Remind DoD that retirees are fixed income, no cola in years even though prices have been going up, and now skyrocketing. We NEVER got paid or received benefits like Congress. Equalize their financial level with ours and we’ll be happy to take whatever hits they take!
As soon as our government quits paying for illegal immigrants education and health care and various other benefits they get for just dropping on the ground on our side of the border, they can come back and ask me if I mind paying a bit more for the "free" benefit my family sacrificed for 20 years to be told I'd have to pay for after all. My family, the flag waiving, patriotic, tax paying, war fighting, living on military pay family! I don't think so, and now my son is in the army and facing the same future, what future will the military promise him? He is more realistic at least, he isn't expecting much.
I am willing to take my share of the debt burden, AS SOON AS THE CONGRESS CUTS THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS, ALONG WITH THEIR OTHER PERKS THAT WE HAVE NO SAY IN. The only thing we can do is elect someone else to replace them, then they leave with a big pension, health care, and all the other perks they vote for themselves. Four years later, their replacements do the same…..so that is not an option.
Retirees already have paid in full for their health care -. Paid by twenty or thirty or more years of active duty service, in wars, in extended duty overseas, on call 24/7, most of those years with pay below the private sector. A promise was made all those years ago that medical care was paid up for life.
I agree with most of what has been said. We do our time and are promised free health care for the rest of our life. The members of congress only have to do one term and get retirement for the rest of their lives along with benefits for their family's. They automatically get a pay raise every year unless they vote it down. Never seen that happen!! Why not cut their benefits and make them live by the same laws as they pass upon us. In all their discussions on where to save money there has not been one single word about them leading the way by cutting their benefits first. Wouldn't that be a change.
I know our country is in a hurt because of their overspending. They need to start by decreasing the spending before they start making all of us start paying.
I believe for the most part, the comments in here are from true patiots and servicemen that served their country well. I served from 1963 to 1992 and this is probably the proudest time in my life. I agree with one comment that when they're raising gas, food and now wanting to raise the retiree's tri-care, these folks will are hurting the retired folks. I don't see anyone in Washington willing to take a hit on their compensation. What's fair about that.
I enlisted in 1942 left the Navy at the end of WW2, was in the reserve until 1948 and reenlisted and retired in 1965. My enlistment contract stated that if I served at least 20Yr active duty I would receive free medical the rest of my life. Then I was put on Medicare and paid 20% for a while. Then Tricare for Life came just before Col. Bud Day was to argue before the Supreme Court on a breach of promise Class Action Suit on behalf of all Military Retirees. The contract is still breached because of payment of insurance premiums to Medicare. Bud is also a MOH recipient.
I got in USAF in 1949, was promised health and dental care for self and family forever if I stayed untilretirement. I retired in 1970 after having the medical, dental care jerked from under me in 1956. I learned that promises mean nothing to those who want cannon fodder; however, the VA pays me the cost of a cup of coffee per day (about $1.35/day) as compensation for a service connected disability. The VA takes what they claim to pay me from my retirement pay and gives it back to me tax free, big deal since I'm in about the 10% tax bracket. The TAX FREE part is a JOKE – meaningless.
It is my opinion, that we in the military and, retirees must force our congess leaders to draft (and pass) a bill that limits congress to no more than eight years in office. We have allowed them to become so powerful that they do not pay one iota of attention to the militery and retired military needs. We do not allow our Commader in Chief to serve more than eight years. I ask what is the difference. Today I am sending all my congress members from the state of Arizona this same E mail, I urge each person to do the same. The seem to think that they do not need to listen to us, if we stick together we all will be shocked as to how much change we can muster.
I took my chances, I risked my life; I knew up front what the benefits were. So who has the moral right to devalue my life rectoactively?
What we have is politicians on the fast track to destroy the values that built America!
I remember recruiting advertisements when I enlisted in 1968 that talked about free medical care for 20 or more years of service!
I feel that the Veteran's them selves should be entitled to the promised benefits, but should have to pay for the Tricare for their wives & or dependent children. All medical Insurance[s] increase just about yearly for everyone – Federal Employees included – and our wages are frozen, most likely for longer than the stated two years and originally intended by President & Congress. Yes, everything around us costs more as that has happened to us as well – such is life unfortunately.
When I joined the AF in 1960 I was told that as a retired AF person I would have free medical for life. Why am I and all retirees now paying for our health care? The only increase happening in Congress is their pay.
We need term limits. Our politicians only deserve the same health care our retired military receive. We need to stand united. The day we stop taking care of our veterans is the day we need to stop making them.
I gave 22 years of my life protecting this Country and was told I would receive FREE medical care for life for doing so…. Fing BassTirds Lied! Give a retirement equal to Civil Service and I will be glad to pay a little more towards my health care costs, until this happens….. Back Away!
TRICARE is already linked by law to what Medicare pays. This cannot be said for ANY other Federal employee health benefit. Further, there are many doctors in my area who refuse Medicare AND TRICARE patients, because they lose money on each office visit.
Before any changes are made to TRICARE, the Government should first off ELIMINATE Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP) or at least change it so it pays the same as MEDICARE.
Should they choose to eliminate FEHBP, then they would add all Federal employees INCLUDING our so-called leaders, to Medicare or a plan that pays like Medicare. Why should non-deploying desk jockeys and politicians get better benefits than the military.
It is true that DOD needs budget cuts. However, they need to look to operations first. Keeping our troops in two endless, ill-advised (or worse) wars, while cutting benefits is outrageous.
I would only ever endorse anything that increases costs to personnel and retirees after EVERY other avenue of budget cutting has been explored.
We went to war, we gave our all while the losers in DC just kept getting fatter. Cut pay for all congress/senators, the president and the rest of the admin and all federal workers who have pulled the wool over this countries eyes for so many years – they are not overworked, they get all their vacation time and they are paid way too much for sitting in a fancy chair, AC office and most of time are not at their desk. GEEDUNK RUNS AND PERSONAL PHONE CALLS. Then they would know how the under paid and over extended military feel. WHAT A SORRY MESS WE HAVE GOTTEN INTO BECAUSE OF GREEDY POLITICIANS AND THAT ALSO INCLUDES THEIR STAFFS. TNX
I get so tired of hearing about this so called free maeical they talk about. I was told i would have free med if i retired when i joined the A F in mar of 1955. then when i retired i was pushed over on medicare and that costs me 200 dolars a month for my so called free med.
I enterd the Marine Corps in 1953 and was promised health care for me and my family for life. Do not add a cost to medical coverage.
Why on the backs of the elderly, poor, and the Vet's. When are the senators and Congressmen going to stop taking while giving to themselves and the rich.
I served fromthe end of WWII throu the Korean and much of the Vietnam war,
and was promised in writing that medeical care would be free for life., But
guess what. I am still paying for it. After 20 plus years, I discovered that our
country does not keep its word to the military. I would never do it over. Our
fat cat Congress people just feather their nest, and to heck with retirees.
Hey I used to think ,should be a limit as to what Uncel Sam should do ,wether its vetrans GI Joe or Mr American. I change my mind,.I tell you why. I worked all my life ask nothing except after military service . a good job work save and be happy. I am retired now and boys & girls ,do what you have to doand get what you need. There is a polatician in Washington screwing every one he can to become rich at your expence .to hell with Cola,Social Security has a CVola ,and now things are tough because while you were keeping you country safe those meat heads been robbing US A blind. Its not they work for Us,Its they steal from Us. I can't imagine some one getting elected and serving a 8 years or maybe few months and get fullpay rest of their Bleeping lives. So Get yous now to hell with that cols ,They like obama Has done to Us . stop it for duration and take the money and buy computer to put there Medical records on. Screw them. Cash Up front is what you deserve.
They approve it because you got over paid polticians they don't care as long as they get poor people kids to serve, so they dont have to send there kids, oh they can give billions to Pakiastan who was hidding Osama but they can't even take care of American veterans there is 4 montths waits to get into VA specialty clinics and tricare and there so called contracted hospitals and good doctors are dropping tricare like hotcakes, it does not pay because the rich have made ripping off AMericans for medical a fun $$$ thing, our government will not stop the gouging of the runaway gouging by the medical insurance industries because of the there billion dollar lobbies. See CEO of INT Medical Insurance company needs to make his 22 million in salery and his 23 million if stock opitons per yea, so you can pay more intricare., while protecting this CEO AMericns rights and his umbrella, so he can live the life of ripping of Americans and his life style-captislm my a88, it's a fraud, .. You have where the government NPRC or the VA is loosing your medical records and then the VA denies you because the government lost your records and admits it, you will be fighting years of appeals because the government has no honor.. they only want patriotism and honor from you but when you ask back the government patriotims and honor has flew out the window. Just face it our government has been corrupted above all means FUBAR.By LOBBIES. These polticitcians get paid 160k for working half a year and then getting bought to sell the rest of America out. You have chickenhawks in charge but they want to go fight there wars by lies and oil. Look what they did to so called 26 year old dependant TRICARE add on a 200 dollar a month payment, wow what a benefit they should of just told us to bend over. There is no parties repub and demo it is one system and agenda that is corrupted by secret evil agendas and lobbies. There is no more patriotisms they just demand that from you while there ripping off our country and sending jobs to china.and Mexico. Best Advice get out and your thinking of joining dont , do what the rich eleites kids do, go to college and if there is a draft you can always do what rich people do, medical disqualify yourself or run and either case our country does not have any morals, ethics anymore and you too can be President like Bush, and clinton. draft dodgers elites. Ban lobbying save AMerica. It use to be where active duty families and there families had paid meidcal but nothing but the greed of politicians and their wars see they want you to pay and serve there wars by lies and when you get wounded there like an insurance company they disappear or your have to fight tooth and nail for everything you get. The best thing about the military is the education benefits, i would get those and jump. and stay safe because they will not take care of you and make sure you make copies of everything before leaving because they are loosing records because there is no law that prtotects you from government incompitency. But if you lost sensiitve records you would end up in mil prison or an art 15. its called JUST-us. The enlisted veterans still getting pooped on and even thegay thing they dont care so why should you. I wonder who is going to pay for all the diseases the CDC reports thats goes with that life syle like the 99 percent pass rate of aids To a8al cyst. what will that be a purple heart thing now. You think your tricare is high now wait to tricare has to pay for all the gay diseases see CDC report on homosexuality. It use to be God and Country but GOD has made it clear in the bible 5 times,what his laws are on that, he calls it an obimination. oh well. You can see were becomming a country with no morals no ethics. We even torture now as long as a lawyer told you it was ok like BUSH. God help us all.
When I joined the US ARMY in 1955 we were promised 100 % free medical for life. I enlisted in the US AIR FORCE in 1957 and again was promised if we served 20 yrs. free medical for life. I re enlisted in the US ARMY in 1961 and again was promised if i completed 20 years , free medical for life. After 22 yrs of service 2 tours to V N a Purple Heart and 71 yrs old, I'm informed i must pay7 a co pay. I am also informed due to injuries rec'd in service that I am unemployable and will receive 60 %.
ANY increases in TRICARE–which should have been free in the first place–will result in my voting against ALL incumbents.
The DoD is full of whiz kids who never served a day in uniform. And full of sycophantic generals who'd push anything to get their next star.
But if this Congress wants to be reelected, it had better stop this DoD nonsense for GOOD!
James, The recommendation for this is the SEC of Def and even the JTS who you'd think would be looking out for their members is pushing for this increase. We don't vote them in.
I'm surprised the SEC /Def hasn't pushed for a payment for families of active duty people. i've been retired since 76 so I don't know if they don't already.
I spent 26yrs plus in the Air Force and I was told when I enlisted that if I stayed for 20 years that I would have free medical and dental for the rest of my life. As we all know that did not happen. When they change the way Congress get free medical and dental after only serving a couple of years with out paying in anything, then they could come after us. I don't recall a time that they were ask to go into a war zone or put their life on the line.
This country will give free healthcare & medical aid, free food, free schooling, free everything to illegal alliens and give our money to countries that are supporting terriorest. But yet when comes to our Retired Vets or our soliders who are still fighting to keep this great country free you took away their free medical care that was a promise to them when they retired from the military. Shame on this goverment shame on any high ranking Commander who can afford to pay for the higher cost of living. I think the that the goverment which is empolyed by us the American tax payer should take a cut in pay and made to pay for their own healthcare why should they get it free for the rest of their lives and be paid their salery for the rest of their lives not the American Solider and the Vets who give so much to this country to keep us free.
I could go on and on about this but everyone on here has said something to the same effect. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS and OUR VETS!
and believe me that gates wants EXACTLY that for the retirees. he stated that he believed the monthly rate should be what those in the civilian sector pay. can YOU afford $465 a month? i cannot. i think that's what he's counting on so that people will cancel their TRICARE.
Every year the same thing. Don't the DOD and Congress get tired of their playing with veterans?
When the Bush tax cuts are allowed to expire, and GE and Bank of America pay their fair share of taxes, then I will gladly support a moderate increase to my healthcare costs.
When I joined the military service in 1966, I was promised healthcare at no cost for life. Our wonderful elected officials keep chipping away at what many of us were promised while providing themselves with always better and more costly programs.
Unless and until Congress agrees that their families should be provided with the same level of healthcare that I am provided at an expense comparable to what I have to pay after having served a minimum of twenty years as I had to, I object t any changes to my family's detriment regarding healthcare.
They need to take a long hard look at how they forced private insurors to cover children to age 26 and the way DoD at Congress direction is screwing retirees by charging well over $2,000 per child.
Maybe if we have a constant turnover and elect a whole new bunch in Washington every two years they may start to see the light of the tremendous damage they have done to this once great nation.
Before we start upping the cost, let's reduce the perks. Congress in an attempt to make military service more palatable made decisions to increase various benefits without funding them.
If congress managed to get honest and skip the pork and the next round of self assessed raises, get the system back on line and otherwise prove that they're serious about getting the budget on track, I'd be happy to do a little more.
For now: No Way!!
Heres my comment .And I dare it to be shown—–I am a ww2 vet–we were promised full free medical the rest of our lives,,Afew years agoe (NOT TO LONG ago ) some congress men and senatores who dont realize their cheap asses wouldnt even be here if wasnt for us ww2 vets . so they srated making us take a "means test ,some vets lost some benifits that were promised, and some lost a lot!!!!!!!!! And now with americia way over the budget they want to cut nedicare and social security——that what all us seniors were looking forward toin our old age—-so the most outragious things .out goverment is still sending PAKSTAN=LIBIA–EGYPT==KENYA..ALL MUSLUM COUNTRIES,ONE WAS HIDING BIN LADEN.MULTI MILLIONS OF OUR MONEY EACH AND ECERY MONTH,,INSTEAD OF KEEPIMG OUR TAXES HERE IN AMERICIA,AND QUIT CUTTING OUR PROGRAMS—STOP ALL FOREIGH AIDE
THE GOVERMENT WANTS MILITARY PEOPLE DISCHARGED TO PAY FOR THEIR HEALTH CARE!!!!!!AND THE IDOITS WE VOTED IN ,WONT EVEN ASCEPT OBAMA HEALTH SCAM FOR THEI HEALTH CARES!!!!!OUTRAGIOUS
There are many lost promises to our fighting men and women this being but one – however given the dire circumstances we face financially as a nation as a 30 year veteran I would support moderate increase as long as it was tied to the COLA increases of the future. We all must sacrafice together if our children and grandchildren are to have any future at all. that's how this old soldier sees it.
If our government would stop giving our money to all of these country's that hate America we would not be in deat and they could give us our free medical like we were told when we inlisted.
Sadly, the ONLY way to get a COLA increase is to ne on welfare or Sec 8.
It is SAD that we as a country give MORE to those that will not work over those that will and have.
It is sad that our politician's when deciding to finally try to cut the deficit, that they ALWAY'S go to Social Security, Medicare and Veteran's benefit's first.
I have no problem contributing my share, however, ALL of the freebies should stop first befire touching any of those mentioned. ALL PORK Barrel project's would have to END. ALL BS fundibg of thing's like NPR and Oik subsidies ( while they are making record profit's) and many other thing's before they touch any of our benefit's.
I believe that Section 8 housing should be ended!!!!!!!! I believe that what we ALL thought was happening with welfare ( 2 years max) should be enforced.
IRS Tax refund's- I believe that those receiving refund's should be limited in their return's to a maximum of what they paid in It's amazing how many people work for 2 month's, pay in $200 but get $5 – 6 thousand dollar return's b/c of number of children and earned income credit's.
I believe that GE & ALL other companies should be paying their fair share & loophole's need to be filled and STOP creating the loophole's for their FRIEND's companies like GE.
There have been so many pertinent comments here but I just felt like I should jump in too. My stepfather served for 21 years and retired in 1971. For his 20 years he had free health care. I enlisted in 1968 and served 26 years and pay for Tricare. It seems that the military is becoming our governments favorite target to balance the budget. I have a feeling that as fewer members of Congress and those appointed to serve in government become veterans, the more we will lose. We probably should ask why those serving in non-military areas aren't paying for their care while those of us that made the commitment to serve wherever our country and politicians sent us see future increases. I wear service to my country proudly-I just wish our country would recognize us as proudly.
As my memory serves me I was to receive free medical after retirement. Then after the Clinton Healthcare Reform we had Tricare that as active duty the premium was absorbed by the service. Then after retirement you paid the premium from your retirement…..not free medical as promised or I assume as promised. So okay we pay a slight premium for Tricare Prime, but at 65 you have to change to MediCare!!! Dont know the cost but assume I will be paying over $100 per month as others I know do!
But by allowing the Government to start increasing the cost now of the premium I believe is wrong.. I remember hearing that once you set the precedence for something then it always grows from there!!! Start with a slight cost with the Clinton administration — now the service organizations think it is alright to increase it due to the costs.
These organizations need to rethink this and continue to fight for the retirees for zero increases and not allow the precedent set before to continue to grow.
Why are I and all retirees now paying for our health care? I remember recruiting advertisements when I joined the Navy in 1979 that talked about free medical care for life after 20 or more years of service. WHAT HAPPENED? Also why are Retirees going to possibly have their TRICARE increased when we have not received a Cost Of Living Adjustment on over 2 years? Yet every thing from housing to food and gas has increased quite a lot. I am currently working 2 jobs and my wife is also working full time just to make ends meet. An increase in medical cost would be very detrimental to us. SHAME ON YOU CONGRESS AND ALL OTHER POLITICIANS. Remember that your ACTIVE military and RETIREES have had and always will have your back. PLEASE DO NOT STAB IT
RIGHT ON! They reneg, reneg, reneg… does that = LYING? JW
The INSURANCE Companies & Wall Streeters are the only ones who can have their giant PROFITS INSURED! Think about it!
As a prior Medical Recruiter, I clearly recall that in the MATTRESS of benefits that were promised to new recruits, the M stood for medical care for the rest of your life if one served to retirement. That was a promise, not a statement of space available. The DOD well knows what it's promise was even after Viet Nam and prior the the Gulf War. It was not an abiguous promise. Based on my personal knowledge, no military member who served on or after 1976 should ever have to pay for any medical care based on the recruiting promises made since 1976.
I am a military ( Air Force) retiree and sometimes I feel guilty about the benefits I receive, especially when I see other people working two jobs for minimum wage. However, I also see congressmen and senators receiving lifetime benefit for very short periods of public service. At no time during that service were they required to leave their families fro remote tours of duty or put their lives in jeopardy for their country. We all make choices. I chose to serve my country, first of all because it is a GREAT country and I love it. Secondly, because my country (government) made promises to me about a retirement and medical benefits that I would receive for the rest of my life if I gave them 20 or more years of service. I fulfilled my part of that bargain as did many others who are now wondering if their country (government) is going to renege on the deal. That would be fine if there were a way to give us all back the 20 + years we spent serving our country. It can NOT be, so, I think the best thing to do is to do the right thing and provide the benefits we were all promised.
The DOD needs to stand behind what was promised to those of us that stayed in and proudly served our country. We were promised Medical Benefits and now they DOD wants to backpedal. We need to hold them accountable. Its Not OUR FAULT the DOD can’t budget the rising Medical Cost
EIier text right here!
When I join the military this is one of the main reasons why I stayed in was for the free Medical and Dental I was suppose to receive when I retired, but all of this change in the earlier 90's. I retired over 20 years ago and my retired pay has not keep up with inflation. An E-5 retiring now makes more money than I do and I can only imagine what the pay is for someone who retired 25 plus years ago is compared to their counterparts now. If they want to increase the fee's then they should be looking at the ones who came in after Tri-Care started and start looking at them, they knew they would wind up having to pay for their medical after they retired, whereas the older retiree’s these were benefits promised to us when we joined the military.
I would not mind paying about $30 more a month in premiums to help on the budget issue, but strongly oppose increasing the costs for office visits and medications. I became disabled while serving over 22 years in the USAF. I would rather keep the cost the way they are now, but paying a little more each month is okay, but increasing the premiums up to 300% or more and increasing co-pays, and medication increases is totally unacceptable!
If we kept out of most countries problems and quit sending billions of dollars to them, we wouldn't even be having this discussion. We need to take of those who have served honorably like myself and continue to do so for the very last person who just entered basic training!
When I think of retirement I think of the promise that I could get free health care for self and family. I’m proud to be an American and would serve my country again, If I was able. Let’s fix this the right way not the easy way.”
Retired soldiers have to work hard to protect and support their families with disabling or limited health, as a result of service.
The money we spend for Tricare to operate, staffing and retires fees, would cover a lot of retires health cost. We have soldiers in the medical field that are ready, trained and paid. We often let outside businesses grow so large that they can not operate without a bail out or intervention, the cost is on the people who served. Please treat retires with dignity and respect, Thanks.
Please treat retires with dignity and respect, Thanks.
If they are going to raise the rate they should tie them to our COLA increases each year, If they think no COLA is suitable for us then it should be suitable for Tricare increases.
The military men and women should not be responsible for paying the healthcare cost related to the wear and tear caused by years of service inall type of environments. I definetely would not go to war if I am to pay for my care. Lots of our healthcare issues don't come up until after retiremen, In active duty we take the pains to stay in, but we know care be provided at not cost if needed. Certainly I would work for Home Depot instead.
V/R Soldier soon to retire after 34 years of hard miles
I'm a retired USMC CWO5 with over 30 years service. I believe the reasonable explanation given above by the Senior Chief with HR experience states it clearly. HIgher rank more pay; however, longer service less pay due to longevity in he service. Some serve 20 some serve 30 it is a decision. If a person serves a full career 30+ years it should be rewarded. If a person was in an MOS that didn't promote and they stayed 20+ less pay commiserate with the pay grade. In other words pro-rate all of this and use some common sense.
Those elected to serve and pass votes have way to much POWER..
let's take them on to the front line as an e-1thru e-6 for a year…
than tell them we are planning on forfitting your bonuses..
I say put all them in They do not need to breath the good air of being an AMERICAN.. start with Ms. Polisi ,and add mr ( Traitor ) Krry to the top of the list..
Instead of sending 3 Billion Dollars to Pakistan…..put it towards the veterans that have served this country……did not lie about it….took an oath to serve….when I swore in….I was promised health care for the rest of my life…ha ha….I don't think anybody who has never served a day in the service should represent the people….F@@@@@ the college graduates…who have nothing but money….get your young asses out there and serve before you cut veterans benefits…..sorry but this really pisses me off.
I am a retired naval officer, currently on Medicare, and greatly appreciate the Tricare for Life program and benefits.
I agreed when the Pentagon and the Department extended my end of obligated service three times.
Now it's my turn. I did my bit. I completed 25 years of active and reserve duty. I expect the Department of Defense to stop complaining about the personnel and medical care of active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel and just remind the Members of Congress that there are those who served and those who sat on the sidelines who now self-rightyeously complain about the DoD budget.
I would be willing to pay a little more for health care as soon as our senators and Congressman start paying for their healthcare. Also these are the same people who wanted to keep getting payed if the government shut down. To cut money in the budget why don't they stop these lawyers for getting people off on pennies on the dollar for not paying their income tax. We all seen the commercials where someone owed hundred thousand and the IRS settled on like $10K. The people we fight for and defend find it easy to kick the active duty, guardsmen, reservist, retirees and other veterans.
What happened to the PROMISE of free medical care for LIFE?????
Perhaps this is happening because the people now making the rules have never served in the military ???? For that matter, maybe they have been only self serving???
Free means no monetary cost to the recipient !!!!!
When I joined the service as many have stated I was promised free medical and dental benefits, I served my country for over 20+ years, now its time for my country to fulfill its promise and not to let me down, if its a question of money stop giving billions of dollars in foreign aid, discontinue giving health benefits to the illegals, its time for america to take care of americans.
Ok…just a little confused here. Just read an AP article by Donna Cassata (dateline 9 May 11) that said:____"The defense bill proposed by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard "Buck" McKeon, R-Calif., goes along with a small increase in the next budget but limits long-term increases by linking them to cost of living adjustments for retirees."____Which is it? Is the House opposing, or supporting a raise in fees? Do I personally support a raise in fees? Hell no…but, if it has to happen (which, we all know it will despite what promises were made to us), I would rather see it linked to cost of living rather than the health cost index.____
It is a shame some want to increase the cost of the military insurance when the insurance is not any good. I can not find providers in our area, and I am traveling 60+ miles one way to see a doctor. I have called Tricare as well as my congressman. I just hope I stay well enough to get on Medicare in a year. I do not have another job that makes insurance available to me, orIi would use it and not Tricare. I am sure congress has better insurance then mine!!!!
WHAT THE CONGRESS GIVETH, CONGRESS CAN TAKETH. I ENTERED THE USAF IN JAN 1951. ALTHOUGH MANY BENEFITS WERE IN WRITING,OVER THE YEARS CONGRESS RENEGED AND TOOK THEM AWAY. AT ONE TIME , DOWN THE ROAD, VARIOUS VETERAN GROUPS CONFRONTED DOD AND CONGRESS ON FAILURE TO HONOR OUR ENLISTED CONTRACT. THEY SORT OF RETURNED SOME TO THOSE WHO ENTERED SERVICE PRIOR TO 1956. THAT WAS WHEN THE MILITARY CAME UNDER SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE AT 65. I WAS GUARANTEED, IN WRITING, THAT I WOULD HAVE FREE HEALTH CARE FOR LIFE. I SORT OF HAD THIS! I PAY THE PART B SUPPLEMENT ON MEDICARE AND THE CO-PAY ON MY RXs FROM TRICARE. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE IN THAT 1 HAD MADE A WISE INVESTMENT IN MY 2ND CAREER AFTER MY 21 YR MILITARY CAREER. I HAVE NEVER USED A VA FACILITY, OR APPLIED FOR UNEMPLOYMENT. I AM NOW 79, WHEELCHAIR BOUND AND LIVING IN AN ASSISTED LIVING HOME FOR THE LAST 9 YRS. I HAVE SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO LAST ANOTHER 5 YEARS, IF THE COST OF FOOD AND ENERGY WOULD REMAIN STABLE AND THERE ARE NO COLA INCREASES. HOW MANY OTHER VETS HAVE THIS LUXURY? I WAS LUCKY. WHILE THE FAT-ASSED JACKASSES AND ELEPHANTS IN WASHINGTON GROW RICH ON BOOKS, SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS TO RAISE MONEY FOR RE-ELECTION, FACT FINDING TRIPS TO THE TOURIST SPOTS OF THE WORLD, AND THEN COMPLAIN THAT THE OTHER PARTY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SCREWED UP MESS THAT IS PLAGUING US TODAY. IF THEY WONT FIX IT, THROW ALL THE INs OUT!!!!!!! THEY GAVE US THE SHAFT BEFORE AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO AS LONG AS THEY GET THE PERKS AND CAN SCREW THE TAX PAYER. E-7 USAF(RET)
When I entered the Marine Corps, I was told that I would have free medical care for life if I served 20 or more years. I served for 31 years and lost my free medical. And now increasing what should be free, the military is the protectors of our country and continues to be used and abused. When is it going to stop!!!!
I am the widow of a retired Air Force veteran. I have not had a COLA increase in my SBP in the last 4 years. I have heard that the original increase in premiums was going to triple, at least, and all copays just about double. If that happens, I don’t know what I’ll do. I barely survive as it is.
It is my opinion that healthcare should be provided for military members and their families as long as they are on active duty. When I joined the military in 1965, I was promised that I would receive free medical for life if I retired. I retired in 1986 and as far as I recall, my promise was still in play. I have not had to pay for tri-care but I do have an out of pocket cost for a family deductable, but I pay that without concern. But I think that the Armed Forces should be forced to offer written contracts that can be challenged in court. Now I have lost access to the nearest military hospital for medication, the PX will soon close as well as the gas station, this is a clear errosion of benefits that is having an impact on the retirement community.
The government made the rules, and we paid the price to comply. Now they want to change the rules after the fact.
Give me the medical perks of the congress men and women, and I won't need Tricare.
Millions could be saved by simply following the simple rule that IF YOU CAN BUY IT AT THE PX, IT SHOULD NOT BE A MEDICAL ITEM. I see thousands of prescriptions for aspirin, Tylenol, Cetaphil Cream and soap, Metamucil and so forth. These and other OTC (over the counter) medicat items should not be subsidized by the Tax payer.
When I was in active service, every time that there was an increase
In Tricare prime there was usually an increase in the paycheck so were
Increasing in cost of clothing allowance and even the price for going to a military meshall, but as a retiree we do pay higher premiums for Tricare prime than the active duty and we do not get pay raise as often as the active duty and if so it can not compare.
If Tricare premiums and copayment are to be increase
Then active duty as well retiree should be paying for it and no just be retirees the only group targeted for this increase.
As a former navy man -AT2– 1958 to 1964 — Cold war with Detaunt and having planes shot at by the Russians —I loved my time and training and would do it again if I could. But at 70, my age is against me., I have never been able to get VA Medical because I have always been denied because I Have made slightly more than the minimun wage with 9 dependents. Thank goodness for Social Security and medicare.(which I was forced to take) I have no symanthy for the officers who are retiring after 20-30 years with their pensions for life +medical care and still complain. Their pay is more than sufficiant than the rest of us "MEN/WOMEN" Yes, I appreciate the service they have provided, but their sacrifices are no more important than those of us who served at their command. We all need to help and have more "Spirit of Country"
Same old story just a different group trying to enforce cutting our health care.
Let's face it as long as it doesn't affect their lifestyles the cuts will be an issue until someone has the guts to honor what the military was expecting in benefits. I was thinking of Congressman Mendel Rivers fought hard and long to enure military personel active and retired would get what was promised. Congressman Pepper saved our seniors from those who could care less whether or not they had health benefits. Don't keep attacking the Congressmen they have deaf ears and does nothing except wallow in self-righteousness. I would expect greed has a lot to do with their motivations. Getting reelected is the number one priority not military or seniors.
The USA contract with me said medical care to be provided in exchange for my service of 20 years or more. My part of the contract is paid up.
i resent whittling away of benefits, like watching the ship sink a gallon at a time: she will sink. I see the excesses of the Congress and Gov careeer politicians. i would sacrifice, but i want them [ALL] to share in our sacrifices!!
All I can say is free = free. It does not mean after getting a job taking the company med program at a out of pocket cost to supliment what was promised (again here is that word) for FREE. Why would you have to help cover the cost of FREE. It was never free, we paid many many ways. Family seperations, divorces because of the seperations, missed childhood mile stones as our children grew. Plus I am sure many other situations we can all relate to.
Yes, in a month I will be going on medicare and guess what it will cost me about $90.00 more a month for my FREE medical care. Gee wish I had that for gas money to get to my FREE medical care.
No I am not poor but I am tired of getting money sucked out of my pockets. Why the He@@ do we have to go under medicare for the same benifits we now get and pay a higher cost. OH wait I know Medicare provides an end of life benifit, is this to shorten ours to help with the cost savings.
Thank you to all that have served both the living and those who gave all, may the ones that think they have all the power wake up one day and remember those whom made their power possiable.
Just think about the health care costs once gays are openly serving and then the military starts recognizing same sex marriages and offers medical beneifts to them as well. The cost of HIV and AIDS treatments /care will add billions of unfunded liabilities to the TriCare system.
Crying shame, raping retirees by reneging on promises. Many of us retired before colas, separation pay, increased weight allowances for PCS, and standard 3.2 + cola raises every year were standard fare and pay was far below private. More sector jobs. An E5 gets about $500. In retirement pay each month than I do as an Yes, and the gap just keeps increasing do to no colas for retirees and substantial increases for active duty. Now you want us to give up more of the shrinking retirement pay we receive. Just take it all, the taxes are eating it away too!
I enlisted in 1952 andI retired in 1972 and was informed that I qualified for
TRICARE FOR LIFE and then later that medicare was primary payer for medical coverage. I had heart surgery (triple bypass) in 2005 and my total cost for surgery, hospital care and food was ZERO….My prescriptions are either $3.00 or $9.00 and have been for years.. Now I am told that this coverage will no longer exist?
Combat veteran ….Korea and Viet Nam.
My husband was a really old goat who served about the same time and places you did. He got sick with a service connecctrd problem before we got the TriCare for Life hen was promised. and it tool all of out saving tp care for him. Even affter Tricare, there were thing that bled us dry. By te time he passed away My only solution was to live with my kids, A cola would be so nice
especially when I know what the people in Washington Make . I personally think it is shamwful to renign on the promises that were madw
Not just no but H@&& NO! Not only do I think they shouldn't raise TriCare fees but I think they should ELIMINATE them!
What Congress and the public need to understand is that serving the military is just that. We served and never questioned our obligations and duties. The military should not be treated as a business.
All Hands and I mean All Hands need to Write or Email their Senators and Congressmen and let them Know in No Uncertain Terms exactly how you feel on this subject!
Be Respectful, but get your Point Across before they Take this Benefit away forever…
After the Cold War ended, The So-Called "Peace Dividend" was upon us. A Peace Dividend that is until the World Trades Center was attacked. Then we entered Wars that have lasted Longer then WWII and the Deployment Tempos were increased to unheard of levels. The Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRACS) started closing bases and along with those bases went Military Hospitals reducing access for Military Retirees. That was the Beginning of the End for No Cost Health Care at Military Medical Facilities for Life in exchange for 20 or more years of Honorable Service.
We have an All Volunteer Military. We do not get 401ks, Stock Options or Profit Sharing and most of us were not Born with a Silver Spoon in our Mouths.
We need to decide if we want an All Volunteer Military or just go back to a Draft.
What is left of our Most Valuable Benefit, No Cost Health Care for Life at Military Medical Facilities in exchange for 20 or More years of Honorable Service is in the process of being diminished even further.
Every time Medical Care is Contracted out to Civilians, the Costs go up. If we really want to save money, we should reopen all the Military Hospitals that were closed after the BRACS. The Military did it Cheaper and we Trained our own people in the Process.
Our Benefits have been under assault ever since the End of the Cold War. We now live in the Most Powerful and Wealthiest Nation Mankind has ever Known because of the Efforts of our Proud Men and Women in uniform. I find it a Hard pill to Swallow that we have to face this threat at Every Election.
It is up to every Man, Women and Spouse in the All Volunteer Military to write your Senators and Congressman a Respectful letter or email to let them know how you feel. If you let them diminish your Benefits any Further, they will gladly do so.
We have already lost our Promise of No-Cost Health-care for Life, Now they want to pick over the Remains of its carcass…
If congress can not afford to take care of it's injured troops they should not be so quick to send them in harms way. Do not open the door to congress until they agree to the same health andretirement benifits they offer to the troops. Put congress on social security and medicare and see how fast the system will clean up.
i am so sick of this s*it. And for some reason they think if you are under 65 and retired that you are rolling in money. Let Congress give up their pensions and let us stop giving free medical care to illegal aliens. All this will do is give more to those that never contribute and never will. There are generations of families that have done nothing but receive benefits and free stuff. They have had their collective hands out all their lives. Let's hear them scream when if we got rid of the IRS and go to a flat tax. Then when they go buy their big screen tv, they will have to pay something. Let us hear how loud the outrage will be when we actually ask those life long moochers of our society to actually contribute something. I am so sick of paying for everyone else and have nothing left for my family. My kids see other kids lie and cheat their way into college while they cry themselves to sleep trying to figure out how they are going to do it. If we weren't always moving for the military, we would own a home and be able to send our kids to college. Non military people have no idea what our lives really are like. Tell them a few of our stories and then see if they would have traded lives. Healthcare should be cheaper!!!!! We were always told we wouldn't have to worry about healthcare. Shame on them!!
last year retirement pay for me was 1317, this year 1266 apparently the cost of living went down, and you want me to pay more from my pockets to balance a budget that you have unbalance? we have billions of dollar to give away to countries like pakistan but yet we cant find the way of balancing the budget. maybe congress should put the desert uniform on go fight the battles we currently have and maybe that would bring then back to reality.
My husband served 22 years 6 months and 2 days. two tours in Viet Nam with
Brown Water Navy. Amphibs/ Spec Ops. he was in harms way constantly the least the government could do is keep its promise to provide healthcare for his family. We understand the increase in the cost, but we see no increase in he retirement compensation either.
When they make the Congress pay the same as Military Retired for Medical then DOD or anybody else should keep there hands off. Congress retires with 100% of there pay so why shouldn't the Military. At least the Miltary earns its pay
How about CUTTING all the MONEY going to Foreign lands!!! BILLIONS and BILLIONS of OUR TAX dollars are going to aid other countries and We have people living on the streets in Our Own Country. STOP THE DC Bureaucrats from wasting our Money on Hamas, Hezbollah and Pakistan, Or Libya War which is NONE of OUR Business. Bring the troops Home and VOTE these Lunatics OUT OF OFFICE. 2012 can NOT come SOON ENOUGH!
There should be no increases whatsoever. I don't know the cutoff date, but when I joined the military and eventually made it a career, that decision was based on promised retiree benefits at that time. One of those benefits was free medical for life. This country's leaders should not even consider to categorize people who have served with those who have not when it comes to balancing budgets. The sacrifices of those who served need to be respected, which is much different from any contribution (or no contribution) that anyone made to receive benefits form liberal entilement programs. Today, these programs cost taxpayers an extrordinary amount of money today for which most made no sacrifice at all. To use the military benefits long promised to help balance the budget is unfair. One needs to recognize that if it were not for those who have served honorably we most likely would not be concerned about budget balancing; we would instead be concerned with our lost freedoms.
Look my friends and fellow Americans….. America is dying. It is drowning in debt.
I retired in late 1983 and the change in the CPI has resulted in half of my retirement check being confiscated. I just wished they had been honest about it. It we take too much we will break the system and then there will be nothing!
When I joined I was promised free health care and dental care for life for me and my family. Where did that promise die?
Speakng of promises…..all promises such as pensions, Social Security, Medicare, FDIC protection and the like are going to end either by default (too painful) or by hyper-inflation. You will get all the promises they promised….the money simply will not buy much.
It is time to stop whinning and looking to the government folks. It is time you take personal control of your own future. Silver and gold. Prepare for the worst and you will survive.
w
I am over 75 years old and so tired of fighting this issue! When will you ever hear a discussion in Congress about cutting Congress's pay, free heath care (small fees a month), free gasoline, free use of cars, free transportation to and from Washington DC to their home, free, free, free. But, if there is a need for a little money, then soak it to military retirees…after all, they have no clout and we will not worry about them! This will never be fixed as long as we have a congress that is in charge and simply takes it out on others instead of them-selves. The problem is a a too fat congress not the military retirees!
Hey, I know an easy way for the DoD and government in general to save lots and lots of money….do away with their retirement programs (paid for by taxpayers) and lets see how they like it!!!!!
When the "brass" and bean counters start to compare our 20-30+ year retiree's with our civilian counterpartS – the problem is flawed from the git-go. We were the one's who sacrificed – with arduous and hazardous duty, extended seperations, and people shooting at us – just to name a few. WHEN did ANY of my "civilian counterparts" get subjected to THAT in their first 20-30 years working? It's the ENTITLEMENTS – STUPID. NOT the benefits that were EARNED ! ! ! !
RETIRED USAF MSGT I SERVED 22 YEARS, WHY CAN'T THESE GOODY- TWO-SHOOES BASTARDS LEAVE THE MILITARY ALONE, THEY WANT TO INCREASE EVERYTHING EXCEPT PAY TO COVER INCREASES. KEEP IT UP YOU IDIOTS AND YOU WON'T HAVE A MILITARY FORCE TO FIGHT YOUR STUPID WARS THEN YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO BE THE WORLDS POLICE FORCE ANYMORE. GATES, IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO RETIRE AND NOT DRAW ANY RETIREMENT PAY, BECAUSE YOU HAVEN'T EARNED IT.
This is not a business or a corporation people. This is your cost of an all volunteer military force, and it’s time to pay for it. I went in service to serve my country, but I stayed in service 24 years for two reasons; free medical for life and a retirement. Both of which are rapidly disappearing. Remember the first DoD plan to save money? Cut all those unnecessary military medical treatment and pharmacy facilities and DoD will save Billons. Right…. That just pushed the cost burden on to TriCare and saved nothing. Then DoD just can’t understand why their TriCare and pharmacy cost sky rocketed.
Lile so many others, I was promised health care for life if I retired from the military. Once again, they are trying to nibble away at a benefit. My feeling is not even a one mil increase in our cost till congress pays full price for their coverage and only receives their retirement after the age of 65.
Health care costs for retirees will only be controlled when we control all health care costs in the United States. We need solutions for the entire health care program, not just for the Department of Defense.
I positively oppose any and all increases in TRICARE and all deductions to doctors in Medicare. I am a veteran of many years and a Vietnam veteran and will fight all the way on this. We were promised certain things when we came in and we paid dearly up front. DOD is just kissing butt with Obama and that makes me sick. TRICARE is a pretty good program and the cost is about right for those of us on disability. They should try cutting cost by bringing home our troops from Iraq. That would give them their target cut right there.
Stay away from the benifits I earned with my 22 years in service. I was told if I stayed for 20 years my famiy and I would be took care of I liked my tri-care the way it is now so keep off. Quit giving our money away to others who hasn't earned it.
This is only a ploy to get retirees off of Tri Care Prime and onto "Standard" so that they'll enroll in private health insurance which will eventually lead to them being in the public pot (pun intended) – mandated health care ("free"/FEE).
As someone who's had to use Walter Reed as my health care provider, I wish everyone in favor of raising our health insurance premiums the level of care I had to endure there… and the wait times… and the incompetency too!
Hoorya!!!! Now if we could only help us retired medicare & disabled & begin again on our COLA increases again. Our retirement homes and those who rent are increased 3 to 5% annually. I speak mostly for my disabled children ages 44 & 54. They are stuck in a bad situation too. Widow of Lt.Col. Ronald W. Watson Retired.
I Joined the Military in 1981 and I was told free medical for life, when I retired after 20 years. That changed, now I have to pay. We retirees have not had a COLA increase to our retirement in two years, but DOD OFFICIALS want to base our Tri-Care cost on the National Heath Care Costs, without increasing our retirement pay. Even basing our Tri-Care fees on COLA increases is a bunch of CR_P, our COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE (COLA) would never increase because it would it would go to pay for the health insurance….. I am not a retired officer making a few thousand a month in retirement…. I am a retired enlisted, all the fees and allowances add up, eventually I am not even going to be receiving a retirement check……
There needs to be some type of equitable distribution of our national debt. Instead of having an across the board increase, and also it shouldn’t be all put on military retirees. Retirees X 15 years had base salaries that could not touch today’s AD salaries, hence their retirement is greater. Why have an across the board increase? Grandfathering is the right thing to do. I too was promised free medical care (enlisted in 1974), but the fact is, I’ve been paying the TRICARE costs in place. Because I choose to work forever, they will now penalize me for being a working age retiree? Someone needs to take a closer look at who should pick up this national debt tab. Why not charge AD SM’s families a copay? The medical system is so heavily abused due to unnecessary frequent doctor visits, not cancelling appointments, then not showing up, etc. Give latitude to those with family members that have unique medical conditions. Yes, they were promised free medical care, but so were we. The Army, in general, does not spend wisely…..new field uniforms for females…..really? As a female veteran, I am insulted that they would entertain such an idea. We can perform just fine in the current field uniforms. Giving UBL’s bounty money to 911 victims…..why not apply toward the nation’s debt…..extra money given to the victims will not bring their loved ones back. All these additional pays provided…concurrent retirement pay, etc., yet they wonder why we are going deeper and deeper in debt? The problem is not the retiree’s health care costs….it’s the mismanagement of funds to begin with.
Sure, raise the age limit children can stay on their parents health insurance to 26, wait a second. Age 18 to 26 is a child now. No wonder this country is going down the tubes!!! Oh yeah, now let the military member that earned the entitlement (oops that nasty word) foot the cost for this great change!!! Had I known how this country was going to treat the aging generation I would have gone to Canada like so many did instead of becoming a Viet Nam vet and wasted 20 years serving this contry.
Our veterans constantly seem to be one of the first to be victimized by the government. Yet again, in order to save a little money, they are targeted. Why is it, any foriegner who gets off a plane recieves FREE medical care costing our nation billions each year, recieve more respect than the ones who protected this nation.
The whole concept of paying more in fees, fuel, food, and housing, with no cost adjustments to my retired pay or my disability compensation just sucks!!! The government is driving me into the Poor House one year at a time.
I wonder, can we sue the government for breach of contract? Afterall, written or verbal, a contract is a contract. When I enlisted in 1987 they were still prominsing free healthcare for life (for self and family). I am seriously considering this; I would just need some good backup.
It's a shame DOD of all people would be trying to balance a budget on the backs of those that have served. As a retiree and as a former recruiter who was taught to tell recruits they could get full medical for the rest of their life now it seems I was told to tell a lie not only to recruits, but was also told a lie by my recruiter. One day, the US is gonna need an army and will look around and wont be able to find one because of the reneging to all those who have served.
This is a clear indication that military benefits should not come from the same pot of money the DoD gets from Congress. The present day DoD staff could care less about my retirement benefits and would chop me off in a heartbeat. NOTHING is sacred to these people. I was told "do your twenty and get free medical for you and your wife". Nothing could be further from the truth. DoD sucks.
When members of the Senate and House (same with our President) have to earn their retirement plan and can receive it only after doing 20 years (and wait till 65 to draw any SS that may be remaining by then) and then have the same retirement plan as me – then they can tell me what I should be receiving as benefits and what I'm paying for in health care costs!! But what else could you expect from either house or our glorious DOD when they are staffed by nothing but politicians who are in it for themselves. To me, the only lower form of life on this planet is the micro-organisms who live at the bottom of the ocean and feed off of whale feces. Hey Congress – Earn it honestly through REAL service or end your measly little terms with nothing but the tax money you put into towards your eventual SS retirement program. You're all leaches who exist only because of US, you pathetic worms.
I gave this country 28 years service and was promised free health care for life
please don't try to satisfy me with anything less!
Why are health care cost up for Tricare? Could it be that there are more injured soldiers because of two unjustified wars by the Bush Administration?
This country went into those wars based upon lies. This country needs to honor the commitment made to soldiers/sailors/airmen to provide free health care for their service. There are plenty of other areas to make up any short fall that this congress does not want to address or that the DOD does not want to address. Let them tighten their belts first.
Until our Government can no longer enact laws to further their personal fortune and the fortunes of the organizations that support them, we as the people are in deep trouble. Its a shame, but it appears there is no way to stop this rollercoaster into debt!!!!!!!
We already earned tricare benefits, it would be nice to receive a COLA. However, we shouldn't have to give-up something we already earned, especially since I don't see any congressmen giving-up any of their benefits
When I enlisted, they promised if I served for 20 yrs, I would get free health care for life. Current Tricare premiums are modest, but they already broke the promise, what promise will they break next. Here is an idea or two, you must serve in Congress for at least 20 yrs to get 50% of your pay for retirement, You should let the people vote on whether or not you should get a pay raise, you do work for the people don't you????
I retired from the service in 1972, and have been going to a V.A. Hospital since then. They have been treating me great, and haven't cost me a dime. Veteran's deserve this for fighting for this country that I still Love.
The price the Vet's pay at the V.A. Hospital's is just a fraction of what you would pay to a out side Doc.
what will it take for our GOVernment to relalize how important the millitary is to this country…..maybe we should just use the unions to protect this nation….
In response to George, I too am still waiting for my FREE medical. I enlisted in 1952, and retired in 1974 and because I live in California, I apparently make too much money to be able to use the VA facilities
If congress want to reduce the budget, why don't they take a pay cut and refuse to take their retirement benifits that they are entitled to after only servine two years
IT'S TRULY AMAZE ME FOR EVERY AND DAY, HOW OUR LAW MAKERS CAN FIGURE OUT WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON ANY ISSUE THAT INVOLVES ALL PEOPLE "RETIREES, SENOIRS ETC BUT NOT THEMSEVES. WHAY NOT REQUIRE YOU GUYS THAT MAKES THE LAWS AND PR OISES TOTHE WORKING FEW…………TAKE A STEP BACK AND JUST FOR ONCE LOOK AT YOURSELVES AND AND ASK THE QUESTION WHAT IF THIS WAS ME. WHY NOT PROPOSE THAT YOU TAKE A STAND AND START PAYING YOUR FAIR SHARE OF AND SEE HOW IT FEELS. MAKING ENDS MEET ON WHAT WE HAVE. MEDICAL CARE WE KNOW IS A HIGH COST ITEM BUT SOME OF US WORKING OR OTHERWISE ARE FINDING IT HARDER TO MAKE AND YET YOU US TO PAY MORE AND LIVE WITHOUT. WE NEED HELP CAN'T YOUI SEE AND UNDERSTAND THAT! WE'VE DONE OUR DUTY AND SERVED THIS COUNTRY NOW LEAVE US THE HELL ALONE.
We always seem to be the first to get the rate increases (Medicare, TriCare, loose all dental care for family members, etc.) yet we are the last to get a minor pay increase. It is getting so that my disability/retirement check gets smaller every year. We get a COLA in Soc Sec or VA/Retirement & the amount of Medicare increases larger than the amount of pay increase.
We were promised free medical if we enlisted/retired. Promises that our government seems to forget when it's convenient for them…………..
Cut ALL moneys to countrys who hate the U.S.A. (Most Muslims) and stop cutting retirees benefits. Problem solved CPO retired
I couldn't agree more! Why are we paying Billions to Pakistan and Afghanistan to mention a few when they lie to us and stab us in the back. But that's okay since our own self serving government & DoD leadership wants to do the same to our retirees. I wish I could vote myself a raise of 50% and retire for life after 1 term rather than serve 20-30 years then made out to be free loader because I don't want to pay the same outrageous fees as a civilians on my fixed income.
Make the cuts some where else before you pick at my already skinny bones!
I am all for balancing the budget…However, it is just WRONG to attach this to retirees. Contracts were signed, promises made, time served, honorable service was given…Health care should be left alone for those who have already served and kept their committments. I believe that it can and should be attached to those who are now joining and those who chose to reenlist under a NEW HEALTH CARE PROVISION. It should be made clear to all those who are new joins and those reenlisting that this is what they can expect when they serve and after they complete their duty. Our Government should NOT be able to go back their word made to all those who have retired and did as they promised. If they proceed in this direction they could recoup costs and really make a difference and just maybe be respected as upholding their promises and doing a GREATER service for those who have already served.
I would be in favor of a rate increase when we have received a cola increase and a retirement pay increase for 3 years in a row. Then we could accept a 1 to 1.5 percent increase to our supposedly free health care. Even I will admit, that we paid far less then non military personnel do.
I'll admit I got my Tricare the easy way, Two years active plus 20 years reserve. But it is a great deal.(Try going outside to buy medical insurance!).
I'm 61 years old and I don't remember the "free medical guarantee". But things change over time and the new "guarantee" could be for "low cost lifetime medical"
Even with medical inflation cost increases it will take about 15 years for premiums to be $100/ month for family Prime. Still a bargain.
We all distain Congress. But the country is going broke, and $5 more a month seems fair all things considered.
I agree with a lot of what you folks say, if it weren't for tricare, I wouldn't have insurance.
when my 2nd husband died I was PROMISED "FREE" HEALTHCARE FOR LIFE. Imagine my surprise when I enrolled in 2004 for 2005 and got a bill for $1,500.00 for 3 months or $500 a month. The reason for this was they weren't insuring folks ages 55 to65 anymore. I told them hey I cant afford it and what you're telling me is age discrimmination. They carried me for 3 months.I was without health insuranec about 4 months until hubby #3 and I married and I was put on the DEERS PROGRAM.
In the meantime my former pcp was able to help me get most of my meds for free or samples.
We should all bombard congress with complaints and let our congressmen know it's time to PUT UP OR SHUT UP.
I am the widow of a retired Chief and spent many years raising our children by myself while he served aboard ship at sea ( where many say sailors belong) with no complaining. When they were small, there was no room left in the basket for groceries after securing the kids and as they grew and were getting ready for college I went to work to help pay tuitions, etc. as we tried to pull our own weight. Now at retirement when my husband had figured what I would have to live on, I am penalized for the extra pay check as they did not take social security from the salary so I cannot receive my husband's social security which cut a healthy chunk from my retirement. I am told they are trying to adjust this but that has been a number of years they have put it on the table with no results. Military has never been too fair with their people. Give one the glad hand during active war time but otherwise we don't count. My brother died in WW II and my husband's brother died 8 days before the German prison camp he was in was liberated. We have done our share in
our families. Leave us the help we have to get by please.
If it was based on the "COLA" we have received for the last couple of years, then I guess we have nothing to woryy about, as Retirees, particularly those drawing a VA Disability have not really gotten or got a "COLA" raise. But as numerous have said, it was one of the reported "Bennie’s" to get folks to stay in to retirement all through my career. Get those 535 folks in the Senate and House to give up their "FREE" Medical and Dental they get for life after their "Service" to their constituents, or lack thereof.
Greetings, With regard to retirees taking a rather Large Hit, with an increase of our Tricare premiums, so that DOD can balance their budget, and get on the favorable side of the elected officials. This is pure Bunk, and the higher echelon of DOD knows this. Although the Congressional types shall never agree to taking any cuts in their pay, and or, any other monetary benefits, which they are presently stacking up, these very people would stab at the DOD officials, so that DOD would look to strap retirees with a grossly UN-fair portion of increases in Tricare coverage, just so the Congrssional types of our nation, may continue to live their life style, without hampering their luxuries one bloody bit. The elected federal government officials are NOT entitled to continue to live their lavish life styles, at the expense of military retirees, active duty military members, civilian retirees, and the working class citizens of our country as a whole.
An increase is coming, how much who knows. When we retires see an increase in COLA then possibly the Tricare increases. So if we get COLA at 1% per year, the TRICARE goes up 1%. NO COLA no increase. Then at 65 no increase at all.
I was an Air Force Recruiter in the early 80s, and one of the biggest selling points that we learned in Recruiting school and sold to the potential recruits was "FREE MEDICAL CARE FOR LIFE" I have seen this in the NAUS magazine several times as well, but it looks as though we are going to get the shaft again from our so called leaders. We are the easiest ones that they can take from, and that is what they will do. What happens when our pockets are empty and they have no one else to take from?
When my husband enlisted into the military in 1969, he was told free life time medical care. As soon as he retired in 20 years later, we were presented with a bill for TriCare. Needless to say we were very disappointed the military did not keep their word. I have worked in the civilian world and I am aware of the health insurance costs. I appreciate that our premiums are not that high, but that is not the point. My husband is now disabled and I lost my job. Any increases in TriCare may put us on another government role, which won't save the government any money!
Greetings again, Sorry for the mis-spelled words in my last posting. In addition to what I have conveyed already, I am not saying that I am not willing to take on my Fair share, in order to assist Lady Liberty, in getting back to a strong foot hold Fiscally. The question remains for the whole of our nation, and Does by the way, include our nation's elected federal officials, in this overall plan, of having to give up some of their bacon, as well as the rest of our American population, in order to get our nation back on her Fiscally Responsible feet. It is also noted by this American, that the elected federal officials had forged ahead, with Their plan(s), which has brought our nation to such an Appalling position, with regard to the high debt our country has been strapped with, and, without as much as a By Your Leave to the American people by the way! So, now that ALL of the citizens of America, and Yes, this does include those elected officials as well, have this monumental amount of debt, on our country's Collective door step, our elected federal officials, want to strap the every day Americans with this burden, without as much as a passing mention, of what they, our country's elected officials, are willing to, or, shal in fact, give up of themselves, in order to accomplish the Huge task of getting America back on her feet Fiscally. Is this a fair plan for the American people, No Sir, it is NOT!
Ensuring Seniors' and Military Families' Access to Physicians. Congressman Forbes supported a measure that would avert a 21% cut in the reimbursement rate for physicians under Medicare, thus ensuring that seniors and military families have access to the care they need and deserve. This bill passed the House by a vote of 417-1. The Congress is there to help the serviceman call or write your congressman. Watch out for the Senate and president they want to slowly blow you off they do not like the military/.
Lots of comments! Yes, promises were made as an incentive to re-up. Yes, times have changed. Don had excellent comments about the dangers of compounding the fee increases.
I have no objection to reasonable (weasle word) fee increases. I have no objection to increases in taxes. BUT – my objection is that increased fees don't solve the problem when officials and politicians just keep on spending – then wanting more money.
Perhaps a good way to go, thinking like a Mustang – would be to place a heavier fee increase according to rank. In a different situation it is now done, with no objections, at Hale Koa R&R center in Waikiki. Higher ranks get higher pay, higher ranks should be willing to pay more.
The only employer who offers "free" medical to employes and families is the Department of Defense. And it isn't free…those who work and can't afford insurance pay in to that "free" medical care through their tax dollars. As part of readiness for their jobs, the service member's health must be cared for. Family health insurance should require premium and cost share. This concern for military medical costs should not be solely on the backs of the retirees.
Why the fuck doesn't Congress or any other elected official have Tricare. Better yet, report to a VA medical center motherfuckers when it comes to you healthcare.
I am tired of you slick dick weasels that never put yourself on the line for anything(except when you get STDs from Hookers) taking away from Vets.
Thanks again assholes!
When Congress starts taking a hit then I'm willing to do the same but the hit must be proportional.
Polititians seem to think that the military health care system is an easy target to raise the cost of our health care, and save money for the government. The problem is not revenues for the gov. it is the uncontrolled spending on ridiculous interests. . When I signed up- one of the great benifits was lifetime health care at no cost- so much for that. One of Obama"s goals is to eventually eliminate the tricare system and have military retirees paying more and more for their health care. Under currrent proposals, as much as 40% of my retirement pay could go to health care- Wake up people- tell your representatives that these proposals are just not acceptable.
It's funny how the people are picking on Tricare. Rmember the DOD also has a vested interest in the Civilian Federal Employee Health Program. If you have ever looked at all of the different plans that are avaiable to the Federal Civilian you would be shocked. Can you just imagine the cost savings if there was one plan or even three plans to choose from for the civilians.
Just take a look at Washington DC area
http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/planinfo/2011/st…
Someone has to administer these plans. There are federal employees getting paid to do nothing but handle these plans. Wow, what a reduction that could be if there were only a few plans. This is just 1 state. With about 2.0 million civilian employees can you imagine the reductions in cost just for managing these plans. All fo the directives, changes. This alone is a significant savings in personnel cost.
Now if all of the planss were shrunk to 3. imagine the purchasing power and the need to compete instead of just being included in the plan. With 2 million people the reductions for heatlh care could be realized. But again, the people making the decisions would be the ones affected so I would not count on them doing it. It needs to be the people demanding the change. Do not rely on a politicain to do something in your interest. They have already removed high pay held and replaced it with High 3. All in the buise of budget reductions. They have also contracted out almost every support function in all of the services. Relying on contractors and their employees who could be hostile to our forces as have happend in the past overseas.
Protect your benefits as you have already protected your country. Some of the families that are on Tricare have already lost their loved ones. Now the Civilians in the government want to take so more. When will the takign stop!!!!
RepubNuts suck!
It ain't the Dems. It's the Repugnicants
i retired in 1997 from the reserves after 4 years in the air force and then 17 years in the army reserves i will be eligible after two more years of waiting to finally get repaid the promise which was originally made 37 years ago when i first entered the service during the vietnam era in that time politicians and military managers have been busy eroding expanding and bickering over what they can dliver on their promises made hopefully i will get a fair share i am sure the people involved will do the best they can and am looking forward to retirement staff seargeant russell usar
Here is a new twist. How about charging every working age person in the US $500 a year at tax time for 20 years unless they enlist in the service of their choosing. That way they can pay for the medical care ofr the folks that provided the security they enjoy. If you serve you would be exempt.
Throught out my career the Air Force always said I would have free medical and dental care. If I made these promises you bet I would be held to it.
When I joined the Army in 1966 for & then the Air Force in 1971, I was promised Free Medical & Dental Care for the rest of my Life after I put in 20 Yrs!! Well I put in my 20 Yrs & the first thing that happened after Retirement: I went to the Base Dental Clinic to get some work done and low n' be hold I found out that I was not Eligible for Dental Care!!!!!! Now they are trying like Heck to take away Our Medical?????? Something wrong with that picture!!!!!!!
I am all about doing what is right. Those of us that served, sacrificing "events" with our families, burying friends way too young to go, spending virtually every holiday away from home deserve to be given what we were promised (even if a court order said the promise given was not legal). We were told, 20 or more years of SERVICE and never worry about medical or dental again. At 18yrs of age I could have cared less back then, now in my 50's its a different story.
I guess the fact that one "tour" in the Senate or House (White house for that matter) and the promise of governmental medical and dental benefits for life sticks in my craw a bit. Who is putting these guys in "harm's way"? What holidays/family events do they sacrifice for our nation? What is their standard of living compared to a "G.I" living in a tent in Bosnia/Korea/Australia/Norway/Turkey/Bahrain etc or even worse, on a ship with 5,000 of their closest friends?
Leadership starts at the top, when the President and ALL of our congressional personnel make a significant sacrifice, then come see me. I will be glad to take the "cut" then.
By the way, these last two years without a COLA increase…has anything become more expense in the last two years, gas, food or medicine for examples?
The overall House Plan is a Crock. I'm glad that the President has vowed to veto it , should it ever get to his desk.
It is obvious from the poll results that military retirees (and those eligible for TRICARE), like most Americans, care little about saving this country. Yes we served and we deserve the benefits that come with that service. However, the fiscal crisis in this country is simply astounding. If we do not fix the deficit and the out of control spending by Congress, we will drown in the red ink we are creating. Everyone wants to reduce spending…no one wants to have it come from their pocket. I am more than willing to help by having an increase in my TRICARE fees. All of us served this country…now it is time to serve her by helping with the fiscal crisis. INCREASE THE FEES NOW.
As long as they are funding ACORN activities, illegal immigrant benefits, etc., all vote buying vehicles, there is no way they should be touching the benefits of those who payed their dues.
WHEN I JOINED IN 56 I WAS TOLD MY RETIRED PAY WOULD BE 50% OF BASE PAY PLUS 2.5% PER YEAR MORE FOE EACH ADDITIONAL YEAR SERVED BEYOND 20.. STILL TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE DEMAGOGUERY AND INTELLECTUAL DISHONESTY. SHAME ON ALL THE TALKING HEADS
PLUS FREE MEDICAL CARE FOR LIFE. CANT TRUST THE TALKING HEADS FOR ONE MOMENT.
So long as our COLA is increased by the same amount as our medical costs plus the cost of living, I am o.k. with it. As previously stated, if our COLA does not increase on a comparable level, then our "retirement" will be used entirely on our medical costs with nothing left to live on in the future. As it stands right now, as a retiree, I pay for my own disability out of my retirement which decreases my retirement by about 25%. So how do they expect us to eat and survive in the future? Or maybe they just want us to stop getting medical care so we die and then they don't have to pay us.
Korean War Vets (retirees) pay nothing for their health care is OK. So Now they should allow Vietnam vets (retirees) to be locked in at the current rates. Then apply any increases to the next generation of military members. Then lock the Iraq vets into the following increase . That way it would be a consistent amount for each generation of military battles and the military family could plan on the cost of the health care. Then they could make a decision on weather that would be a reason to stay in the military of not. Then let the politician only make changes to the cost that effect military only who have less than 10 years of active serve. This would allow for Soldiers to make good plans for retirement.
My husband retired after 20 yrs with the Air Force in 1991. He has worked full time for the VAMC & I have been a working wife most of our married life together of 38 yrs. His military retirement isn't enough for us to life on but it does help us pay our mortgage plus our 2 incomes gives us a reasonable lifestyle. Neither of us have had raises in over 3 yrs not to mention an increase in his retirement pay. According to my employer I probably won't see a raise for at least another 2 – 3 yrs! My husband was promised free medical care for life after serving 20 yrs. We pay for health insurance through his VAMC job with Tricare standard as our secondary insurance so that we are adequately covered not to mention the dental insurance we have to pay for in order to have dental care. Where is the free medical care? We both have to work until we are 66 yrs old to qualify for Medicare so that we have health insurance plus Tricare for Life which we pray will be there and affordable so that we can retire then. We both started working when we were 16 yrs old and were excited about our 1st jobs, looking back now I wonder why? We would do better if we were born with silver spoons in our mouths (RICH) or totally poor living off the government. Neither were possible in our minds. We have paid our way and continue to do so. But when we look at the Government and our representatives, we can't help but wish we had their health insurance and benefits not to mention their salaries. The richest people in our country have stolen from the people least able to afford it and it has been OK. Our banks have increased fees, made bad loans and the government has bailed them out. Isn't it time that all of this is considered and leave the military families alone. We aren't the ones that are breaking the system. Open your eyes and take a hard look at the real money pits in this country. Not to mention that nothing is being done or said about putting a freeze on GAS prices so that we will be able to continue to afford to pay for transportation to our jobs that we are lucky to have. Please take a look around and let's make the right choices to fix things and leave the military retirees alone!
Take away the 1.5 million each Congressman gets 1.5 X 435 = 652.50
Take away the 3.5 million each Senator gets 3.5 X 100 = 350.00
Total = 10002 .50
There is a quick billion in savings.
a promise is a promise. when i enlisted in 50 it was my understanding i would receive free medical care for life after serving 20 years or more.tricare is a sub for a broken promise. now they want to whittle that down. yet if i broke my promise to defend the US and refuse to go to war, I would have been punished. our present system is a two way street; one good way for the politicians and a bad way for retirees.
The Hill continues to brag about the military and the FINE work they do and makes televised gestures of appreciation. Michelle and Jill go on national television singing the praises of the military wives and the many sacrifices that are made daily in supporting their spouses in the military. This country CANNOT survive without the daily sacrifices of our military so LEAVE, one of the few benefits that are left to us, TRICARE ALONE!!!!!!!! It is time for the DOD and it's ugly crew to look at some of the many other options to pay the bills instead of punishing those who have spent years saving their asses. The government made promises to get us in, but seem to forget those promises on a daily basis and only remember them when looking to improve their ratings.
Congress needs to start looking at the health care industry and figure out WHY health costs are so inflated first . If they don't do that, it's like putting the cart before the horse – putting a bandaid on the problem without determining first why costs are out-of-control.
I would really like for them to look at the TriCare Doctors. I have to go to the Doctor and my children have to go to the Doctor more than twice as often as I did when I had a PPO while working full time in a regular job. Also, the clinic I just removed my family from, had Doctor's that refused to dispense birth control pills and ADHD medications due to religious convictions. I am religious, but there is no reason to have to go to an OB/GYN to get birth control and formerly my child was treated by a Family Practice Doctor who prescribed her ADHD medications. TriCare also required that my child be re-evaluated merely 9 months after she was evaluated. The Doctor's are also to blame for the extra costs. Also, whenever I got a rash, I had to go to the clinic 5 times in one week because the Doctor's were not skilled. Finally they gave me a shot and I got better quickly. So, from personal experience, they need to crack down on the TriCare Doctors!
When you get through cutting the ridiculous foreign aid, welfare to dead beats who have never worked and don’t intend to, illegal alien ‘entitlements’ and congress and the senates budgets, salaries and subordinates…come talk to me about increasing my fees. Until then, don’t bother.
Ladies and gentlemen, if you cave on this and let them increase the fees a little, the camel has it’s nose in the tent. It won’t be long until the whole came is in it. Don’t budge, they are banking on our humane nature, the same one we succumbed to when we enlisted to defend them.
BO, Reed, Pelosi and all the other blood suckers-fix, really fix what is broken as mentioned in the opening line, then you can talk to me. Not before.
It fiqures. Once again our elected officials have decided that they know whats best for us. When I enlisted in 67, I was told that I would be taken care of for life, man did I have a short life. Maybe these jerks need to be treated like they are treating us. That'll change their tune
I entered (joined) the army in the 50s Since I was not in a combat roll in pa itent at a VA hospital at VA hospitals are not available in most cases. Finally the hospital said since I joined I could use their hospital inpatient service.
Ray
The greedy and incompetent polititians created this mess by ignoring all the various warnings recieved by highly qualified people. Until they worry more about the country and it's people instead of being re-elected, hireing friends at outrageous saleries and exempting them selves from the laws they pass. We, the voters are the ones who hired them and therefore we should have more control on thier actions, not the lobbyists.
I enlisted in 1977 and was told free medical and dental for life if I made it a career. After I retired I began to pay monthly premiums. Although a small amount, once they start to increase payments then they will do it all the time. Let's start from the top down and nail the politicians first. Take away all perks for "Public Servants" the way it was originally intended to be and then we can talk about hammering the troops!
Please remember, it the republican are for it, there is something wrong with it. If they give you somethig ,they will take it away somewhere else and more. dont' be fooled, they are only talking about adding a couple of bucks a year to your try care deductions. stay away from cola's that would cost you a lot more.
USN, RETIRED
There is something that separates from everyone else, an individual that goes into harm’s way, whenever asked, for 20 years to keep American families, including DoD families safe. That sacrifice is relied upon but is convenient to forget after the duty is complete and that individual retires. Inexpensive or even free health care cannot make up for that sacrifice made by any retiree and especially for those families who made the ultimate sacrifice. The majority of those at DoD, Congress, or the President don’t understand this because they DID NOT SERVE.
I would accept a small increase but those clowns in Washington protect themselves, not us!
My recruiter in 1971 stressed free medical care if I stayed for 20 years. One of be big things bothering me greatly is one of the newest changes in Tricare.
If the DOD is trying to save money, why are they now offering Tricare to dependent children over the age of 21 who aren't disabled? My daughter graduated from college, and her Tricare ceased.
I feel my proposed increased payment would be used to pay for this unneeded coverage. Cut this coverage and see what the savings are.
I think the federal deficit should be addressed through decreasing the handouts to people around the globe that have never contributed to the coffers of the US. If anyone has never paid a cent in on taxes, they should not receive a cent from out government. As other military members have done, I paid taxes and social security throughout my career of over 29 years, expecting the money paid in to be used efficiently and usefully. Giving it away to foreign countries or foreign people (even here in our country) is not proper use of those funds. If they need to increase my tricare costs, they should limit any increases to the the cola I have not received lately.
Congress needs to raise THEIR healthcare premiums before they touch MINE ! C'mon leaders, set the example !!
When I joined bac kin the early 70′s, we were promised that if we stayed in for 20 years, all medical, dental, and vision were free for life. I was in over 20, and now slowly all these benefits are going away or are already gone. Let the clowns in DC pay their way for awhile and see how they like it!
I guess defending your country for almost a quarter century means nothing!!!!!!!!
It’s easy for those individuals to say “We Cannot Afford It…”. It’s not their pension, health care that’s affected by their decisions. Let theirs be the first cut and then we can begin to discuss negotiating. But remember, it’s not them and their families that sacrificed 20 years of their lives for their service to their country.
I seem to remember a promise when I first enlisted in the Army in 1976 that I would be guranteed free medical and dental for life if I stayed and retired. Well I did and I get neither. The first to go was free dental for my familiy while I was still on active duty. Once I retired niether medical or dental were free for my family or myself. With all the sacrifices the military and their families have made for so many years for so little pay we keep loosing more an more of our so called benifits. After twenty years of harsh life my small retirement pay will become less and less as they increase the costs for what we had been promised would be free for life. How does the DOD sleep at night knowing what they are doing to their own people who dedicated thier lives and often gave their lives in the defense of our country. Retired CW2 U.S. ARMY
Our government promised many of us free health care for life if only we would serve 20 or more years. It used this promise to recruit and retain us. We kept our part of the deal, this government did not. Now it is using propaganda to make us appear selfish. To the contrary, many gave their blood and others their lives with this promise in mind. We are unselfish and in fact I am willing to accept reasonable Tricare increases. Those that are based on increases in our retirement pay are, I believe, the only reasonble raises in cost. Any hikes above this are more than any reasonable person should be asked to accept. Agreeing to increaes tied to our benefit increases is more of a sacrifice than the average American would accept. However, we are used to sacrifice and will continue to give for the benefit of all Americans. Please gratefully accept our offer. All we ask is your thanks.
Raising Tricare fees and co-pays is just another way for our government to renege on its promises to retirees. We seem to have a never-ending pot of money to give to foreign aid, subsidys to business and the like, but retiree benefits are often at the top of the list for reductions and cuts.
DOD tries this hustle every year and we need to keep letting congress know that they shouldn't allow DOD to balance their budget on the backs of those who served. Some gave all and all gave some.
BROKEN PROMISES to veterans = shameful.
Free medical for life – promise broken
TriCare for life free – promise broken again!
When retirees turn 65, they are kicked off of TriCare and into Medicare AT EVEN GREATER COST = At 65, in order to be allowed to continue paying for (free medical) Tricare for life – retirees must PAY for Medicare Part B. At the very minimum TriCare + Medicare Part B ='s alot of $$'s
If the retiree's spouse is younger than 65 & doesnt yet qualify for medicare his/her TriCare premium must be continued to be paid separately.
Cute.
This is obviously more expensive for retirees who reach 65…but what isn't obvious, HOW the heck does kicking people out of TriCare and onto Medicare save any money for the government? Both TriCare and Medicare are government funded are they not?
We need to re-open military hospitals and quit using civilian medical facilities and doctors = that will save the government money! As soon as we quit training military members to care for military personnel, family ,members and retirees, the COST WENT UP!
Let's go back to the original PROMISE and PLAN = keep on taking care of our military and their families properly!
Broken promises are expensive!
WE in the military gave are lives and some gave there life, and known you want is to Pay for what was promised us B>S. The President, congress, senate, etc should all so pay there fair share for there retirement, health care, as well as giving back some of there BIG PAY RAISES ,i Feel they don"t deserve at ALL.
I say no to an increase. When the DOD gets their act together and stop allowing for the huge defense contractors cost over runs on a continual basis (billions of dollars) then maybe it would be open for discussion. They are using an approach that all of their ducks are in a row and it is TRICARE COSTS causing their problems. Look at the size of the Defense Budget. No waste there? I totally believe in protecting the troops doing the dirty work but it is hard to put my arms around vehicles (bomb resistant) that cost more than a million dollars each. TRICARE COSTS ARE NOT DOD'S RUIN
sgm ric
i like all the others who have served or are now serving in the armed forces were told that when had served our time [at least 20 yrs] that our medical, dental and vision care would be provided free of charge [a lie]. i currently pay for me and my wife through Tricare Prime, which i have no problem with, of course at age 65 i will forced to go on Tricare for Life [supposedly free of charge] another lie, because i will then have to purchase Medicare Part B for me and my wife. So i understand that the Federal Budget needs to be cut, but i say to our Elected Officials, before you cut benefits to the men and women who have so faithfully served our country, that a look at your own benefits and stop sending the Billions of dollars to other countries.
I cannot believe the budget cutters in congress haven't figured out why there is s budget deficit . They must have their head in the sand and choose to ignore the real problems. Are they afraid of big business? Are they afraid their actions will hurt their chance for reelection? Why are retirees always their target? Most retirees have a fixed income. Maybe we should work until the day we die.
TRICARE? What is that? If you retire to the Philippines it's non-existent. And Medicare is useless if you retire overseas. I am paying for something I can't use here in the Philippines.
The premium I paid for health care was dodging AAA and surface to air missiles. they got close, but I got away. Many of my friends did not get away. The premium I paid was 3 years away from my family….at war. Now I am old and you do not need me anymore. Now the government wants to reneige on their promise. Is there any shame at all in Washington? Knock off the paultry words of praise to me on vetran's day. You don't mean them and we don't believe them. $ talks / and you know the rest of it.
congress needs to lead by example.cut their perks before any others.
What COLA ???
Leave the status quo. Cut the fat for those who have not served. I was a draftee who did burn my card or to to Canada. Then served in USAR an additional 21 years.